Russian wedding: traditions and customs. The wedding tradition is the kidnapping of the bride and shoes. Leaving after the wedding, the bride distributes change to avoid trouble in her family life.

The wedding among the Slavic peoples was given special importance. It was a significant moment in the life of every bride, so marriage has always been associated with many customs, traditions and beliefs. wedding ceremonies never invented just like that, out of the blue. Each of them had a special meaning and was aimed at achieving happiness and harmony in a young family.

Now, unfortunately, many customs have been lost, and once important sacred actions have acquired a purely entertaining character. And yet, this is Russian history, even Slavic. After all, once the inhabitants of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus were closely interconnected and were branches of one people - the Eastern Slavs. That is why our rituals are so similar.

The meaning and mystery of marriage in Slavic

The past, from which the present also follows, is based on the Slavic worldview. All modern customs, observed at the wedding, have historical roots, are associated with the peculiarities of the attitude to the life of our ancestors and are based on logical and consistent actions. IN Slavic wedding there was nothing extra. Therefore, if you want to have a wedding, taking into account all the ancient traditions, you must perfectly understand what rationale they had for themselves.

wedding ceremony- a specific action aimed at achieving a certain positive result. Purpose of marriage- create strong and friendly family in which husband and wife would hold each other. It is not for nothing that the Russian words for them are spouses, i.e. people who are in the same life team and equally pulling all the joys and hardships of life.

All folk wedding ceremonies , and and traditions come down to one thing: it is right to marry off a daughter and deceive the evil spirits so that she does not do harm. Russian beliefs were very closely connected with the idea of evil spirits that hover around in large numbers and seek to ruin a person's life. Moreover, to the person who is on the verge, i.e. goes from one state to another.

This directly concerned the bride. At that time, she was considered just such a borderline creature. After all, the girl left her father's house and passed from an innocent maiden state to a woman's, and subsequently had to become a mother. Therefore, the main task was to shelter her from evil spirits, to protect, thereby protecting the future family. This is where the word “bride” comes from, unknown, hidden, secret.

Almost all customs were aimed at achieving 3 most important results:

To protect the future spouse, not to let evil spirits break through to her, and, consequently, to wrap the newly-made family with good. At the time, this was considered a very serious task;
Attract as many good spirits as possible so that, on the contrary, they accompany this family and strengthen it;
Achieve fertility and growth of a new family hearth. Simply put, do everything possible so that the young not only have a large number of children (we all know how huge Slavic families were), but material wealth also grew: there was a rich house, good harvest, strong and prolific cattle. The peoples of Russia and Belarus were mostly farmers, and for them the concept of a family hearth also included a prosperous, strong household. Without this normal and strong family could not exist, which is reflected in many folk legends, songs and poems in Russia.

Understanding this feature of the Slavic, and later the Russian worldview, we can see special meaning, which carry the rituals for marriage.

The main rites known today

The modern worldview does not allow us to take all traditions as seriously as our ancestors did. We simply do not understand the meaning of many actions, but still we try to comply. Wedding ceremonies, although they have now become akin to entertainment, have not died, which emphasizes their great importance for the people. Moreover, somewhere at a deep level, we still believe that following certain measures, as well as ancient rituals, will help preserve love and happiness in a newly-made family.

Let's talk about them here. At almost every wedding that wants to observe all the old traditions, the following rituals are performed:

Blessing of the young;
ransom;
Wedding;
Arrival at the groom's house;
Wedding feast.

These are the main rituals. But they consist of smaller traditional actions, also closely related to the well-being of the new family. In our time, there are still rites of family bonding, ignition of the family hearth, blessing of the daughter, meeting of the young. And although they are no longer observed in the required sacred order, they still have significance.

By the way, many of them can be found in European countries. This once again proves that the traditions of Russia and its Western neighbors still had the same foundation and were formed in the same worldview.

Rite of interbreeding families

Passing from the state of a girl to the state of a woman, the newlywed goes under the guardianship of the male spirits. Accordingly, a special connection is established between her parents and the parents of the spouse, akin to magical. Families must be related, because the children born from this marriage will belong to both of them.

Nowadays, it is more of a fun tradition than magical act. The rite of interbreeding is now carried out sometimes jokingly, sometimes even a separate mini-script is written for it. Usually a goblet filled with some kind of drink (most often wine) is used. In order for the intermarriage to take place, both parents and newlyweds must drink from this vessel, at least a sip, but each of them must.
As a rule, the witness brings the drink, he also says parting words, and strictly ensures that all participants in the ritual drink the drink.

In ancient times, the rite of interbreeding took place somewhat differently. By the way, both the Ukrainian people and the Belarusian people have it. Already after the wedding, the families were obliged to perform it, otherwise the spirits would not accept the new person. To eliminate this danger, there was a ritual of intermarriage, which took place with the reading of special conspiracies and also with drinking a drink from a common bowl.

Without interbreeding, there will be no happy family life, firmly believed in it. But there was another custom, without which a happy future family life was also not imagined.

Blessing of the daughter

Very close to the rite of interbreeding. After all, both there and there a special role is played by parents - the older representatives of the two merging genera. It was important to bless the daughter, because she was leaving for another family. In general, in the Slavic worldview, a wedding was akin to death for the bride: she died as a girl and began to live as a woman and mother.

At present, this rite is no longer so reverent. But parental blessing - essential condition family prosperity. And it still exists in European countries.

So, before the bride goes down the aisle, the father and mother must give their daughter their blessing. Thus, they approve this union, agree to it. And if we consider how great the respect for their parents was among the Slavs, then the significance of this custom is understandable. The blessing is not received, which means that the marriage will not be fruitful and happy. That is why unions made in secret from father and mother were not approved and not supported at all.

If the father and mother wish the daughter's happiness and support her choice, they should give their blessing. A ritual is performed before the wedding. Parents baptize their daughter, say parting words, express their approval. In ancient times there were also special conspiracies, but now they are already forgotten.

Lighting the hearth of a new family

In addition to the rite of interbreeding and parental blessing, there was another, now often forgotten. In Russia and other Slavic states, it is called the ritual of lighting the family hearth. In Europe, there is an analogue that also has the same meaning, but a slightly different order of the action and their sequence.

The family hearth is what establishes a new family, what should always burn and warm each member of the marriage union. Fire has a symbolic meaning here. The meaning of the ritual is that, having caught fire once, the flame of the family hearth should never go out. The task of each of the spouses is to maintain the fire of love and protect the other half. Naturally, all these ideas resulted in concrete actions.

Every marriage is preceded by an acquaintance. First it happens between a guy and a girl, then between their parents. The flame of love and passion is gradually kindled, which will then become the basis for a family hearth. By the way, the meeting of the newlyweds also has a great symbolic meaning in the Slavic wedding culture. But we will talk about it a little lower.

