21 Romantic Traditions From Across the Galaxy

Hello, beloved readers! During the month of February, we at Cultural Classics will celebrate the month of love by spotlighting different ways that cultures across the galaxy celebrate romance.
While most people are familiar with the tradition of engagement rings to suggest marriage, both different species and planets have their own rituals. Even more varied are the courting gestures and social norms associated with romance. From Denironia’s bloody proposals to Stlequa’s group dances, everyone in the world loves love and wants to show it. Today we list out 21 unique traditions that you probably haven’t heard of before.
And now, without further ado, here they are!

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Rose Garlands from Losgra.

Losgra is most known for its large population, but is also famous for the gardens found in upper class areas. These gardens are the source of the local tradition of rose garlands at weddings. It began when the planet was first populated as a way for the wealthy to thank their workers and soon became a widespread custom on the world. Now, every Losgran wedding is decorated with these simple yet elegant wreaths and garlands.

Food for the Family from Xyan.

Xyan is a planet closely associated with the Celestial of food, and many traditions will harken back to her. During the process of courtship and getting to know one another, it is customary for the girl to cook a meal for her beau and his family when the lovers are close to discussing and arranging marriage. Over time, this tradition has evolved, with both often preparing a meal for the other’s family without it resting solely on the lady.

Crystal Chambers from Crosteron.

An old tradition from Crestanto history revolves around newlyweds and homes. When the Crestantos were first building their cities and towns, they tended to use crystal from their own bodies to build houses. A tradition soon emerged for newly married Crestantos to build their house with their crystal. Unlike most of the other entries on this list, it was a fairly short-lived trend, but many houses on Crosteron are still made of swirled crystal from Crestanto bodies, symbolizing the union of their builders.

Offering a Heart from Denironia.

Denironian customs are often bloody and dark, and this one is no different. On Denironia, a proposal of marriage is made in person, with the interested partner hunting down a wild creature, killing it, and bringing the heart to their lover. This success is seen as a sign of strength and power. In rare cases, Denironians have challenged their lovers’ enemies to duels and presented the hearts of those enemies as a proposal. Luckily for the Denironian population, most paramours settle for the heart of an animal.

The Gift of Water from Averiy.

On Averiy, one of the driest planets in the galaxy, no resource is more precious than water. Its importance is so great that to offer someone a drink of one’s water rations is tantamount to declaring they are as indispensable as oneself. Over time, it has quickly become a declaration of love and is used in proposals, wedding ceremonies, and as a random gift on hard days.

Coffee Dates from Jaque.

Courting on Jaque typically starts casually, with the two going on dates to get to know each other and spend time together. A common date location is a coffee shop or café where the two can order drinks, snacks, desserts, or even a meal and talk about themselves and their lives. Coffee dates are often a first or second date, but it isn’t unheard of for a couple to spend many dates at a particular establishment.

Polar Bear Blankets from Isdalnae.

Isdalnae is populated by small villages that hunt for food and rarely interact with each other. The culture of hunting and providing for one’s family is represented well with the popular wedding gift from the groom to the bride of a blanket made from a polar bear’s hide. The groom will often take an expedition with his friends and hunt a bear, killing, skinning, and prepping the hide before gifting it to his new wife at their wedding.

Engraved Iron Rings from Maynrel.

With dark skies, dust clouds, gray landscapes, and the constant stench of smoke and soil, the mining planet of Maynrel is rarely considered romantic. However, from the dimly lit tunnels and apartments comes a simple tradition: engraved wedding rings. Iron is a common mineral on Maynrel and one that rarely breaks. Having an iron ring and engraving it with symbols, initials, names, or even a phrase represents the couple’s lifelong commitment to each other and their unending bond.

Dance of True Souls from Celestial History.

We’ll admit, this is one of the vaguest entries on our list, as well as one that isn’t really a tradition at all. The Dance of True Souls is a mysterious dance, one that cannot be taught or learned. According to legend, when two soulmates meet and dance, they will instinctively know the steps to the Dance of True Souls. The steps, the rhythm, and even the music are all unknown, and yet every dance is exactly the same. It is believed that many Celestial couples, particularly Celosia and the Commander, danced this dance.

Seaweed and Tattoos from Tachayiy.

