Wedding Vows From Around the World

wedding vows

Weddings have gone through a lot of changes over the decades. They are becoming increasingly personal and special for the couple and for family members. Even though the concept has evolved over time, classic traditions like "something borrowed, something blue" and exchanging wedding vows still remain in modern weddings. This just goes to show how deep wedding traditions run throughout history.

In particular, wedding vows go way back in history. In the early days, brides and grooms were married to guarantee the well-being and continuation of the two families. Have you ever heard of a family trading an animal or present for a bride? These bride prices were decided upon prior to the marriage and the "vows" were basically the lawful conditions both families agreed upon.

Wedding vows were traditionally used in religious ceremonies to legally bind a couple and give spiritual significance to the event. As time has passed, various cultures and religions have developed their own wedding vows that often incorporate elements of both traditional and personal themes.

A Very Brief History of Modern Wedding Vows

Similar to other bridal customs, a number of wedding vows have their origin in religion. Many speculate that the oldest standard wedding vows stem from the Book of Common Prayer composed by Thomas Cranmer. The spiritual history of marriage and unification of two bloodlines owes its roots to much of the language used. Many couples now choose to recite the same traditional vows now so they can maintain family tradition.

What is a 'Vow'?

The word vow is defined as “solemn promise or assertion; specifically one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition”. As such, wedding vows essentially guarantees or promises that the couple makes in the presence of their family and friends. We should mention that vows and oaths can be morally and/or legitimately binding depending on the couple's wishes.

Similar to other bridal customs, a number of wedding vows have their origin in religion. Many speculate that the oldest standard wedding vows stem from the Book of Common Prayer composed by Thomas Cranmer. The spiritual history of marriage and unification of two bloodlines owes its roots to much of the language used. Many couples now choose to recite the same traditional vows now so they can maintain family tradition.

The word vow is defined as “solemn promise or assertion; specifically one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition”. As such, wedding vows essentially guarantees or promises that the couple makes in the presence of their family and friends. We should mention that vows and oaths can be morally and/or legitimately binding depending on the couple's wishes.

Various wedding vows are dependent on the culture and religion of the couple. Here is a brief overview of some commonly used wedding vows and their origins.

Protestant Vows

It is widely thought that the most popular and well-known Protestant marriage vows are the most commonly used format. Typically, the officiant speaks first and the couple repeats exactly what they say. The phrase "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health" comes from the Protestant wedding tradition!

American Marriage Ministries has more information on Protestant Ceremony Scripts.

Catholic Wedding Vows

A traditional Catholic wedding ceremony involves an consent between partners, and exchange of rings, and a priest's blessing. In addition, the bride and groom typically answer three questions prior to saying their vows. Usually prior to the vows being said, three questions will be asked and must be answered by both bride and groom.

American Marriage Ministries has more information on the Traditional Catholic Ceremony Script.

Baptist Wedding Vows

Baptists are another part of the Protestant Christian faith. Even though they share quite a bit with other Protestant sects, there are some contrasts when it comes to wedding vows. Essentially, Baptist wedding vows in general contain three components - a statement of purpose, an exchange of pledges, and transfer of rings. The announcement of intent consists of a back-and-forth between the officiant.

American Marriage Ministries has more information on the Traditional Baptist Ceremony Script.

Presbyterian Wedding Vows

Although a Presbyterian wedding has resemblances to that of Baptist weddings like its proclamation of purpose, trading of commitments, and exchanging of trinkets; its conventional Presbyterian promises displays another inspired rendition of those from other Christian religions. One version is a simple repeat-after-me with the officiant.

African Vows

The libation ceremony, said to have started in Africa, is an incredibly heartfelt ritual. As Osceola History explains, during this ceremony family elders splash liquor or holy water in the four cardinal directions to pay homage to those who have recently passed away.

Buddhist Wedding Vows

Buddhist weddings give couples the opportunity to articulate their promises to each other verbally or reflect on them internally. Furthermore, though some Buddhist weddings are directed by a monk, others are conducted by an acquaintance or leader. Historically, Buddhism does not bring in a ring exchange yet couples may choose to include it. Buddhism grants pairs more authorization and autonomy to decide how their wedding ought to assemble together to suit their requirements.

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the officiant will read a set of vows that help to create an unbreakable bond between the couple.

Celtic Wedding Vows

Bagpipes are not typically heard in the U.S., especially at wedding ceremonies, but they are a favorite instrument of Celtic wedding celebrations, adding a unique and beautiful sound to the event.

In addition to hearing the beautiful sounds of bagpipes, you may also spot kilts decorated with traditional plaid patterns. This is particularly special as it is usually the groom and wedding party who decorate them.

Hindu Vows

Hindu wedding ceremonies are quite detailed and lengthy, with couples exchanging vows as they walk around a sacred fire taking seven steps. Every step has its own set of promises, and the marriage is complete when the seventh round is completed!

Jewish Vows

For Jewish couples, exchanging rites is often done by trading rings and reciting a saying. One of the more popular Hebrew sayings translates to "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine," which comes from the book of Song of Solomon.

Korean Vows

Korean weddings are elaborate and typically involve intricate customs. The bride and groom don traditional hanboks (Korean clothing designed for this purpose) and the completion of their vows is signified by a bow and a sip of wine.

Muslim Wedding Vows

The rituals for exchanging wedding rings along with vows vary largely across various Islamic societies, typically occurring during the engagement festivities and not the wedding ceremony. Arab Muslims, for instance, exchange their rings from the right hand to the left as they are welcomed into their reception. South Asian Muslims, on the contrary, may present a wedding band prior to the wedding ceremony during the dowry offering. Some couples in modern times choose to exchange the vows and rings during the wedding ceremony itself.

Apache and Cherokee Wedding Vows

The newlyweds may choose to exchange gifts as a ring exchange is not a typical tradition. In Native American weddings, traditional vows may not be read either. Instead, an appropriate wedding blessing may be read to them.

Be aware of cultural misappropriation and be sure to validate your sources. Many of the Apache wedding blessings circulating on the internet are fake folklore and did not originate from Native Americans.

If you are of Indigenous descent, we recommend you contact your tribe or clan for more information about how to conduct your wedding ceremony.

Non-Denominational Wedding Vows

A non-denominational wedding does not come with the traditions and formalities that exist with religious ceremonies. Regardless, couples should invest some time in discussing how they want to have their non-denominational wedding ceremony conducted. Vows can be pre-written before being spoken by each partner during the ceremony. If desired by the couple, a ring exchange could take place after the spoken vows.

Have a look at How to Write Beautiful Wedding Vows for more inspiration.

Summary

No matter what style of vows you decide to go for, your wedding ceremony will be truly special and meaningful. If you would like to include traditional phrases in your vows, there is plenty of information available. Ultimately, having fun with it and picking something that makes you feel happy is the best way to make the day even more special!

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