After love happened, the flame flared up, and the wedding took place, it is necessary to translate its elemental ardor into a moderate radiance of a quiet hearth. In other words, from mutual passion and love, create strong family. For this, the Slavs developed a whole range of special ritual actions. They were accompanied by the reading of certain conspiracies, absorbed a significant part of the ancient magic.

Now much has already been lost and is not observed, but the custom has retained the former name of the ritual of lighting the family hearth. Currently, it is held after the marriage in the registry office, and after the wedding, if it was. It is preceded by the rituals of intermarriage of families and the blessing of the bride by her parents. If you want to keep everything folk traditions, perform the steps correctly.

The ceremony is quite simple. The ritual will require 3 or 2 candles. Its participants are the mothers of the husband and wife and the newlyweds. If one of the spouses does not have a mother, then only one takes upon herself the sacred duty to pass on the fire to the newly-made family. Every mother should have a candle in her hands. Husband and wife have one in common, which the groom keeps right hand and the bride on the left.

The parent's candle is lit by the father before the start of the ceremony. Mothers accept it and, with congratulatory or parting speeches prepared in advance, pass the flame to their children. Mothers combine the fire of two candles into a single one and they set fire to the candle of the newlyweds. After that, the parental flame is extinguished, and the candle of the bride and groom should burn until the young woman takes off her veil.

In our country, the rite of lighting the hearth is still popular. It is not only deeply symbolic, but also incredibly touching.

The ceremony of meeting the newlyweds

Meeting for the Slavs was of great importance. She united 2 loving hearts, kindled new feelings and was the basis for the formation of a new family.

Then the parents of the bride and groom met, and it was called matchmaking. In Russia, this custom preceding the wedding has practically not been preserved, but in European countries it is still observed. In general, the West is more patriarchal in this respect.

After the matchmaking, the bride and groom meet as almost spouses. future husband first redeems his betrothed, and then gets the opportunity to see her. This is also a significant moment, and in Slavic traditions it was of great importance. After the ransom, the young must go to church where the wedding will take place, and according to contemporary culture- to the registry office where the marriage registration will take place.

And only then does the main meeting take place. It is also surrounded by many beliefs and originates from very ancient ideas. The ritual is called - a meeting of the young, and it takes place on the threshold of the house of the newly-made spouse.

Many ancient ideas are associated with it, now almost forgotten. After the marriage, the husband and wife go to the new place of residence of the spouse - to the spouse's house. On the threshold with bread and salt they are met by their parents. The choice of attributes is also not accidental. In ancient times, bread was a symbol of fertility and prosperity, and salt, which was extremely difficult to obtain, was wealth.

The meeting of the young people was noisy, joyful. It was accompanied by parting words and congratulations. But the most important thing was to break off a piece from the loaf. Whoever got it more, he was believed to be the main one in the new family. Naturally, everyone was waiting for this from the groom. After all, a man should lead the family.

The meeting of the young is both a wish for good and prosperity, and a joyful moment, and an invitation to the table. Then the wedding feast began, in which it was also necessary to observe a huge number of customs. But the most important thing was waiting for the spouses ahead: the wedding night. Now the tradition is no longer relevant, but before it was of great importance. The next morning, the husband was obliged to present proof of his wife's innocence: a sheet with blood. And if the wife turned out to be dishonest, this entailed a huge shame on her entire family.

For the Slavs, the meeting had a sacred, very deep and important meaning. After all, according to the beliefs of our ancestors, nothing in this world happened just like that. And since the two met, it means that the spirits wanted it that way. And their decision must be honored and respected.

Rituals and signs are of great importance in today's time. All modern life emerged from what was before. That is why all these actions: interbreeding, giving parental blessings, meeting the young and many others are still so carefully preserved and protected.

This is a story that is important to cherish and remember. It is extensive, general, which is confirmed by marriage ceremonies Europe, almost indistinguishable from ours.

Today, a wedding is no longer a complex of complex rituals, as it was in the days of our ancestors. Fashion and time change our idea of wedding ceremony and make their own adjustments. However, some wedding ceremonies still survived, although in a somewhat "modernized" version.

A wedding is a kind of magical sacrament, which is an important event in life for each of us. It indicates the acquisition of a family hearth. In this regard, there are a huge number of rituals, traditions and signs. Any wedding ceremony has its own history and carries deep meaning. Careful observance of wedding traditions was for our ancestors to some extent an opportunity to “influence” future life. Modern wedding rites are just an addition to the wedding feast, most of us do not even know and do not think about their meaning. Nowadays, marriage is festive event, organized to the best of the possibilities, ideas and knowledge of the organizers of this event.

The tradition of parents getting to know each other before the wedding has come down to our days. Usually on this day, at a festively laid table, parents discuss the organization of the wedding and the material side of the issue.

Also in our time, the tradition has been preserved on the eve of the wedding to hold stag and hen parties. As a rule, this is a farewell party with a free girlish (single) life, at which close girlfriends (friends) of the bride (groom) are present. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are held in different places. This tradition is not as old as, for example, the custom of covering the bride's head with a veil. This ritual has been around for thousands of years. A veil was used to cover the bride's head and face, primarily to protect her from spoilage and the evil eye. In addition, the veil symbolizes the purity, innocence, modesty and purity of the newlywed. After the marriage ceremony, only the husband has the right to lift the veil.

The rite of redemption of the bride from bridesmaids and parents is also observed today. Today it is the most fun, beautiful and spectacular part of the wedding. The groom will have to overcome a number of trials, show off his intellect, strength and erudition in order to get the right to possess the lady of his heart.

The church wedding ceremony is being revived today. Increasingly, lovers want to unite their love not only in front of the public, but also in the face of God. Previously, after the wedding of the newlyweds, it was customary to shower with grain. This action acted as a wish for wealth, strength of relationships, to have many children. Instead of grain, many countries today use rice, raisins, candy, money, rose petals, grains, or nuts. The significance of this rite has been preserved. Only newlyweds can be showered today when leaving the registry office (if a wedding in a church is not provided). It was customary to sprinkle flowers on the road from the church to the home of the young. This rite is somewhat reminiscent of pagan. Nowadays, this tradition is observed more because of its beauty and the solemnity of the moment.

The tradition of wearing a white dress for a wedding appeared relatively recently, about two hundred years ago, during the reign of Catherine. Initially, the bride's wedding dress in Rus' was supposed to be red. White symbolizes purity and purity, so a white wedding dress began to mean the girl's entry into a new life. It was the white color that became the obligatory symbolism of the wedding.

