9 Amazing Proposals Around the World!

Finding that person you care so much about and want to spend the rest of your life with is a great feeling. If you have found that special someone and are ready to go down on one knee and propose there’s so much to think about and consider. First, you need to purchase that perfect ring, then you may want to ask for their parent’s blessing. Once these tasks are completed, next up is planning a proposal she will treasure forever.  Perhaps you plan to be simple and straightforward with your proposal because you know that’s what she’ll love. Or perhaps, you want to be creative about it and plan a more elaborate proposal.

Whichever approach you take, we’ve put together some of the most amazing proposal stories from around the world to help inspire you and spark your creativity for your special day!

Did you know that the Egyptians believed that having a wedding or engagement ring should be round because it symbolizes eternity? In fact, it’s because of the Egyptians that we wear our rings on the fourth finger of our left hand. This is due to the belief that there is a vein that leads directly to the heart through that finger. Today we know that that is not true, but the condition still lives on and many people continue wear their engagement and wedding rings on their fourth finger.

Here are some other interesting facts about engagements:

Fun Engagement Facts!

The First Proposal

The first ever recorded proposal took place in 1477. Austrian Archduke Maximilian is said to have proposed to Mary of Burgundy. This became the first engagement (using a diamond ring) that historians have on record. This proposal took place in an era where rings were not a popular or even traditional gift to the woman when proposing. Instead, it was often common to use items such as thimbles, cows or other livestock when asking a woman for her hand in marriage. 

Proposals Around The World

Swedish Proposals

In most Scandinavian countries it’s common for both men and women to wear an engagement ring! It’s also common in Sweden for men to also give their bride the ring of motherhood.

This is a fun and unique tradition to take part in, especially if you both would like to wear a symbol of your engagement. If you decide to partake in this tradition, you can either purchase a matching ring for yourself or pick one out together after you propose. 

Japan
In Japan, a couple is not considered officially engaged until a yunio takes place, which is Japanese for “engagement ceremony”. At a yunio both families must come together and exchange nine gifts wrapped in rice paper. Each present symbolizes well wishes as the couple plans their life together as husband and wife. 

Greece

Per Greek tradition, the man must ask the father of the bride for permission to marry his daughter. If the father of the bride says yes, the couple must attend three counseling sessions with a priest. These sessions are to learn and listen to marriage advice to grant a long and healthy marriage. Once this is done and they’ve received the blessing from the priest, the man and woman will be given a huge engagement party to celebrate their engagement.

Kenyan Proposals

Both traditions and proposals vary depending on the tribe. For example, the tradition of the Rendille tribe is for a man to send beads to the special woman he wants to marry. If she accepts the beads, they are to be engaged. The woman’s family must then give her a special ornament to add to the beads but only if they accept the engagement.

Chinese Proposals

In China, the families of both the bride and groom are usually very involved in proposals. Families will come together to give gifts such as tea, wine, red envelopes with money, and double happiness cake. It is during this family gathering that the groom will usually pop the question to his soon-to-be bride. This gathering is a great night of bringing two families together and celebrating love.

Women’s Proposals

In addition to all of these wonderful traditions from different cultures, it worth mentioning that women can propose as well! In fact, for those who to keep with tradition while being a bit non-traditional, there is even a special day set aside for women to propose. Historically, it is said the date for women to propose is February 29th – also known as Leap Year. The English considered this day to be the day outside of the law, which meant women were free from following traditional gender roles. 

Top 9 Proposals Around the World!

Here at The Westmount, we love a good proposal story. 

Check out some of these amazing proposals and if you have an amazing proposal story of your own, tell us about it in the comments below!