I am marrying a Canadian: The unmarried siblings of the betrothed wear funny socks and dance, while a crowd throws money at them

A Canadian wedding can have some of the same elements as a Czech wedding. Fathers still walk the beautiful brides down the aisle. They have similar rituals, cocktail hours, and receptions. However, there are nuances that cannot be overlooked. Canadian weddings have ingrained customs that are thoughtful, fun, and have historical significance.

Pre-wedding traditions in Canada

Wedding Social

One of the non-traditional but popular events before the wedding is the so-called "wedding social", also known as Manitoba Social or Winnipeg Social. It is a social event, often associated with a wedding fundraiser - guests pay admission, food and drinks, and the proceeds go towards wedding expenses. The social is held in larger, affordable spaces, with music, dancing, raffles, and auctions.

An older tradition, now considered outdated, was the "trousseau tea". The bride's mother organized a lunch or dinner for passing acquaintances and anyone else who was not necessarily invited to the wedding. In the Western Canadian prairies, an assortment of cakes, pastries, and sweets was sometimes served.

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Sock Hop Dance Party

This cheerful tradition is especially common in Francophone areas, particularly in Quebec. During the party, unmarried siblings of the betrothed wear colorful, often mismatched socks and dance funny dances, while the guests throw money at them. This money then serves as a gift for the newlyweds.

Processional with Honking Horns

In some parts of Canada, especially in Quebec, it is customary for the groom's family to go to the bride in procession on the wedding day, honking and celebrating, to announce the arrival of the wedding day. Cars are usually decorated with ribbons, balloons, and messages, and sometimes the broader community also gets involved - honking, throwing rice or confetti.

Traditional Canadian Wedding Attire

Although Canada does not have one typical wedding costume, the attire tends to be more relaxed and comfortable. Brides often choose light, loose dresses or elegant combinations instead of princess gowns. Grooms, on the other hand, prefer good suits, not necessarily tuxedos. Sometimes, the bride is dressed in a white robe with a train and a veil, often covering the face. Traditionally, she should have "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" - each of these things has its meaning and is supposed to bring luck into the marriage.

Traditional wedding ceremonies in Canada

In Canada, many couples still opt for a traditional church wedding. At the end of the ceremony, it is customary for guests to throw rice or wheat at the bride and groom, symbolizing bounty and fertility in their common life.

Unity Candle lighting

This ceremony symbolizes the union of two families into one. Two close relatives (from each side) light their own candles, which the couple then use together to light a central - so-called unity - candle.

Indigenous Blessing Ceremony

It is a ritual performed by an indigenous elder and involves the burning of sacred plants, such as sage or sweet grass, to cleanse the space and bring positive energy. This ceremony pays tribute to the original inhabitants of Canada and creates an unforgettable spiritual experience.

Ring Warming Ceremony

This intimate custom involves the wedding rings circulating among the guests, who hold them for a moment and devote their silent wishes to them. It's a personal way to involve everyone in the ceremony, suitable especially for smaller weddings.

Feast

Lumberjack Cake

Also known as a "plaid cake", it has an inner pattern that resembles flannel clothing. It is often decorated as a tree trunk or a plaid shirt. The taste and design are chosen by the couple – it's a fun and tasty tradition.

Longer Reception Times

Canadian weddings are known for lasting longer than American ones. The evening program often extends until 1:00 – 3:00 in the morning, and therefore it is common to serve nighttime snacks around 22:30 to 23:00.

Poutine bar

Finally, you can't forget poutine - a Canadian iconic dish made from fries, cheese curds and gravy (gravy). At weddings, it is often served in a bar form, where guests can choose from various options - with beef, jalapeños, pulled pork or even a luxury version with lobster.

Post-wedding traditions

What are the main customs and traditions of Canada and what will you definitely experience?

Throughout the year, a number of traditional festivals are held in the country, attracting visitors from home and abroad. In February, the Winter Carnival is in progress, known mainly for the creation of ice sculptures and parades. Among the most prominent is the carnival in Quebec, where an ice castle rises, home of the favorite mascot - the snowman Bonhomme.

In the same month, the Winterlude festival takes place on the frozen Rideau Canal in Ottawa, celebrating the beauty of winter. February is also the month when a grape and wine fair is held in the Niagara area.

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The summer festival season is kicked off at the end of June and beginning of July by the prestigious Montreal Jazz Festival, considered one of the most significant in the world. It attracts approximately two million visitors each year.

July 1st is one of the most important dates in the Canadian calendar – it's Canada Day, when the country commemorates its independence. The celebrations are accompanied by parades, fireworks, and various cultural performances across the entire territory. In July, the Calgary Stampede also takes place, a grand event that pays tribute to the traditions and culture of the Old West. Visitors can look forward to rodeos, parades, music, and a host of accompanying attractions.

In the fall, specifically the second Monday in October, Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving Day. This holiday is a time for family gatherings, where they enjoy traditional dishes such as roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, pumpkin or apple pie.

Christmas

Christmas is one of the most significant holiday periods in Canada. From the beginning of December, streets, homes, and shops transform into enchanting places decorated with beautifully adorned trees and Christmas decorations.

An integral part of the celebrations are also lighting festivals - one of the most famous is the one in the Vancouver Botanical Garden, where millions of lights create a magical atmosphere. In Toronto, the Santa Claus Parade, a procession with more than a century-old tradition that attracts thousands of spectators, is held every year.