The ceremony of exchanging newlywed rings dates back to ancient Egypt. The circle was considered a symbol of eternity, so the round ring began to symbolize endless happiness and love between husband and wife.

Today it is customary for the groom to buy wedding rings, wedding dress and shoes for the bride, and the bride's parents prepare her "dowry" ( bed sheets, towels, dishes, furniture). Of course, today it also happens that collecting a dowry, in general, is not necessary, since the bride already has everything (an apartment with furniture and appliances, etc.). Since it is a bad omen to see the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding, the bride can take over the purchase of the dress. Previously, the bride herself prepared a dowry for herself: she sewed, embroidered, and prepared jewelry. Wedding Shoes the bride also bought with saved money, which showed her relatives her thriftiness and frugality.

Having registered the marriage, the newlyweds with the guests go on a wedding walk through the memorable places of their city or village.

After registration of the marriage of the newlyweds, according to the preserved tradition, the groom's parents meet with bread and salt. The newlyweds alternately bite off or break off a piece of bread. Whoever has a larger broken piece will be the master in the family.

The kiss of the newlyweds contains a sacramental meaning, it unites the souls of a young couple into a single whole. The public kiss of the bride and groom informs those present at the same time about their unification into one family. The relationship of the young before marriage was chaste, so it is very important that the kiss is carried out in the presence of parents and relatives.

The tradition of stealing a bride took place among the Russian Slavs. For example, among the Vyatichi and Northerners there were games called “between villages”, where during games, songs and dances, men chose brides for themselves and took them to their homes. From here came the tradition of kidnapping brides, which symbolized farewell to parents and the father's house and the transition to the groom's house, in new family. Usually the bridegroom's friends were engaged in stealing the bride. The groom had to either betrothed, or to give a ransom for her. Modern weddings have kept this fun tradition alive.

throwing tradition bridal bouquet came to us recently from European countries. All the unmarried bridesmaids gather in a heap, and the bride, standing with her back to them, throws a bouquet. It is believed that the one who catches the bouquet will soon get married. A similar ceremony exists for the friends of the groom, who, having removed the garter from the bride's leg, throws it to his unmarried friends. The one who catches first will get married in the near future.

Today there is a tradition of breaking dishes at a wedding celebration. Usually this is done for good luck. Today, the glass of the bride or groom is beaten, as well as plates. According to the fragments formed, it is determined who the couple will be born first: if the fragments are large, then a boy, if small - a girl.

A new wedding tradition is to tie bottles of champagne for good luck. Witnesses can perform this action either at the beginning or at the end of the wedding feast. Young people drink the first bottle on the first anniversary of family life, and the second on the birthday of their first child.

No wedding is complete without a wedding cake (pie, loaf), which symbolizes abundance, joy and good luck in family life. Its height can be very different, but the shape is usually round.

There is another modern wedding ceremony, according to which at midnight the bride, standing in a circle dancing girlfriends eyes closed, puts his veil on the head of one of them. The girl who is lucky will be lucky to get married soon.

A very beautiful and romantic tradition, which is increasingly observed by newlyweds, is the tradition of bringing the bride into the house in her arms. Our ancestors believed that such an action would protect the bride from damage and evil spirits.

And even today, newlyweds like to release two doves into the sky, on whose paws I tie pink and blue ribbons. According to them, they determine who will be born to the couple first. This is usually done at the wedding walk or in front of the building where the wedding feast is scheduled. In addition, there are many other new wedding traditions: hanging padlocks with the names of the bride and groom on a tree or the railing of a bridge, breaking bottles of champagne on a bridge, etc.

Another interesting and fun tradition at weddings is gifting the newlyweds. Parents, witnesses and guests give young people valuable and necessary things in everyday life (appliances, utensils, furniture, etc.). At the same time, the process of giving is accompanied by interesting jokes, jokes and wishes.

According to tradition, the newlyweds go on a honeymoon trip after the wedding to spend their honeymoon in a romantic setting.

Despite the existing rites and traditions, only the young have the right to decide whether they are not observed on own wedding. The main thing is that the wedding kept the important, sacred meaning- the transition from free single to family life, with its joys and responsibilities.

Very little is known about the weddings of pagan Rus'. According to the Russian historian N.M. Karamzin, the ancient Slavs usually bought wives for themselves and did not know the wedding ceremony as such. The bride was only required to prove her virginal purity.

The status of a wife was equated with the status of a slave: she was entrusted with all the household chores and raising children. At the same time, the woman could neither complain about her husband nor contradict him, expressing complete humility and obedience. After the death of her husband, the Slav woman usually burned herself at the stake along with his corpse. The living widow dishonored the whole family.

The chronicler Nestor left evidence that the manners and customs of the ancient Slavs varied from tribe to tribe. So, the meadows were distinguished by a meek and quiet disposition, they respected the sacred bonds of marriage, which they considered a sacred duty between spouses. Peace and chastity reigned in the Polyan families. On the contrary, Radimichi, Vyatichi, northerners and especially the Drevlyans had a wild disposition, cruelty and unbridled passions. They did not know marriages based on the mutual consent of parents and spouses. The Drevlyans simply took away or kidnapped the girls they liked. Among the Radimichi, Vyatichi and Northerners, instead of weddings, there were "games between the villages" ("games between the fields"), during which men chose brides for themselves and began to live with them without any rituals. Among other things, polygamy was widespread among the ancient Slavs.
Over time, the ritual life of the pagan Slavs became more complicated, overgrown with numerous beliefs and rituals around which their everyday life was built.

The pantheon of Slavic gods was constantly expanding, including more and more original and borrowed deities.
The god of fun, love, harmony and all prosperity - Lado (Lada) enjoyed special respect among young people.

During the games and dances near the water, dedicated to this deity, the kidnapping of brides was common, which, as a rule, took place by prior agreement. The newlyweds brought sacrificial gifts to the god of love.
In addition to the voluntary kidnapping of brides, among the Slavs of the period of decomposition of the primitive communal system, such marriage ceremonies appeared as splashing water, driving around an oak tree, buying wives, etc.

Until the very beginning of our century, two sharply different parts were clearly traced in the Russian wedding ceremony: the church ceremony of "wedding" and the wedding itself, "fun" - family ritual, which has its roots in the distant past. Hierarchs Orthodox Church in his messages both in the 16th century and in the first half of the 17th century. they continued to condemn all elements of the folk wedding ceremony as “magic”, which had nothing to do with the Christian religion, but, apparently, not only did not forbid, but even ordered the priests to take close part in the non-church part of the ceremony.

The highest church hierarchs themselves occupied important places in the wedding train and at the banquet table. Even in the church, along with the rites prescribed by the rules of Orthodox worship, actions were performed in the presence of clerics that were not provided for by these rules. For example, the newlywed drank wine from a glass, which he then broke and trampled on the fragments.

