Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
He kneels on one knee. Takes you by the hand and begins to express his undying love for you, which is typically met with a tearful outburst. Then a perfectly fitted diamond ring is slipped onto your left hand as the words "will you marry me" dances from his lips.
Sounds familiar?
Many countries have adopted this Western style of marriage proposal, but some have chosen to stay true to their roots. If you're thinking about asking for your mate's hand in marriage in the near future, take a chance and completely take her by surprise by exuding the following five international ways of becoming engaged.
Ireland
Tired of waiting anxiously for your boyfriend to pop the question? Then you may want to take matters into your own hands by taking a page out of the Irish's book. According to ancient legend, women were granted permission to propose on Leap Day (Feb. 29) when the Irish saint, Brigit of Kildare, made a plea deal to St. Patrick after voicing many concerns women expressed about their prolonged pre-engagements.
Although many deem this folktale as untrue, the chosen date does allow women to cut to the chase when their suitors are talking a bit too long for their liking. So if you can empathize because of your beau's commitment phobias, then there's no time like the present to work up the nerve since you have more than a year to convince him to say yes.
Thailand
Some cultures believe the bigger and shinier the rock the better. But in Thailand, it is all about the weight of gold. During the engagement of Thong Mun, which translates as gold giving in Thai, the groom-to-be showers his fiancé with gold. And like most engagement parties of Western society, the event is commemorated with close family and friends.
However, the bride-to-be's parents also do not leave empty handed because they are given a sinsod (dowry) meaning "compensating for mother's milk." How much is given by the groom depends on his wealth as well as the various attributes the potential bride brings to the table.
Brazil
Singlehandedly, the wedding ring speaks volumes. It silently wards off unwanted suitors for the most part and allows us to check the marriage box when filling out important information. But there's no telling that a man is in a committed relationship without the exchanging of rings.
In Brazil, not only men stake their claim with the traditional engagement ring; women do too. And it is profoundly seen on the male's right hand after the marriage proposal. Once he is wedded, the ring takes its rightful place on the left hand. This unique way to propose might just come in handy if you're constantly swatting women off of your fiancé. Just propose the Brazilian way and wave his right hand wildly to let them know he engaged.
Turkey
Are you looking to settle down but you are tired of searching for that special someone? Although many people of Turkey are more inclined to pursue their mates without any help, others choose to stick to the old formula. "Görücülük" is a Turkish word used when families decide to find a potential wife for the unwedded men in their lives. It is also known as "go-between," granting female relatives and friends free access to investigate and interview any prospective bride.
Once a candidate has been chosen, several women from the potential bridegroom's side are sent to scope her out before her family inquires about her future groom. If both parties agree that they are a perfect match, the arrangement is solidified at the "agreement to marry" ceremony where the bridegroom's family provides a ring that is connected to a handkerchief. Following this ceremonial ritual is the engagement party, where an officiator exchanges the rings of the couple and places them on the right hand.
China
Many Chinese also resort to using third party affiliates when finding a perfect match. For the most part it was the parents who worked steadfastly in ensuring their children would one day walk down the aisle. Traditionally, a matchmaker was hired for the purpose of helping the groom find his soul mate. In doing so, the go-between would carefully locate a desirable spouse and compare birth information to make sure the stars were aligned in the couple's marital future.
Once they have been deemed suitable, the couple finally meet to determine whether or not they like each other. And if everything goes according to plan the exchanging of gifts including money and pastries as well as the official announcement of the engagement occurs at the betrothal.
READ ON: So you've proposed in the international way. Want to keep the global thing going during the ceremony? Check out 8 International Ways to Tie the Knot.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
