African ceremonial customs are a combination of long-standing mixed tribal rituals and religious influences from Christians and Muslims. Over seventy percent of the Latin American population identify themselves as Catholic. In church weddings, the groom presents the bride with thirteen gold coins, symbolizing Jesus and the twelve apostles. Asia is the largest and most populous continent, where many of the world's major religions originated, such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism and Christianity. Traditional weddings in the Caribbean are centuries old and have been influenced by many European explorers. The Middle East is among the Arab nations and the cradle of spirituality and religion, including Islam and Judaism. Since time immemorial, it has been very important for both families to continue marriage through family lineage to ensure social stability. Many of the customs and traditions we see today in a Western style wedding can be traced back to ancient Rome and Greece. Various rituals were used to bring good luck and prosperity or to drive away evil spirits. Many smaller island nations in Oceania have maintained their rituals and preserved their wedding traditions such as dress, music and food.