In the church, after the Orthodox ceremony, when the hands of the newlyweds were already joined over the altar, the bride fell at the groom's feet, touching his head to his shoes, and he covered her with a hollow caftan. The bride and groom left the church separately - each to his parents. Here they were showered with life, and the celebration, as it were, began anew: the bride feasted with her relatives, and the groom with his.

In the evening, the bride was brought to the groom's father's house, but even there she did not take off the covers and did not talk to the groom during the entire wedding feast, which lasted three days. Only after three days the young spouses left for their own house where they gave a common final feast.

In the rites of the Russian wedding, actions associated with pagan beliefs and the Christian religion were intricately intertwined. These include, for example, many actions that protect wedding participants from hostile forces. These actions should contribute to the well-being of the spouses, childbearing, increasing prosperity in the economy, and the offspring of livestock. Wanting to save the bride from the evil eye, they wrapped her in a fishing net, stuck needles without ears into her clothes so that devilry tangled in nets and ran into needles. In order to deceive the dark forces during the matchmaking, they changed the path, drove by roundabout roads, replaced the bride, etc. From spoilage and evil spirits, they were saved with the help of refraining from pronouncing words and from eating. There were ceremonies that provided young people with many children and wealth. These included shedding the young with grain or hops, planting them on a fur coat weathered up with fur. To strengthen the connection between the young people, they mixed wine from glasses of the young, shared food and drink, stretched threads from the bride's house to the groom's house, tied the hands of the bride and groom with a handkerchief.

The wedding ceremony took shape as a detailed dramatized action, including songs, laments, sentences and sayings, conspiracies, games and dances. In the form of lamentations, the bride said goodbye to her home, her girlish headdress and girlish braid. As in any dramatic work, the wedding ceremony had its own permanent composition. actors- "ranks" who performed certain traditional roles. The central figures were the bride and groom. The bride had to express her gratitude to her parents for the fact that they "drank her and nurtured her." And from the moment of the matchmaking to the departure for the church, the bride bitterly mourned her maiden life. The active participants in the wedding were the parents of the bride and groom, next of kin, godparents, as well as matchmakers, thousand, brother of the bride, boyfriend, bridesmaids, etc.

Druzhka (druzhko) - the representative of the groom - the main arbiter at the wedding, made sure that the custom was observed as the community understood it. He had to be able to joke and amuse the wedding participants. A friend was chosen to help a friend, a senior boyar to help a thousandth. In the South Russian rite, loaf women were appointed to prepare the ritual loaf. Each character of the wedding was distinguished by its clothing or some additional ritual element of it. Usually these were towels, ribbons, scarves, wreaths.

The bride, in the days preceding the wedding and on the days of the wedding itself, changed clothes and headdress several times, which meant changes in her condition: collusion, i.e. betrothed, young princess - before the wedding, young after the wedding and wedding night. The groom was also called the young prince, and then simply young. He did not change clothes, but had his own symbols - a flower or a bouquet on a headdress or on his chest, a scarf and a towel on his shoulders. On the day of the wedding, the bride and groom dressed smartly and, if possible, in everything new.

The theme of marriage was constantly present in the life of the younger generation. For example, the whole premarital life of a girl was a preparation for marriage. Therefore, she was accustomed to the cares of the future mother and mistress. Literally from birth, her mother began to prepare her dowry. By the age of 16-17, the girl became a bride. An important point in the premarital rites there were public "views" ("brides") of brides. They helped find a suitable bride, find out economic situation her family, learn about behavior and character. Parents tried to find an "equal". Brides were held in spring-summer festivities and at Christmas time, usually timed to coincide with patronal feasts, as well as on Epiphany.

Usually two weeks or a month after the show, the groom's mother, taking her sister or married daughter, went to woo the girl who, whom she had chosen at the public bride.

An important place in the premarital life of young people was occupied by girlish fortune-telling about marriage, the apogee of which fell on Christmas time. Having decided to marry their son, the parents began to look for a bride for him, they found out who had a "marriable girl". The desire of the son was taken into account, but it was not always decisive, because. the girl had to meet the requirements of her parents. Overstayed girls (usually aged 23-25) were considered "overdated", "centuries" and the suitors avoided them, thinking that they were with a vice. The same distrust and suspicion were evoked by young people who had sat up in bachelorhood (beans, overage).
The first marriages were usually concluded in compliance with all the customs and rituals of the wedding ritual. The weddings of widowed men with girls who were not previously married were also celebrated. Marriages of widowed and single men with widows were not accompanied by wedding ceremonies.

The time of weddings was determined by the agricultural calendar - usually weddings were played during a period free from agricultural work. Was of significant importance church calendar, because in the posts of weddings "did not play." Most of the marriages took place in autumn, from Intercession (October 1) to Fililipov's incantation (November 14), as well as in the winter from Epiphany to Maslenitsa. In some places, the ancient tradition was still preserved to play weddings in the spring, on Krasnaya Gorka, after Easter.
The traditional Russian wedding cycle, as it were, was divided into three main periods: pre-wedding, the actual wedding and post-wedding.
The first period began silently family council- "getting off" in the groom's house. It was attended by the parents and relatives of the groom. The groom himself did not take part in the meeting. At the gathering, the property status of the bride, her behavior and health, and her pedigree were discussed.

The initial period of the wedding consisted of matchmaking, conspiracy, inspection of the groom's household, the bride's bride, pilgrimage, rubbing and hard drinking. There were several ways of matchmaking, for example, the groom's parents went to the bride's house and started negotiations. In other cases, a matchmaker or matchmaker was sent to the bride's house, and they asked permission to come with the groom and his parents. Usually the matchmakers were the spiritual parents of the groom - the godfather or mother, or one of the relatives.

Sometimes they resorted to the help of professional matchmakers. For matchmaking, they chose easy days, avoiding fast days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In many places, matchmakers took a stick, a poker or a frying pan with them in order to "scoop out the girl." Visiting matchmakers was repeated 2-3 times, or even more. The first visit was regarded as "reconnaissance". The bride's parents set the table: they put bread, salt, lit lamps and candles.

After agreeing to the marriage of the daughter, the size of the clutch was determined, i.e. the amount of money given by the groom's relatives to buy dresses for the bride and to wedding expenses, as well as the size of the dowry (the bride’s personal property consisting of clothes and shoes - it was also called a chest or a ship).

