For most of us, traditions might include family gatherings during holidays or specific rituals passed down through generations. However, when it comes to the world's royal families, traditions take on a different hue - one that's steeped in centuries of history, filled with intriguing rituals, and occasionally, a touch of the bizarre. Ever wondered why a royal bride would carry a specific plant in her bouquet? Or why the Queen would participate in a swan census? Dive into the world of peculiar royal customs and find out more!
- Myrtle in the Bridal Bouquet (British Royal Family): Since Queen Victoria's era, royal brides have included a sprig of myrtle in their wedding bouquets. This symbolizes love and fertility. The myrtle is typically taken from Queen Victoria's own 170-year-old plant.
- The Christmas Weight-In (British Royal Family): After Christmas lunch, members of the British royal family are weighed. This tradition started with King Edward VII to ensure that everyone had been well-fed.
- Swan Upping (British Royal Family): Every year, the Queen partakes in a census of all the swans on the River Thames. The event, called "Swan Upping," involves catching the swans, counting them, and then releasing them.
- The Garter Ceremony (British Royal Family): Each year, the Order of the Garter (the oldest and highest order of chivalry in the UK) has a ceremony where members parade in velvet robes, garters, and plumed hats.
- Royal Veto for Marriage (British Royal Family): Until recently, the Royal Marriages Act 1772 required descendants of King George II to get the reigning monarch's permission to marry. This was repealed in 2015.
- No Shellfish (British Royal Family): Royals are often advised not to eat shellfish to avoid the risk of food poisoning. While this is more of an informal guideline, many royals adhere to it while traveling.
- Eating Ortolan (French Monarchy): French monarchs used to dine on a small bird called ortolan. The diner would cover their head with a napkin (possibly out of reverence or to hide the act) and then consume the bird whole.
- Black Mourning Clothes (Various Royal Families): Many royal families have strict guidelines for mourning attire. For instance, after the death of a monarch or significant royal, members of the royal family may be required to wear black for a specified period.
- Birthday Cannons (British Royal Family): To mark the birthdays of the Queen and other significant royals, a 41-gun salute is fired in central London.
- King's Feast (Belgium): In Belgium, the King's Feast is a public holiday dedicated to the Belgian monarchy. Interestingly, it's not a celebration of the current king's birthday but a separate day altogether.
- Jewels for the Dead (Danish Royal Family): In Denmark, when a monarch passes away, a lifelike effigy is created with a silver death mask. This effigy is dressed in the monarch's clothes and adorned with their jewels, then displayed at Rosenborg Castle.
Royalty has always been cloaked in a shroud of mystique, and these traditions only add layers to the enigma. While some of these customs might evoke a raised eyebrow or a chuckle, they remind us that traditions, whether big or small, ancient or modern, serve as a bridge to our past, connecting generations and reinforcing unique cultural identities. The next time you spot a news piece on a royal event, perhaps you'll have a deeper appreciation for the rituals that unfold and the rich tapestry of history behind them.