Glad Bryllupsdag!

Several days ago I mentioned we would look into the wedding traditions of the nationalities that make up you both. We did Poland last Monday (Daddy's side of the family) so now we're looking into the Danish heritage from my Dad's side of the family. It's the origin of my maiden name, Lauritzen. It's like "Smith" in Denmark. There is a shipbuilding company and a bay in Antarctica both named for a Lauritzen. As for Danish wedding and reception traditions, there are some interesting ones to say the least.

One is the pine arch - called the Gate of Honor - built in front of the bride's family's house that she walks through on her way the wedding. The only other time a pine arch is used is on the couple's 25th anniversary. While we don't intend to have a Gate of Honor, there will be an arch you will marry under, so that's pretty close.

The groom picks out and pays for the bride's bouquet. Something you want to hand over to Rob?

For some bizarre reason, at the reception guests will take scissors to cut the groom's socks (just the toe part) or a piece of his tie. We have no idea why they do this and honestly recommend you skip it (or wear a cheap tie and socks).

To get the newlyweds to kiss, Danes bang their forks and knives against their plates (similar to folks hitting silverware against crystal to get kisses in American weddings). If they stomp their feet, the couple must kiss under the table. Not sure why, but interesting.

It is customary for all guests to have a piece of the wedding cake at the reception or it's considered bad luck for the couple ... so tell everyone to eat up. Danes also love to give speeches in song at weddings and receptions (like Hobbits).

In a truly strange twist, if the bride disappears (goes to the bathroom for instance), all the bridesmaids and female guests run up to the groom and kiss him. Likewise, if the groom disappears, the groomsmen and male guests kiss the bride. Um, yeah, we're thinking, "Thanks ... but no."

The most important Danish tradition is the bridal waltz (brudevals) that must be danced before midnight. All the guests dance in a circle around the newlyweds while clapping to the beat. They proceed to move in until there is no room around the couple. Told you these Danes have some interesting traditions.

So do what you want with those juicy bits. While we think most of these options are not really workable at your wedding (I mean, seriously, cutting socks?), they certainly are unique! And it is fun to learn what is important in different cultures for nuptials. What will we learn next from other countries? Stay tuned! We have a few more nationalities to go! Glad bryllypsdag (Happy Wedding Day)!

Discussion: What of any of the Danish traditions appeal to you? Were there any you are completely against?

Prayer: Lord God, we are thankful for the fun memories at weddings and receptions. We ask for your blessing on each part incorporated. In Jesus name, Amen.