Two or three days later, after the agreement expressed by the common parties to intermarry, but even before the final decision, the parents and relatives of the bride examined the groom's household. The continuation or termination of the "case" depended on how much it was liked. If the inspection of the groom's household ended successfully, then after a few days the "groom's side" was invited to the bride's bride, where she showed up in all her dresses and showed all her labor skills - spinning, sewing, etc. The bride at this stage had the right to refuse the groom. Most often, the bride-to-be ended with a feast. After the feast, the bridesmaids escorted the groom home. He invited them to his place and generously treated them.
The final stage of the first negotiations was an agreement taking place in the bride's house two to three days after the bride. The bride after the agreement was called "conspiracy".

Successful collusion negotiations ended, as a rule, with a handshake. The father of the groom and the father of the bride, as in trade transactions, gave each other their hands wrapped in scarves or caftan floors. After the handshaking and the feast, which often lasted all night, the gates were opened in the morning so that everyone could come in and look at the bride and groom.
Prayer was given special meaning - "Pray to God, so the matter of matchmaking is over." After the blessing, the bride and groom kissed three times and exchanged rings - they became engaged. The agreement reached by the parties usually ended with a joint feast - a drinking bout.

After the agreement, the period of preparation for the wedding began. It could last from one to three weeks to a month or more. The collusion changed its lifestyle and appearance. She almost did not leave the house (unlike the groom) and lamented. It was believed that the more the bride cries, the easier it will be for her to live in her husband's family.

The last day before the wedding was called a bachelorette party, where the bride broke with her girlish life, freedom and her family. As a rule, a bachelorette party consisted of a whole complex of ritual actions: making beauty (emphasis on O), braiding, washing in a bath, saying goodbye to beauty (will) and passing it on to girlfriends, treating the ritual participants to the groom. In some localities, on the last day, a youth party was arranged in the groom's house, at which the groom said goodbye to his comrades and to his single life. On the same evening, the groom's relatives were sent with gifts to the bride's house. If the groom rode himself, his preparations were accompanied by special rituals and instructions. Following the groom, his guests left. The bride was also dressed up, dressed up, the bride washed her face with vodka (wine) and sat down with her friends to wait for the groom. Soon (by 9-10 pm) the matchmakers arrived. For a bachelorette party, the groom brought a basket of toiletries, and sometimes wedding dress, and gave ribbons to girlfriends. At the end of the table, before the groom left, the bride was hidden. The groom was looking for her among her friends, they slipped old women on him until he gave her friends a ransom.
For the wedding they baked a special ceremonial bread - a loaf. In a Russian wedding, bread personified life, prosperity, well-being and a happy share. The preparation of wedding bread and its distribution occupied an important place in the wedding ceremony.

The day of the wedding was the culmination of the entire wedding event. On this day, rituals were performed in the homes of the bride and groom, preparing them for marriage and expressing the consent and blessing of the family for this marriage. After the wedding, already in the house of the newlyweds, rituals were performed that introduced the young woman to the new household and the position of a married woman.
The morning passed in chores and preparations for the wedding. The bride was dressed, perhaps more elegantly. When the groom arrived, they demanded a ransom from him, for the right to pass through and enter the bride's house. Then the parents would bless their daughter and let her go to church, after which the dowry was usually brought to the groom's house.

There were several options for a trip to the crown. According to one, the bride and groom went to church together, according to others, separately. Having blessed their children, the parents handed over their friends and matchmakers (the parents themselves did not go to church). Druzhko went out into the yard with the groom (if the groom was traveling from his house) and the trainees (other participants in the wedding) walked around the yard with an icon, and the matchmaker, standing on a wagon, scattered the hops. Walking around three times with the icon around, he asked everyone present for the blessing of the groom for marriage. After that they went to church. In parting, they wished: "God forbid to become a crown of gold, to make a house, to lead children." The groom rode solemnly, hanging bells to the arc, the groom's horses were covered with white towels. The bride, on the other hand, came to the church without much fuss, with one wailer ("cry-baby"). Before the wedding, they met, in someone's hut, and here the groom took the bride by the hand, circled her three times around him, lightly pulled her braid, as if showing that the bride was losing her will and must obey the will of her husband. Usually the wedding train left in odd numbers, i.e. an odd number of horses.
In the Central Russian provinces, on the contrary, the buddies violently dispersed the oncoming ones. Leaving the yard, the trainees congratulated each other on the "valiant departure."
The weather on the day of the wedding was of particular importance. It was believed that if "snow and rain on the wedding train - live richly", "rain on the young - happiness", "a whirlwind with dust to meet the train - not good", "red wedding day - live red, but poor", "blizzard on the wedding train - wealth will be blown out.

The wedding ceremony consisted of betrothal and the laying of marriage crowns - the actual wedding performed by the priest. During the betrothal, the priest asked the bride and groom about their mutual and voluntary consent to marry and put on the rings.
Church wedding gave legal force. However, marriage with a wedding, but without a wedding, was not encouraged.

The wedding was accompanied by many magical rites: it was customary to sweep the road around the church with a broom in front of the bride and groom, a scarf or linen was spread under the feet of the spouses and money was thrown in order to avoid "naked life". The bride and groom tried to step on each other's feet, and the one who managed to do it first had the "top" in family life. They strictly watched so that no one passed between the bride and groom (so that none of them violated marital fidelity). Standing before the crown, the bride was baptized "covered" i.e. not with a bare hand (to live richly). Many beliefs were associated with wedding paraphernalia: a ring, candles, crowns. It was believed that dropping an engagement ring during a wedding was "not a good life." And the one who held the candle above under the crown, "behind that and the majority" (dominance in the family).

They tried to blow out the wedding candles at once in order to live together and die together. The wedding candle was cherished and lit at the first birth.

After the wedding in the church gatehouse or the nearest house, the bride was braided with two braids and laid around her head - "they twisted the young woman like a woman." The matchmakers of the bridegroom, who braided the braids, weaved for distillation - whose matchmaker is the first to braid the braid, this gender will be the firstborn. After that, the young people put on a female headdress - a warrior. This ceremony was marked by the transition of the bride to a group of married women.
The newlyweds were waiting in the house. Women - fellow villagers went out to meet the wedding train to the outskirts, seeing him, they began to sing songs. Relatives and guests meeting at the house shot upwards from a gun, sprinkled the young with hops and grain, laid out a fire at the gate and led them through it. Parents blessed the newlyweds - the father with an icon, the mother with bread and salt. In some areas, bread was broken over the heads of the young and each and every one of them had to keep it for the rest of their lives. After the blessing, the young people bowed at their feet, trying to do it at the same time in order to live together. They were seated at the table, on benches covered with fur coats, saying: "a fur coat is warm and shaggy - you will live warmly and richly." Usually, the mother-in-law or one of the groom's relatives used a tong, a frying pan to open the young bride, i.e. they removed the veil from her (later the veil). Then they greeted her and brought gifts.

