The rich Ethiopian wedding traditions make weddings there a colorful occasion. Numerous young people choose to include traditional practices in their wedding ceremonies, despite the fact that many couples choose to have modern weddings. Two days before the wedding is Telosh. The bride receives gifts from the groom and his family, most frequently a bridal gown or jewels. The remainder of the group then gives the bride their presents, and everyone present then eats dinner. Every member of the bride’s family gathers outside the home on the day the groom arrives to pick up the bride and performs a traditional song declaring that they will not allow anyone inside. When the bride’s family finally agrees to let the groom inside after pleading, he gives his bride flowers. They are taken to the bridal car by friends and family after she takes the flowers with a kiss.
One of the more peculiar Ethiopian wedding customs is kissing on the knee. The grandparents of the bride and groom, along with older members of the extended family, wait for their grandkids to arrive at the hall where the wedding is scheduled to take place. When the couple enters the hall, they approach the senior family members and kiss their knees to show their appreciation and thanks. The pair receives the grandparents’ blessing in return. They also bless the pair if the parents are seated close by.
