Pakistani wedding Traditions!

Four Day Wedding Ritual of Pakistan

Traditional Pakistani marriage celebrations lasts for four days.

First Day of the Celebration

On the first day, the bride and groom's families each dress in yellow, and celebrate the upcoming nuptials separately. The betrothed couple will not see each other from this day until the ceremony.

Second Day of the Celebration

The second day is reserved for a big celebration called Mendi that includes dancing and singing ancient songs.


On this day, the groom's family delivers the wedding dress to the bride's family, and then her family takes the groom's wedding attire to his family.

The bride's family string hundreds of colored lights over and around their home, creating an ostentatious announcement of their daughter's forthcoming marriage. dries overnight.

Here, the bride-to-be receives a traditional henna staining of her hands and feet. This traditional Muslim art form invokes intricately designs to create beautiful symbolic patterns. The bride-to-be is waited on by her family while the henna stain

of her hands and feet. This traditional Muslim art form invokes intricately designs to create beautiful symbolic patterns. The bride-to-be is waited on by her family while the henna stain dries overnight.

Third Day is the Marriage Ceremony

The wedding rites and ceremony in Pakistan take places on the third day. The Pakistani bride and groom who continue their traditions wear garments of red. The bride's gown is very elaborate, as are her veil and jewelry. Men wear a distinctive traditional turban. After wedding vows are exchanged, the Holy Koran is held over the new bride's head as she joins her husband's family. The official paperwork is signed in the presence of an Islamic priest and the guests.

Fourth and Final Day of Wedding Program in Pakistan

On the fourth day, the couple hosts their first dinner as husband and wife. The groom's family invites all .

American Wedding Traditions!

Some fun wedding traditions from the past are still very much a part of today's wedding ceremony. Some traditions are well known and done often, such as, the bride tossing her bouquet. The woman who catches the bouquet is supposedly the next one to be married.

Another fun wedding tradition is the "kneeling pillow" at the altar. The couple's names and their wedding date are sewn on the pillow for a nice memento, which can be passed on and added to for future generations.

An interesting custom at the wedding reception is that of the "marriage cup." This silver cup, in either the shape of a bowl on a stand or in the shape of a girl with a large skirt, is set at the bride's table. The bride begins drinking from the special cup; the groom follows with the second sip.

A "unity candle" can also be included to make the wedding ceremony even more special. There are three candles in a row, two small ones, with one symbolizing the bride's family, and one symbolizing the groom's family. The third candle, in the middle of the two shorter candles, represents the bonding of both families after the vows are said.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the shorter candles are lit. The bride and groom light the third, taller candle after they become husband and wife. In lighting the taller candle, the bride takes her family's candle and the groom takes his family's candle and together they jointly light the "unity candle," while the flames of the two shorter candles are then extinguished. This leaves the one candle lit as a symbol of the families coming together as one.

South Korea - Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Korean Family Values

. The family is the most important part of Korean life.
. In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter, and to approve the marriages of family members.
. The eldest son has special duties: first to his parents, then to his brothers from older to younger, then to his sons, then to his wife, and lastly to his daughters.
. Family welfare is much more important than the needs of the individual.
. Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one family member reflect on the rest of the family.
. In many cases the family register can trace a family's history, through male ancestors, for over 500 years.

Confucianism

. The teachings of Confucius describe the position of the individual in Korean society.
. It is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship.
. The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships: 1) ruler and subject, 2) husband and wife, 3) parents and children, 4)brothers and sisters and 5) friend and friend
. Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity.

Korean Ancestors

. Ancestors are based on the male family line.
. Children are raised to believe they can never repay their debt to their parents, hence the popularity of ancestor worship.
. They hold ancestral ceremonies for the previous three generations (parents, grandparents, and great grandparents) several times a year, particularly on Chusok and New Year's Day.
. On Chusok, people cook and set out food to celebrate their ancestors.

The Concept of Kibun

. Kibun is a word with no literal English translation; the closest terms are pride, face, mood, feelings, or state of mind.
. If you hurt someone's kibun you hurt their pride, cause them to lose dignity, and lose face. Korean interpersonal relationships operate on the principle of harmony.
. It is important to maintain a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere at all times, even if it means telling a "white lie".
. Kibun enters into every facet of Korean life.
. It is important to know how to judge the state of someone else's kibun, how to avoid hurting it, and how to keep your own kibun at the same time.
. In business, a manager's kibun is damaged if his subordinates do not show proper respect. A subordinate's kibun is damaged if his manager criticizes him in public.
. Nunchi is the ability to determine another person's kibun by using the eye.
. Since this is a culture where social harmony is crucial, being able to judge another person's state of mind is critical to maintain the person's kibun.
. Nunchi is accomplished by watching body language and listening to the tone of voice as well as what is said.