The first table was usually called the "wedding table". The young ones, although they sat behind him, did not eat anything. In honor of the young, congratulations and wishes were pronounced. Soon they were taken to another room and fed dinner. Then the young again returned to the trainees. By this time, the second table, called "mountain", was laid. Relatives of the newlyweds came to this table. They were met at the porch, giving each a glass of vodka.
Those who arrived were seated at the table in order of seniority - men on one side, women on the other. At the mountain table, the young woman presented gifts to her husband's relatives, bowed to them, hugged them and kissed them. Then she had to call the father-in-law - father, and the mother-in-law - mother. During the feast, the girls sang songs. At the end of the table, the young, having gone out, fell at the feet of their parents, so that they would bless them on the marriage bed.

It was arranged in some kind of non-heating room: in a barn or stable, in a bathhouse, in a separate hut. The marriage bed was made with special care. Sometimes, some tools of peasant or handicraft labor were placed next to the marriage bed so that the newlyweds would have sons and be good workers. Young people were usually seen off by a friend and a matchmaker. The farewell was accompanied by music and noise, probably, such decoration had the meaning of a talisman. The matchmaker and the friend examined the bed and the room so that there were no objects that could bring "damage" to the young, and, giving latest tips and instructions, wished them happiness and well-being. The young were treated to wine. After an hour or two, and in some places even night, they came to wake up and raise the young.

Usually this ceremony was performed by those who accompanied them to the wedding bed, and led the newlyweds to the hut, where the feast continued. The young received congratulations. In many localities, it was customary to display the newlywed's bloody shirt. If the young woman turned out to be blameless, she and her relatives were given great honors, if not, then they were subjected to all sorts of reproach.

In many localities, the rites associated with "waking up" were accompanied by a bath. She was drowned by her friends, matchmakers, friends, godparents. Seeing off to the bath took place with noise, songs and music. In front of the young people they swept the road with brooms. Ahead of the procession was a friend and carried a broom decorated and covered with a scarf. Over time, the rite of the second day gradually began to be replaced by dousing with water, wallowing the young in the snow, even just visiting an unheated bath. After the bath, the young people rode around the village, stopping by the houses of relatives and inviting them to the next feast.
The feast of the second day was called - "cheese table". During the cheese table, cheeses were cut. Druzhko, by seniority, first called the relatives of the young, then the young and asked them to accept treats from the young - vodka and snacks, and put something "on the cheeses."
The most common rite of the second and third days was the first visit of the newlywed to a spring or well, during which the young woman usually threw money, a ring, a piece of bread cut off from a wedding loaf or a belt into the water.
Another, no less common ritual was the belts of the bright. Relatives of the young woman came to her husband's house and reported the girl was missing. The search began. The newlywed was taken out to them. They recognized it as their own, but after inspection they found many changes and renounced their rights.

They tried to diversify the ongoing wedding festivities with all kinds of games and fun. A common custom on the second day was dressing up. The mummers dressed in twisted skins. They dressed up as different animals, gypsies, soldiers. Sometimes the men dressed in women's clothing and women into men's.
The third day was usually the last. Often on this day they arranged tests for the young. They forced her to kindle the stove, cook, sweep the floor, but at the same time they interfered in every possible way - they poured water, overturned the dough, testing her patience. Only the husband could save the young woman from all the trials by treating everyone with vodka.

One of the responsible and fairly common rituals was the visit of the son-in-law to the mother-in-law ("bread"). The young mother-in-law was treated to pancakes and scrambled eggs. Often during this visit, the son-in-law showed his attitude towards her, depending on whether she managed to raise her daughter and keep her chastity or not. After the treat, the son-in-law broke the dishes on the floor. In many villages, a visit to the mother-in-law ended with the serving of an accelerating pie, which meant horses. wedding celebration.

Usually wedding celebrations lasted three days, the rich lasted longer. Special rituals were not performed these days, as a rule, various entertainments were repeated, there were feasts with refreshments, either in the house of the young, or in the house of the husband.
The peasant wedding ceremony served as the basis of the urban one.

In the conditions of the city, it has changed significantly, both in general and in details. By the middle of the XIX century. in the rituals of the townspeople, general and specific features were observed that distinguish them from the peasant tradition: the weakening of the magic of the elements, the strengthening of the role of professional matchmakers, the greater distribution marriage contracts, changes in ritual food and the order of feasts, the replacement of dances with dances, and the folklore repertoire with city songs. This allows us to speak about the already established urban forms of wedding rituals.
From about the 80s of the XIX century. under the influence of the growing democratization of the social and cultural life of Russia, there have been changes in the social and domestic relations townspeople, which also affected the wedding ceremony.

The October Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent declaration of war on religion attacked, ridiculed and banned the traditional wedding ceremony. Throughout Soviet period there were, as it were, two main forms of the wedding ceremony: official (state) and traditional.

Wedding customs change over the years. Every year, young people prefer to abandon some signs and rituals, or they remember their roots and add more and more nuances to the celebration. For example, the tradition of exchanging rings exists in almost every nation; it is not abandoned to this day. But the Christian custom of meeting the young with an icon is not honored by everyone even in our country, this is a personal choice of the bride and groom.

Wedding traditions and customs of the Russian people

The Russian celebration of marriage is a whole range of different customs and signs. In ancient times, people sacredly honored and observed every ritual.

As now we have a toastmaster or leader, our ancestors also chose a person-leader. He was called a friend, later - a thousand. He followed the observance of all rituals, toasts, congratulations. Sometimes, as a ritual action, it was customary to scold a friend or a thousandth, and he had to adequately respond to this.

In past centuries, not a single marriage was concluded without matchmaking and matchmakers who decided various questions. Now this is no longer, only if in a comic form. The bride and groom decide for themselves how worthy they are of each other and how the celebration will be held.

The tradition of the Russian wedding also included handshaking, which is now almost never seen. The parents of the young people gathered and, while drinking strong alcohol, discussed all the nuances of the wedding: where the young family will live, who pays for what, how to celebrate the wedding.

Of course, the loaf has not outlived itself to this day. Many people still bake wedding loaves, which the bride and groom should definitely try. Previously, this treat was baked for a huge number of people, so the diameter of the bread reached incredible sizes. Now this role is partly played by the cake.

There was also a rite of vaults in Rus', which was carried out even before the young people go down the aisle. This magical act was intended to rally the young family, provide them with life together. The groom was brought to the bride, their hands were joined, tied with a ribbon or a towel, and they were led in a circle a certain number of times.

The brides had to cry before the wedding, lament and sing special farewell songs, which said how they did not want to leave their father's house and how wonderful it was in girlhood. At the same time, it does not matter at all whether the girl likes this union or not. It was necessary to cry.

