Anybody else washing each others feet at the ceremony?

Just curious as which denomination does this? I have been to a Muslim, several non-denominational, catholic and a few orthodox services and have not seen this.

I'm a jeopardy contestant want-to-be so I like learning about new things.

It was going to be done at one of my weddings, but that morning the bride discovered she could not sit down in her dress, so we skipped it.

Like jesus and the prostitutes?

I was wondering what religion or culture does that also? I have only seen foot washing during Holy Thursday in the Catholic church. I don't think my current church does it.

@Denise the ceremony I saw it done at was Lutheran. But I think other there are other protestant denominations that do it as well.

I too love knowing random trivia.

I will have to ask my friend who is Lutheran (her brother had the muslim ceremony since the wife was muslim). I lied, I have been to one Lutheran wedding when I was in college.

No. That's just odd IMO; something that should be done in the privacy of your own home.

@Emmy no prostitutes involved with this.

There are two foot washing stories in the bible. Foot washing at the time was something only done by lowly servants, so both of these were shocking events.

The first is when a woman (named Mary) was so humbled by Jesus she used a very expensive perfumed oil to wash his feet, showing her devotion and humility to him.

The second is when Jesus washed the feet of all his disciples. This was an example of how He wanted them to treat each other.

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:14-17

This is a great symbol of humility and a promise to serve each other. It's a beautiful ceremony.

ETA: Sorry for the bible lesson. Just trying to explain that its not weird or creepy in any way, it's very symbolic.

Oops, I thought it was about prostitutes too... Thanks @Kassy !

Still, I vote no for doing it in the ceremony.

I'm blown away by these responses. I really dislike any form of organized religion, but still have enough self control to not have said "ew".

I get the symbolism, but it's not something that my FH or I would be comfortable with.

@m I agree. Saying "ew" to something to you don't understand or don't agree with is really rude. This has a lot of symbolism to people and can be very important.

Trust me, I get the symbolism. I've done or been a part of over 1500 weddings and not one person has ever mentioned this (and we do some seriously religious ceremonies). As I said when I first replied, there are plenty of more accessible ways to suggest that you'll support each other. I think you can take the reaction of the people here as pretty indicative of the way your guests will feel.

I'm assuming most of your guests will be Christian and will understand what is happening. WW is not very religious so don't judge your guest by us.

I've seen this a few times at a few weddings and it can be surprisingly emotional for the couple. my FH has mentioned it but I have a severe aversion to feet...

Yeah but if everyone just had the reaction they wanted to have, the world would be an ugly, ugly place. If your guests can't control their "revulsion" during your special ceremony, then they should be ashamed of themselves, and you should ignore it.

I don't really see the connection between foot washing and weddings, but I know that many Christians churches repeat this ritual to signify humility and servitude. In biblical context, the act of foot washing impresses upon believers the importance of serving and being willing to assume the most humble of positions in the interest of others. I know that Jesus washed his disciples' feet at the Passover prior to his crucifixion, but he was making a distinct point that really didn't relate to weddings. It was a message that was meant to echo through the ages -- and that message was one of humility and service. Actually, when the NT speaks about weddings and Jesus, it talks about the first public miracle he performed -- turning water into wine.

The reaction of most people to foot washing (i.e., ewwww) was the point Jesus was making. It spoke of ultimate humility and servitude -- a cornerstone of the Christian faith. In biblical times, foot washing was not unusual -- not so much as a spiritual ritual, but as etiquette (it's even referenced in the OT). Typically, a host would offer his guests clean water in a bowl to wash the dust from their feet, or he would charge his servants with washing the feet of his guests. It was customary for guests to recline (or sit on the ground) during a meal, so feet were on display. Dusty feet were part and parcel of life in that time and that place. In modern times, we don't require foot washing, but I always love the moist, warm linen napkin offered by Japanese restaurants. But again, that is a form of cultural etiquette.

Does foot washing belong in a wedding? There is no biblical requirement, however, If the bride and groom ascribe a value to it because they find worth in the symbolism, I can't second guess it. I'm not removing my shoes for anyone (not even an upscale Japanese restaurant that requires my shoes at the door), but I don't judge any religious, philosophical, or personal ritual a bride and groom wishes to incorporate in their wedding. As long as I'm an honored guest and not a participant, I'm completely comfortable. Do I understand a couple's obsession with biodegradable elements or green weddings? No, not really. Would I ever tell them what my beliefs were on that subject? No. Of course not. Foot washing, smashing a glass underfoot, money dances, biodegradable plates -- these are all personal choices that reflect the beliefs or customs of the couple. If I gladly accepted the invitation, I will politely attend and strive to find meaning in whatever may be unfamiliar or unappealing to me. If the ritual makes no sense to me, who cares? If I'm required to participate, that's a different story.

Biblically I get it, however I think it would be awkward to guests who are not familiar. We are not doing this. It would be great to do on your honeymoon.........just the two of you.

I uh... Hm.. uh... What?

I'm not a big fan of servitude in general. Or feet.

In the end you should do what you want and ignore everyone else's reaction, be it a dollar dance or a foot washing. No one will tell you what they thought of it, nor should you care.