Loved up

There’s a chance that all that’s been going on in the world has left you floundering when it comes to grand romantic gestures. We thought we’d help out by having a look at some romantic traditions from across the globe…

Here, it’s traditional for the groom to carry the bride over the threshold, but Scottish grooms have easy compared to those getting married at Lake Bled in Slovenia. It’s considered lucky to carry your bride up all 99 steps to the church. Best get some practice in at the Trinity Centre.

Blackening is another local tradition, though something of a rarity these days. Being pelted with all manner of disgustingly smelly or slimy substances and paraded round town on the back of a lorry has given way to pre-wedding spa weekends.

Some people believe that in Ancient Greece, men threw an apple at the object of their affections. If the young lady caught it, this essentially meant that they were engaged. Apples are certainly cheaper than engagement rings, but the latter last longer. If you must pelt your significant other with fruit, it’s best to throw underarm. 

During China’s equivalent to Valentine’s Day, men from Miao villages in South West China will serenade the lady of their choice. Meanwhile the women cook rice and dye it in four different colours. Receiving rice with a pair of chopsticks is a good news, though one chopstick is considered a polite rejection. Receiving a garlic bulb with the rice is a very bad sign, while a pine needle indicates that the young lady may need a few more gifts to be persuaded to consider her suitor. 

Actually, maybe just buy some flowers…