Wedding traditions in Russia: modernity

Not all wedding customs and traditions in Russia are strictly observed. Some have already become obsolete, others we have begun to borrow from other countries. The result is a whole complex of transformed rituals.

For example, the blessing of parents took root very firmly. Even if they decide to skip the morning blessing before the wedding, then at the banquet itself there will definitely be a toast from the parents, which will sound in the spirit of the blessing. The parental word was always honored, it was important for the young to know that this marriage was approved.

The comic ransom of the bride came to replace the real ransom, when the groom literally gave money to the girl's parents in order to marry her. Now this fun action is designed to amuse the guests, test the strength and ingenuity of the groom. All the money raised goes to the budget of the newborn family.

A trip to the registry office can hardly be called a tradition, it is rather a necessity that you need to go through in order to officially become husband and wife. Of course, earlier there were no registry offices in Rus', there was a wedding. Now some young people also prefer to get married so that their marriage is concluded before God.

Of course, it is customary to give wedding gifts. Previously, these were things necessary in the economy. Now more often they give money to start a family life.

Wedding traditions in Russia include. In the distant past the dance had magical meaning. Round dances were danced around the young, and they themselves circled in a certain direction. Thus, troubles and evil spirits were driven away. Nowadays, the dance of the young is part of the banquet, when the bride and groom show their choreographic possibilities to beautiful music, entertaining guests and showing love for each other. It can be waltz, tango or something else.

"Bitterly!" guests shout with a glass in their hand for a reason to make the newlyweds kiss. Previously, it was a sign that the glasses were not water, but really vodka, “bitter”.

Wedding loaf: traditions

Bread has always been especially revered in Rus'. And wedding loaf and even called a talisman. It could be stored, taken with you on the road, protected from the evil eye.

Such a loaf was baked only by women who had light hand and strong marriage. Widows, divorced and childless were by no means allowed to this important matter.

The tradition has come down to us to meet the young with a loaf, and also to divide it in order to find out who will dominate in the house.

This round bread was necessarily decorated with various symbols: rings for a strong marriage, ears of wheat for wealth, leaves and petals for healthy children.

It had to be shared among all the guests. No one should leave a wedding without trying the loaf. A piece was also taken home and divided among the whole family, which did not have a chance to attend the wedding. Conspiracies were even committed against him, which were endowed with magical significance.

Modern newlyweds prefer to buy ready-made or order loaves. However, the most skillful bake them themselves, which is considered a special honor.

Wedding tradition: family hearth

This is a very exciting and beautiful rite that came to us from ancient times. Young people love it for its beauty and romance, but it also has a symbolic meaning.

The essence of this ritual is that the parents of the bride and groom light a candle and pass it to the young, and at the same time say parting word how to keep the comfort and warmth in the family.

Most often, modern newlyweds buy a special beautiful candle, usually red. And the parents light it with the fire of their candle under beautiful words leader. After this ceremony, the hearth remains with the newlyweds. They say that in difficult times you can light it, and peace and tranquility will return to the family, and all troubles will pass by. It can be lit by both moms or dads, and all parents together.

Thus, not only the experience of older generations was passed on, but also two families, two clans were united. Lighting a candle, the parents accepted both spouses as their children and made a promise to love them and help with advice.

Armenian wedding traditions

Armenia, like any other country, has changed over time. Some customs faded into the background, while others remain unchanged to this day.

As in Rus', in Armenia, the wedding was necessarily preceded by matchmaking. Previously, the groom did not take part in it, only matchmakers came. Then it became customary to take the groom.

Matchmakers came after dark to hide from the eyes of neighbors. After all, a refusal could greatly reduce the rating of a failed husband. Men have always been considered the most important, so matchmakers have always been male. The father never betrayed his daughter the first time, it was considered a shame. As if the bride is defective in some way, so they want to give her away as soon as possible.

Refusing in person was not accepted. There were many allegories that meant either "We'll think about it, come back again" or "Our bride needs another groom."

Be sure to give a dowry for the bride. And the more dowry, the more enviable the bride. But this custom is outdated. Now, as a sign of respect, the groom's side says that no money is needed, they only want this girl to become a member of their family.

Armenian weddings were usually celebrated late autumn or early winter. There are many reasons for this. Firstly, the crop has already been harvested, which means there is a lot of food. Secondly, the body after the summer is strengthened and full of strength, which means that children will be born strong and healthy.

The celebration is always magnificent, loud with countless guests. This is true to this day. All relatives are invited, even distant ones, so as not to offend anyone. Previously, guests were convened with music, and the most respected residents were invited with special honors.

Guests from the side of the future husband tried to give as much gold jewelry as possible. After all, this is how the well-being of the family should be shown.

Makars were necessarily present at the wedding - armed strong young guys who acted as bodyguards. They protected the entire procession and the groom in particular.

There was always plenty of food, and the dancing did not stop. The parties competed in what is more happy and cheerful. No one should be inferior in the dance to another.

Wedding traditions and customs in Belarus

The Belarusian wedding is similar to ours, primordially Russian. There was a matchmaking, and here the signs played such an important role that, having seen a black cat, the matchmakers could return. For matchmaking, they took gifts and treats with them to appease the bride's parents.

They married more often at the end of summer, at the beginning of autumn, when the harvest was over. But in mid-January, according to Belarusian customs, weddings are prohibited.

Before marriage, the future wife arranged a bachelorette party, where she said goodbye to her unmarried girlfriends. They wove wreaths. The bride should have the most magnificent, beautiful and tight wreath.

The young woman was dressed up in a strange house not far from the groom's house. It was considered very bad omen take a girl across the street on her wedding day. They put on her wedding dress, braided a tight braid. (or a scarf) was put on at the very last moment.

There was definitely a ransom, comic and cheerful with games and rhymes.

After the arrival of the groom, the hands of the future spouses were fastened with a handkerchief, they were circled several times around the table with a white tablecloth. After that, they helped themselves and went to the temple to get married.

After the wedding, the newly-made family had to go around seven bridges and visit the grave of their ancestors. These traditions are still alive today. The newlyweds try to visit seven bridges so that the groom carries the bride in his arms through each of them. Instead of the graves of ancestors, memorials, mass graves are often visited.

After the walk, everyone escorted the young people home. The threshold was a special place. He was often associated with death, so the husband had to carry his wife in his arms over the threshold, and the guests showered them with grain.

Already in the house, the veil was removed from the young wife, given to the older girlfriend, so that she would also get married soon. A simple scarf was put on the head of the newlywed, symbolizing the female share, the role in the family.

