In so many ways the world is becoming a much smaller place with diverse cultures interacting nearly as much as people do who live side by side. Radio, television, and now the internet have all worked increasingly toward bringing people together, blending nations and people groups as never before.Some of the customs practiced by these disparate groups are also getting noticed, including the engagement habits of their peoples. In the US, it is customary for the man to get down on one knee to ask his beloved for her hand in marriage, presenting a diamond solitaire ring as a sign to her of his love and faithfulness. In some cases the woman will reciprocate by giving him a ?promise ring? but this trend is still very uncommon.How will you propose marriage? Will you be upholding time-honored traditions or will you seek to blend in modern methods or hair loss remedy even your own personal twist? For fun, let?s take a look at some of the engagement practices of people all across the world.When a man proposes to a woman in Spain, he does what many American men do: provide a pre-set diamond engagement ring to his heart throb. But, it doesn?t stop there: she?ll go out and find an engagement wristwatch and present that gift to him.In Japan, it used to be customary for a matchmaker to bring young Japanese couples together. Today, that has changed as young people are finding each other, getting engaged, and a pre-set ring is presented. However, it is still customary to have the families of the engaged couple get together to exchange nine gifts, including dried bonito and abalone, in witness of their engagement. The groom then presents a generous betrothal gift (averaging more than $7300) to the bride?s family.