December 24, known as Christmas Eve, is an evening of anticipation. Santa Claus comes at night and distributes gifts to children, which they unwrap in the morning on Christmas Day. The traditional meal is halibut, but in the Quebec area, pork pie (tourtière) is more popular. In big cities, like Calgary and Ottawa, fireworks are also common.

December 26, known as Boxing Day, kicks off the season of big sales. In some regions, such as the Arctic areas, the Sinck Tuck, a festival of indigenous people with traditional dances and singing, takes place during this period.

Regional customs are also interesting: in Newfoundland, people remember the old tradition of so-called mummering - masked people go around houses, make noise and get sweets if their hosts recognize them. In Nova Scotia, people dress up in Santa Claus costumes and sing carols.

The year in Canada is closing in great style. Despite the freezing weather, the so-called Polar Bear Swim is held in some areas on January 1st, where brave souls leap into frozen waters - for example in the Pacific Ocean - to welcome the new year with a refreshing bath.

The Christmas period in Canada thus combines traditional values, family meetings and unique local customs, which reflect the diversity and cultural richness of the entire country.

Openness, respect and diversity

The Canadian company is known for its openness and friendly approach. Due to a long-term immigration policy, Canadians are used to meeting people from different cultures and like to show interest in other nationalities. They commonly smile and greet strangers on the street, which creates a welcoming atmosphere.

During personal meetings, people shake hands and maintain an appropriate personal space. In common communication, they initially address each other by surname until one of them offers to use the first name. In shops and services, a polite greeting and thank you are taken for granted.

If someone invites you for lunch or dinner, punctuality is the foundation of politeness. It is customary to bring a small gift - most often a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers. Shoes should be taken off when entering a household. Customs may vary depending on the region - for example, in Francophone Quebec, social contact is more formal and greetings typically involve two kisses on the cheek.

Family holds a high value in Canada. Eating together and spending time with children are common and welcomed. Canadian society respects all types of family models - from single parents to same-sex couples.

Eating habits in Canada: what, when, and how they eat

In Canada, people typically eat three times a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The most important meal of the day is dinner, which is often served as early as around five in the afternoon, which is quite early compared to many other countries.

Canadian cuisine is diverse and reflects the influences of various cultures, especially American, English, and French. Typical dishes include fresh seafood, grilled meats or game, which are especially popular in regions rich in nature. In Quebec, there is a strong French influence, while the west is dominated by the American style.

An indispensable part of Canadian cuisine is maple syrup, which is added to many desserts and breakfast dishes. Popular sweets are Nanaimo bar, a layered cake with chocolate and creamy filling, or cones of various kinds.

As for beverages, alcohol is sold exclusively in specialized shops. Traditional Canadian alcoholic beverages include ice wine, which is made from frozen grapes and stands out for its pronounced sweetness, then Canadian whisky and various types of beer. When visiting a restaurant, it is important to remember the rules regarding tipping. Leaving 10 to 15% of the bill is standard - not doing so is considered rude.

Most men and women work outside the home, but wage inequality between genders persists. Women also often take on more domestic duties and child care.

Canada has produced many famous personalities who have made their mark worldwide and represent diverse lifestyles. The most famous Canadians include pop star Justin Bieber, singing legend Celine Dion and actress Pamela Anderson.

Canadian folk traditions: A mix of European roots and indigenous heritage

Canadian folklore draws from two main sources - European influence, especially from France and the United Kingdom, and the rich cultural heritage of the original inhabitants, that is, Indians and Inuit (Eskimos). Thanks to this, Canadian folk tradition is diverse and unique.

Various social dances, such as cuadrilla or couple dances, which were mainly danced at social events and celebrations, were brought to Canada from European roots. Native communities, on the other hand, brought ritual dances, fairy tales, myths and legends into folklore, passed down from generation to generation. Although Canada does not have a single national costume, the most famous and visually typical are the red uniforms of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

This figure in a red coat and hat is one of the symbols of the country. The traditional clothing of the indigenous people are also striking, often used at cultural events and celebrations. Folk customs come to life at various festivals, such as the famous Calgary Stampede, which celebrates the legacy of ranching culture and the old west. However, due to strong immigration policies, Canada is a multicultural country, and so the customs and traditions of people from all over the world are reflected in its cultural life today.

Cultural passion that unites generations

Sport plays a significant role in Canadian society and is popular among people of all age categories. Canada's national sports are ice hockey, which is primarily played in the winter season, and lacrosse, a traditional ball game popular mainly during the summer.

Hockey is more than just a sport for Canadians - it's part of their identity. Children are introduced to it at an early age, and they participate in schools and universities. NHL (National Hockey League) is among the most-watched sports competitions in the country and attracts millions of fans not only at home but also abroad.

In addition to hockey, basketball also has its place in Canada. Although it is not as massively trained as hockey, it has a large following, mainly thanks to NBA games, which are gaining ever greater popularity - especially among the younger generation. Thus, Canada lives with sport throughout the year - whether on the ice, on the court, or outside on the field.

In conclusion, it can be said that the decision whether someone wants to marry a Canadian and live the life that Canada offers depends on personal values and life priorities. Canada is known for its diversity, high standard of living, and strong sense of community, which can be very attractive to many. On the other hand, accepting this new lifestyle requires adapting to different cultural norms and traditions. If you decide to go this way, you can expect a new beginning full of challenges, but also invaluable opportunities. Ultimately, it is important that this choice be based on love, mutual understanding, and shared future goals.

Source: author's work, heathermorton.ca, theknot.com, eventdone.com, myweddingfavors.com, hummingbirdgivesadvice.com