Etiquette & Customs in South Korea

Meeting Etiquette

. Greetings follow strict rules of protocol.
. Many South Koreans shake hands with expatriates after the bow, thereby blending both cultural styles.
. The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status, yet it is the most senior person who initiates the handshake.
. The person who initiates the bow says, "man-na-suh pan-gop-sumnida", which means "pleased to meet you."
. Information about the other person will be given to the person they are being introduced to in advance of the actual meeting.
. Wait to be introduced at a social gathering.
. When you leave a social gathering, say good-bye and bow to each person individually.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Gifts express a great deal about a relationship and are always reciprocated.
. It is inconsiderate to give someone an expensive gift if you know that they cannot afford to reciprocate accordingly.
. Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Korean's home.
. Gifts should be wrapped nicely.
. The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4.
. Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky.
. Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal colours. Alternatively, use yellow or pink paper since they denote happiness.
. Do not wrap gifts in green, white, or black paper.
. Do not sign a card in red ink.
. Use both hands when offering a gift.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a South Korean's house:
. It is common for guests to meet at a common spot and travel together.
. You may arrive up to 30 minutes late without giving offence.
. Remove your shoes before entering the house.
. The hosts greet each guest individually.
. The host pours drinks for the guests in their presence. The hostess does not pour drinks.
. The hosts usually accompany guests to the gate or to their car because they believe that it is insulting to wish your guests farewell indoors.
. Send a thank you note the following day after being invited to dinner.

Table manners

. Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a strict protocol to be followed.
. The eldest are served first.
. The oldest or most senior person is the one who starts the eating process.
. Never point your chopsticks.
. Do not pierce your food with chopsticks.
. Chopsticks should be returned to the table after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak.
. Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest.
. Do not pick up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpick.
. Bones and shells should be put on the table or an extra plate.
. Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is.
. Refuse the first offer of second helpings.
. Finish everything on your plate.
. Indicate you are finished eating by placing your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table. Never place them parallel across your rice bowl.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Relationships & Communication

. South Koreans prefer to do business with people with whom they have a personal connection.
. It is therefore crucial to be introduced by a third-party.
. Relationships are developed through informal social gatherings that often involve a considerable amount of drinking and eating.
. Individuals who have established mutual trust and respect will work hard to make each other successful.
. South Koreans treat legal documents as memorandums of understanding.
. They view contracts as loosely structured consensus statements that broadly define agreement and leave room for flexibility and adjustment as needed.
. Under no circumstances insult or to criticize in front of others.
. Sensitive matters may often be raised indirectly through the intermediary that first made the introductions.
. South Koreans are extremely direct communicators. They are not averse to asking questions if they do not understand what has been said or need additional clarification.
. This is a culture where "less is more" when communicating. Respond to questions directly and concisely.
. Since there is a tendency to say "yes" to questions so that you do not lose face, the way you phrase a question is crucial. It is better to ask, "When can we expect shipment?" than "Can we expect shipment in 3 weeks?", since this question requires a direct response.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are required and should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
. You should arrive on time for meetings as this demonstrates respect for the person you are meeting.
. The most senior South Korean generally enters the room first.
. It is a good idea to send both an agenda and back-up material including information about your company and client testimonials prior to the meeting.
. The main purpose of the first meeting is to get to know each other.
. Meetings are used to understand a client's needs and challenges. They lay the foundation for building the relationship.
. Do not remove your jacket unless the most senior South Korean does so.
. Have all written materials available in both English and Korean.

Dress Etiquette

. Business attire is conservative.
. Men should wear dark- coloured, conservative business suits with white shirts.
. Women should dress conservatively and wear subdued colours.
. Men should avoid wearing jewellery other than a watch or a wedding ring.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions in a highly ritualized manner.
. The way you treat someone's business card is indicative of the way you will treat the person.
. Have one side of your business card translated into Korean.
. Using both hands, present your business card with the Korean side facing up so that it is readable by the recipient.
. Examine any business card you receive carefully.
. Put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.
. Never write on someone's business card in their presence.

