Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) cultures have a rich history of wedding traditions that span across the globe. From Korea to India, AAPI couples are incorporating their cultural heritage into their wedding day in unique and meaningful ways. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 different AAPI cultures and their wedding traditions.

Korea

One of the most popular AAPI wedding traditions is the Hapgeunrye ceremony, which originated in Korea. This ceremony involves the couple drinking from a copper cup that has been split into two halves connected by a thread. The couple drinks from each half of the cup, symbolizing their commitment to each other.

India

In India, many couples choose to have a Hindu Mandap ceremony as part of their wedding celebration. This traditional ceremony includes four pillars decorated with flowers and fabric, representing the four parents of the bride and groom. The couple exchanges garlands as part of this ritual, signifying their union as husband and wife.

Chinese

Chinese weddings often include a Hair Combing Ceremony as part of the festivities. During this ritual, the bride’s mother combs her daughter’s hair three times while saying blessings for her future marriage such as “May you be together all your lives from marriage till the end” or “May you have a harmonious intimate marriage until old age”.

Japanese

Japanese weddings often involve Shinto rituals such as San-san-kudo or Three Stacked Cups Ceremony where three stacked cups are filled with sake for both families to drink from together in order to seal the union between them. This ritual symbolizes unity between two families coming together through marriage.

Filipino

Filipino weddings may include an Arrhae Ceremony where coins are exchanged between the bride and groom to represent prosperity for their future life together. The coins are typically blessed by an elder family member before being given to the couple during this ritualistic exchange of wealth between them.

Korean

The Korean Tea Ceremony is another popular AAPI tradition that is often included in weddings. Also known as Paebaek, this ceremony involves both families gathering together to exchange gifts and bow to each other in respect. The bride and groom also drink tea from separate cups during this ritual, symbolizing harmony between them and their families.

Vietnamese

Vietnamese weddings often include a Bàn Tặng ceremony where gifts are exchanged between both families in order to honor them for taking part in such an important event like marriage. These gifts can range from jewelry or money to food items such as fruit or cakes depending on what is culturally appropriate for each family involved in this special occasion.

Thai

Thai weddings usually involve a Rod Nam Sang ritual where guests pour holy water over the hands of both partners while chanting blessings for good luck and fortune throughout their life together as husband and wife. This tradition is believed to bring good luck into any marriage it is performed at!

Hawaiian

Hawaiian weddings often include a Lei Exchange Ceremony where leis made out of flowers are exchanged between both partners as they recite vows expressing love for one another during this traditional Hawaiian custom honoring eternal love between two people who are about to embark on a journey together through marriage!

Lao

Finally, Lao weddings may involve an offering ceremony called Baci where offerings such as fruits or flowers are placed on top of banana leaves while elders chant prayers wishing good luck upon both partners entering into wedlock with one another!

Overall, there are so many beautiful AAPI cultures around the world that offer unique wedding traditions that can be incorporated into any modern day celebration! Whether it’s drinking from copper cups or exchanging leis made out of flowers – these customs add special touches that will make your big day even more memorable!