Tachayiy has only one city above water, but this tradition comes from the Mer of the deep ocean. In Mer wedding ceremonies, couples will wrap seaweed around their hands and arms to bind themselves together with their spouse. Following the ceremony, the couple will retreat to a hidden cave to tattoo matching designs on each other, representing their eternal bond.

Love Letters from Dirsto.

The Dito are a wise and scholarly species that enjoy stories and writing. One of their most romantic customs is writing letters to their partner. This can be either a courting gesture or a way for married couples to stay connected. A common element in these letters is romantic poetry or lines that praise one’s beauty, grace, or personality. Love letters are a beautiful way for couples to show their love and appreciation through their thoughts and words, while also giving their partner something physical to keep.

Island Honeymoons from Avon.

Avon is a beautiful planet with gorgeous island chains. Contrary to popular belief, these islands are not difficult to access legally. While many wealthy landowners keep their islands closely guarded, others will eagerly rent them (and the villas and cabins) for various reasons. Because of this, almost every couple that is married on Avon will rent an island for their honeymoon. Nobles, royalty, and the wealthy will use islands that already belong to their family.

Kissing in Cornfields from Haspanic.

This isn’t an official tradition, but it’s certainly widely recognized on Haspanic! Everyone on Haspanic agrees that young couples looking to spend time together will often head out to the fields (it’s not always cornfields, but we wanted it to sound nice) and, as the kids say, make out. That means they kiss. A lot. It’s very cute. Unless you dislike that kind of thing. Why are you reading this if you do?

Obsidian Bracelets from Volkare.

Similar to Maynrel, there is very little about Volkare that can be considered romantic, but unlike Maynrel, Volkare has old history and traditions. One of these ancient traditions is carving bracelets for one’s significant other out of obsidian. Obsidian is a common mineral on Volkare and its people have long developed the art of shaping it. There are many jewelry shops where obsidian bracelets can be commissioned and purchased for one’s lover.

Sharing an Apartment from Zenricho.

An important step forward in a relationship for most on Zenricho is the sharing of a home. This step can occur at any point in the relationship, whether it’s near the start, at a significant moment in their lives, after a marriage proposal, or only after the two are married. Usually, the two will move into one partner’s apartment, but sometimes they will move to an entirely different place together.

Matching Earrings from Polaris.

Another historic tradition here, from the well-known planet of Polaris, which was destroyed so many years ago during the Polaris Collapse. Married couples on Polaris were known to wear matching earrings whenever they left the house. These earrings could be worn on either ear, but most couples wore them on opposing ears. Couples often purchased one pair and split the earrings.

Handmade Ice Carvings from South Geranium.

While both sides of Geranium have many romantic traditions, the most unique one comes from South Geranium. After a year of marriage, couples will take several days to choose pieces of ice and hand-carve them into intricate carvings. These carvings are gifted to their spouse one month after their first anniversary. The carvings melt quickly, but some couples from isolated communities will drink the water once it has fully melted.

Flower Bouquets from Visor.

This is a tradition that is found on many planets all across the galaxy, but it was especially prevalent on Visor before General Karol’s rise to power. Couples would often buy each other bouquets as gifts for special occasions. These bouquets were often purchased by boys for girls, but some girls would gift their boyfriends with bouquets. Romance on Visor is now, of course, extremely limited.

Selection Dance from Stlequa.

This tradition is believed to have its roots in the Rhyhendra custom of Soulmate Dances, but while the Rhyhendra believed in fate choosing the partners in the dance, on Stlequa, suitors choose their potential brides for themselves. The selection dance is organized for royalty or nobility to choose their spouses and is structured so that the ladies dance alone and the men can choose to join them. Joining a lady is a declaration of one’s intention to court and marry her.

Going out to Dinner from Kersar.

Kersar is most known for its illustrious Academy of Magical Arts, but there is much more to be found on this planet. Restaurants, cafés, and bakeries are located everywhere on Kersar with far cheaper prices than almost anywhere else. Much like Jaque’s coffee dates, this is a common date for couples across the planet. Going out can be a casual hang or a formal event depending on the establishment.

Chocolate from Jere.

Yet another tradition that has spread across the galaxy but is especially popular on Jere, gifting one’s significant other with chocolate on Valentine’s Day is a sign of care, affection, and love. Some may see this as a shallow and materialistic gift, but sweets given by a loved one, particularly if they were chosen carefully, are a clear indication that one’s lover pays attention and wants to please.

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