Overview

Cross cultural marriage is on the rise in Nepal as more Nepalis are meeting and marrying foreigners from the West and other parts of Asia. These intercultural unions blend Nepali traditions with foreign customs in unique pre-wedding events, wedding ceremonies, and married family life.

While cross cultural relationships come with challenges in reconciling different worldviews, they also allow couples to expand their perspectives. Partners gain understanding and appreciation for diverse values, beliefs, and traditions beyond their own. When couples keep an open mindset, cross cultural marriage offers opportunities to discover beauty and wisdom.

Integrating Cultural Wedding Traditions

The pre-wedding rituals set the tone for blending Nepali and foreign customs. An American groom may join his Nepali fiancée in traditional puja ceremonies to honor her cultural roots. Or the engaged couple may choose to have two separate events, one in the Nepali style and one based on the groom’s traditions. This allows both sides to celebrate in meaningful ways.

The wedding ceremony itself beautifully integrates cultural elements in creative ways. A Nepali bride may don both a red sari and an embroidered top along with a white wedding gown to honor both marital styles. The couple may take vows that thoughtfully blend Hindi, Nepali and English language. The décor, music, food, and rituals can showcase cherished parts of each partner’s background.

Building a Cross Cultural Lifestyle

After the wedding, the real work begins as the newlyweds adjust to each other’s habits and quirks at home. An American husband and Nepali wife build a lifestyle together that weaves in cultural traditions meaningful to both.

The Nepali bride may wear tika forehead markings and sari during festivals but also feel comfortable in jeans and tops at other times. The foreign groom may insist on taking his shoes off before entering their home in Nepali style but also decorate with Christmas wreaths during the holidays.

Mealtimes see creative combinations like dal bhat with curried vegetables served alongside burgers or pasta. Important Nepali holidays such as Dashain and Tihar are marked with tika blessings and family gatherings while Christmas brings glittering trees and gifts.

Overcoming Cross Cultural Challenges

While wonderfully enriching, cross cultural relationships also come with challenges that require compromise and patience. One difficulty is reconciling differing societal views on love, family structure, gender roles, and more. A traditionally-minded Nepali bride may face pressure from elders about conforming, while her foreign groom wishes for more flexibility.

Language barriers, especially with in-laws, must be handled with empathy. Foreign spouses need to adjust to a greater sense of community and involvement of extended family. Discussing major child-rearing differences ahead of time is wise.

Gaining Cross Cultural Wisdom

However, the hurdles of cross-cultural blending are outweighed by the wisdom gained. When couples keep an open mindset, they come to cherish each other’s diverse perspectives.

Their worldview expands as they learn to appreciate customs and values beyond their own familiar ones. A foreign spouse develops compassion and connection with a culture not originally their own. Children raised in these homes naturally absorb the beauty and best parts of both backgrounds.

While requiring effort, navigating cross cultural marriage bears profoundly sweet fruit. Partners discover new layers of awe and meaning in life when seen through the lens of each other’s eyes. Their lives blossom in unanticipated ways through union with someone different from themselves.