- Tuck a sugar cube into your glove -- according to Greek culture, the sugar will sweeten your union.
- The English believe a spider found in a wedding dress means good luck. Yikes!
- For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day. Ouch!
- Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye.
- Peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds instead of rice.
- A Swedish bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to ensure that she'll never do without.
- In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds' home as a symbol of fertility and luck.
- In Asia, wearing robes with embroidered cranes symbolizes fidelity for the length of a marriage.
- In many cultures around the world -- including Celtic, Hindu and Egyptian weddings -- the hands of a bride and groom are literally tied together to demonstrate the couple's commitment to each other and their new bond as a married couple (giving us the popular phrase "tying the knot").
Whatever your tradition may be, it's always good luck when you get married at the Sheraton West Des Moines!
