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Canadian Military wedding traditions are special in the eyes of the Canadian Military. Some traditions differ form their compatriots around the world. Some of the Canadian Military traditions include, for example, when a relationship became serious enough, this of course is insinuating the couple is still in courtship, a form of wedding called "leaping over the sword" takes place.
In this beautiful Canadian Military custom, the wedding party including guests would gather around a sword on the floor, in front of which stood the couple, hand-in-hand. A corporal or sergeant acting as the clergyman would order, "Leap, rogue, and jump, whore, and then you are married for evermore."
The happy couple would jump over the sword hand-in-hand as the drum beat. From this moment, they were considered man and wife. In all wedding traditions, the man would kiss his bride and then in a Canadian Military tradition, the event was sometimes followed by a "hoisting," a ceremonial burial of bachelorhood ending in a small parade during which the groom was carried by two of his mates, preceded by a fife and drum playing "The Cuckold's March."
By rule of all the militaries around the world, every soldier had to request official permission to marry. In the case of a Canadian Military wedding, the soldier not only has to get official permission, the corporal of sergeant forces the soldier to get permission from the parents of the bride to be. This includes going anywhere in the world to get the OK. This is a sign of respect in the eyes of the corporal.
So in conclusion, Canadian Military wedding traditions are beautiful to behold, allowing for even the most stoic of settings to enjoy one of life’s great pleasures.
THE MILITARY WEDDING
35.A military wedding is simply military participation in a religious or civil marriage ceremony. There is no set procedure and the couple must decide upon the degree of military participation they wish. Although permission to marry is no longer required, it is good etiquette to inform the commanding officer of an impending marriage.
36.Dress. Serving personnel may choose to wear uniforms. For a daytime ceremony, the wedding party usually wears full service dress with or without swords. For evening weddings or receptions, the wedding party may choose to wear either service dress or mess dress. The bride and groom may also choose to have guests wear uniform, in which case the invitation should clearly state the dress.
37.Swords. Only those who may wear swords as part of their uniform should do so. Swords may be worn throughout the ceremony or only for an arch of swords. Drawn swords are not permitted inside a Christian institution and the traditions for other religions should be determined in advance and respected. An arch of swords is often formed at the church entrance as a special honor at the end of the ceremony. Although the drill manual indicates an edge downward position, it is customary to twist the wrist so the blade is flat with the edge away from the couple. Other military guests may line the church exit and bestow courtesy salutes.
38.Transportation. With the approval of the Commanding Officer, units sometimes provide special transportation for the couple after the ceremony. For Engineers, this may be a dump truck or piece of heavy equipment such as a low-bed, with appropriate cleaning, carpeting.