Loved up: romantic traditions

There’s a chance that all that’s been going on in the world has left you floundering when it comes to grand romantic gestures. We thought we’d help out by having a look at some romantic traditions from across the globe…

Here, it’s traditional for the groom to carry the bride over the threshold, but Scottish grooms have easy compared to those getting married at Lake Bled in Slovenia. It’s considered lucky to carry your bride up all 99 steps to the church. Best get some practice in at the Trinity Centre.

Blackening is another local tradition, though something of a rarity these days. Being pelted with all manner of disgustingly smelly or slimy substances and paraded round town on the back of a lorry has given way to pre-wedding spa weekends.

Some people believe that in Ancient Greece, men threw an apple at the object of their affections. If the young lady caught it, this essentially meant that they were engaged. Apples are certainly cheaper than engagement rings, but the latter last longer. If you must pelt your significant other with fruit, it’s best to throw underarm.

During China’s equivalent to Valentine’s Day, men from Miao villages in South West China will serenade the lady of their choice. Meanwhile the women cook rice and dye it in four different colours. Receiving rice with a pair of chopsticks is a good news, though one chopstick is considered a polite rejection. Receiving a garlic bulb with the rice is a very bad sign, while a pine needle indicates that the young lady may need a few more gifts to be persuaded to consider her suitor.

Actually, maybe just buy some flowers…

Station Brae, Macduff AB44 1UL Open Mon-Sat 10-5

If romance is in the air, head to Lava Jewellery for the ring of your dreams. We make gorgeous, individually designed and hand-crafted bespoke engagement and wedding rings. We can also remodel family pieces, reusing gold and stones to suit your personalities and your budget.

We have a sparkling selection of off-the shelf wedding rings and offer couples sessions where you can make your own wedding rings. What could be more romantic?

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Union Terrace Gardens reopened a few days before Christmas. Despite renovations taking more than three years and costing £28 million, many felt underwhelmed by the initial results. Improvements include better access for those who use wheelchairs, three new pavilions perched above the gardens, new toilets and a play area for children. The grass areas are due to be returfed in spring which should improve the appearance of the area.

Aberdeen Sands, the local Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity that supports bereaved parents following the loss of a baby has organised a fundraising ladies evening. The night will be at Union Kirk on Sat 4th March. If anyone would like to donate raffle prizes, or book tickets they can do so via facebook.com/ groups/61196986034/?ref=br_rs

If you’re overdue some self-care and in need of deep relaxation, head to Mannofield’s Meraki Health and try their floatation chambers. Owner Anna Davie explained, ‘Everything is quiet and still as you float effortlessly thanks to the Epsom salts. The water is skin temperature, so the tension just drains away leaving you with an improved state of physical and mental well-being. ‘Floatation therapy reduces anxiety and stress. It has been proven to help with depression, relieves pain (including that associated with arthritis, migraine and swelling), improves sleep quality and enhances creativity.

‘A floatation session lets you escape the chaos of life and reconnect with yourself. Floating is the perfect way to relax, recover and explore your mind.’ 481 Great Western Road AB10 6RA Tel: 01223 379596

Use code TREND10 for 10% off floats, packages & gift cards in January & February.

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Men suffer the signs of aging just as much as women,’ Aesthetic Beauty Inverurie’s Martina Mackay explained.

‘They love our DermaPen micro-needling treatment. It stimulates collagen and elastin production. It’s great for acne scarring, pigmentation spots, large pores and signs of aging. It stimulates the follicles and help hair regrowth. Similarly, Plasma Fibroblast Skin Tightening is a non-surgical treatment that improves facial lines and wrinkles, pores, photo-aging skin pigmentation and other skin irregularities.

‘Our home-based treatment room is very discrete, too.’

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Tel: 07842286315 Email: kerry@weesleepers.co.uk weesleepers.co.uk

Every parent’s dream is for their child to have a great night’s sleep! Paediatric Sleep Therapist Kerry can help with structured programmes that instil healthy sleep habits, educate around the science behind sleep and support families daily from start to finish.

Kerry explained, ‘Sleep is essential, broken sleep can cause poor behaviour, impacts the immune system, creates irritability and has negative effects on learning and skill development. Parents suffer too!

‘Let me help you achieve a happier, more settled and rested household in 2023!’