Guidelines for Interdependant Cultures

GUIDELINES FOR AN INTERDEPENDENT WORLD CULTURE

We, the assembled, on Saturday, June 25th, 2005, do hereby proclaim our determination to give meaning to life and to be a dynamic force in strengthening our sense of common destiny with the world at large.

Therefore, we offer 36 directives -- nine for each of four arenas important to the achievement of our stated goal:

A world where harmonious co-existence flourishes and prospers.

I. Researching Universal Principles: because increasing understanding of universal principles and the embracing of them supports the goal of unity and cooperation.

Nature of the Individual

1. The nature of the individual must not be bounded, and no one has the right to define another's individuality.

2. Every individual's inexorable seeking nature and drive to know and complete oneself must be encouraged.

3. The fundamental joy of individuality should strive to benefit self and others, and must be cultivated and celebrated.

Nature of Society

4. To solve problems and enrich our lives, everybody needs to come together and interact with other human beings.

5. All humans must reframe their worldviews to also include global interdependence along with their national, local, and other identities.

6. A healthy, well-functioning society must not countenance a disproportionate gap between haves and have-nots but welcome the participation of all of its members.

Nature of the Universe

Humanity must acknowledge that:

7. All living entities share a common source and destiny.

8. Any individual's shift in evolutionary position or physical composition influences a greater body.

9. The universe demands diversity for its continued expansion to realize infinite expression.

II. Developing Universal Persons: because the development of universal persons requires healing of illness and conflict, and enhanced interpersonal and expanded spiritual awareness.

Health and Healing

10. We must ensure every individual has the education and the means to attain access to clean water, nutrition, human settlements, and sanitation.

11. We must engage every person in the processes of identifying problems (physical, mental, emotional), their solutions and implementation, as well as the evaluation of outcomes for the future.

12. We must recognize that policy -- made at the personal through global levels -- must integrate mechanisms for responsibility, accountability, and capacity building.

Interpersonal Relations

13. Create environments that promote awareness of and appreciation for diverse worldviews as potential contributions to global solutions.

14. Honor the uniqueness of every person and culture as we discover and explore our common needs and mutually beneficial directions.

15. Provide educational and cultural experiences that open hearts and minds to the common humanity of all.

Spiritual Awareness

16. Recognize the inherent unity and dignity of all life.

17. Engage in constant examination of ourselves to make sure our energy and acts are focused and directed toward benefiting all communities of life on our planet.

18. Direct all our activities, hopes, and dreams and "attunement" toward and for our source, called by any name or no name.

III. Communicating New Realities: because art, education, and media exert an overwhelming influence on individuals and society.

Education

19 Education must include human rights, justice, peace, and environmental sustainability at local, regional, national, and international levels.

20. Education should be designed to inspire and empower positive action.

21. Education should inspire individuals throughout their lifetimes to be responsible for their contribution for a much better future for all life on earth!

Media

22. Informational media shall not sow mistrust of groups but shall publish balanced views and positive aspects; and entertainment shall strive toward these same goals.

23. Media shall communicate ideas that enhance the well-being of society.

24. Media has a responsibility to not mislead, but accurately inform its public to the best of their abilities.

The Arts

25. Art of the new civilization is based on universal principles of peace, justice, love, nonviolence, sustainability, balance of man/woman energies.

26. Art must recognize cultural diversity and promote solutions to universal problems.

27. Art must express individuality as well as collective concerns, and to awaken, inspire, energize, and catalyze change.

IIII. Implementing New Civilization: because we are determined to build a united civilization in which global peace, health, and prosperity flourish and where both leaders and communities promote and reward individual responsibility and cooperation, for the benefit of future generations.

Cultural Understanding

28. We must respect and promote the beauty and commonality of human diversity through dialogue and activism across regions, nations, and continents.

29. We must use education to build bridges of understanding that forge societal bonds that will impact future generations.

30. We must acknowledge our responsibility to inspire future generations to achieve the full potential of united human ability.

Community Involvement

31. We must teach a person to be responsible for his/her community.

32. We must promote and utilize successful actions that have brought about positive change in the community.

33. We must involve all community members, including children and the elderly, to build a stronger community.

Global Solutions

34. We must learn to think globally and act locally.

35. We must ask what we can do for our planet!

36. We must inspire, encourage, and reward responsibility at all levels!