Many traditions have survived to this day, while others have been transformed. But ransom, loaf and bachelorette party have always been and are of great importance in the wedding ceremony.

Wedding ceremonies and traditions in Ukraine

Wedding Ukrainian traditions are not much different from the original Russian ones. But they have more pagan nuances. We will consider only the most interesting and unusual Ukrainian rituals.

Theft of girls. During the dance, it was quite possible to steal a girl, even from a rich family, and then marry her, if she did not mind, of course. It took a lot of courage and dexterity from the guy to carry his prey as far as possible from home and hold it there for at least a day. If they find him early, don't take his head off. But after 24 hours, he was forgiven if the abducted woman did not want to marry him, or they married him if both agreed.
Girl's marriage. It was not forbidden for girls to marry the one they liked young man. She couldn't refuse. Such matchmaking was used only in very rare cases, if the girl was deceived by the guy. So she could protect herself.
Liberation through marriage. For a long time on Ukrainian soil, there was a custom not to execute a convict if some girl wished to become his wife. This also applied to convicted women. There is a belief that once a Cossack was taken to execution, a girl came out to meet him and wished to become his wife. But looking at her, the young man wished to be hanged rather than marry her.
Married always by seniority. In a family where there are several children of the same sex, the eldest always entered into marriage first and nothing else. Middle and junior had to wait their turn. After all, if a younger sister marries earlier, it will be an insult to the older one. She might not have been taken.
According to pagan tradition, it was possible to marry in the spring, when nature blooms, and not only in the fall after the harvest.

The wedding twig, which denoted the beauty of the bride, can also be attributed to pagan symbols. She was baked in dough and put on festive table. After the celebration, all the girlfriends and friends broke off a piece from her.
Ukrainian weddings are always wide, noisy, they alcoholic drinks flow like a river. For this reason, even older children were not taken to such festivities.

Tatar wedding traditions

Tatar wedding celebrations differ from Russian ones for obvious reasons: Tatars are a Muslim people. However, we also have a lot in common. For example, matchmaking and.

One of the interesting Muslim customs is the rite of nikah. In fact, this is the same wedding. The mullah gives advice and guidance to the young, and blesses them. Until the nikah is completed, the groom should not be left alone with his chosen one.

The ransom from the Tatars is not a joke, but a real one, when the groom's family is given a dowry for a future wife. The toastmaster is also present at such weddings, but he is not hired, but the most cheerful and courageous among the guests is chosen. Currently, they still prefer to hire a host.

Of course, among festive dishes there should be traditional pilaf, and among the sweets, honey chak-chak.

There is also a special bridal house where the bridal bed is located. She was carefully covered. All the guests touched it and put coins on the saucer. After that, only the older women and the bride remained in this house. They taught the young woman how to meet her husband.

When all the festivities were completed, special contests and games were held in which the groom proved how strong and smart he was. Only after that did he get the right to stay alone with his newly-made wife.

On the day of the wedding, it is also customary to go to the bathhouse. The guests and the groom washed, after which the husband put on new clean clothes that the bride had sewn for him.

Like the lamentations of brides in Rus', the Tatar people have the so-called "caresses". The young wife sat down with her back to the guests and sang songs about the heavy female lot. The guests came up, consoled her and stroked her back.

Previously, if the groom did not immediately give all the dowry, he helped to visit his wife no more than once a week until the full amount was paid. Modern wedding traditions of the Tatars do not imply such measures.

Wedding in India: Traditions

The Indian people, more than anyone else, honors their customs from ancient times. Local residents try to observe all rituals and rituals in order to provide young people with a long and happy life.

We used to think that the Indian celebration is songs and dances in the spirit of any films. This also has a place to be, but to a greater extent it is a spiritual sacrament. A rite called vivaha binds two families together, and also tightly weaves two souls for the next seven lives. That is why it is so important to follow it correctly.

The wedding is organized and paid for by the bride's parents. The young woman herself is dressed in a beautiful red sari and decorated in a special way. Color and cut festive clothes may vary depending on the region of India.

The bride can have only one hairstyle - tight long braid. It is forbidden for an Indian woman to let her hair down in public. Before the wedding, the girl's hair was thoroughly washed and smeared with precious oils. Then the braid was braided.

The future wife also has a special make-up. This is a black eyeliner that makes the look more mysterious. A small red dot on the forehead, called a bindi, is equivalent to a wedding ring, as is the ring in the left nostril. This is a sign of a married woman.

An Indian wedding lasts 4-5 days. All this time, many different ceremonies are held, none of which can be missed.

One of the main qualities of the bride was considered (and is considered to this day) chastity. The woman was compared with the field, and the man with its owner. The first one to plow the field owns it by right, as well as everything that grows on it. Therefore, marriages with girls who lost their virginity were considered a meaningless exercise. It turns out that the groom stole the wife from someone else, this woman and all her children do not belong to him.

Now, as in many other countries, a young family leaves by car, but earlier the bride was taken away on a decorated elephant or horse, and all the guests saw them off with songs and dances.

Italian wedding: traditions

Italy is always unbridled fun, noisy games, dancing and an abundance of wine.

It is believed that the custom of carrying the bride in her arms over the threshold came from here. After all, if the bride stumbles on the threshold of the house, this predicts a lot of troubles and troubles.

In addition to the dance of the young, the bride still needs to dance separately, demonstrating her choreographic skills. She usually starts alone, and then guests join her, who simply cannot sit still.

The basic rule of Italian weddings is that everything should be fun. There are usually many guests, these are relatives, close and distant, friends, families of friends, friends of the family of friends, etc.

The Italians are also very responsible. Until now, for them it is not just a vacation. In order for the life of the young to be happy and rich, sweet, they are supposed to eat honey for the first two weeks after the wedding, which they do.

One of the interesting rituals is the sawing of a log by young spouses immediately after the wedding. And you have to cut it by hand. This symbolizes the strong union and cooperation of the newlyweds. It is worth adding that it is not customary for Italians to marry early. Marriage at the age of 30-35 is considered early.

Gypsy wedding: customs and traditions

Those associations that arise in you when presenting gypsy fun are the best fit for the definition of a wedding.

The gypsy people absolutely do not spare money and effort for the wedding, as it is considered the most important event in life. Therefore, whoever marries, everyone walks and treats all passers-by.

The wedding took place in an interesting way. Children could still be babies, and their parents had already agreed on a wedding. When the children reached a certain age, the marriage arrangement was obligatorily respected. You can even exchange brides if two families have a son and a daughter. In this case, a ransom is not needed, as this is a mutually beneficial solution.

If a young man does not have money to ransom, or his beloved is intended for another, he could steal her.

At the celebration, guests - men and women could not sit together, they were supposed to different tables. The first wedding night should not take place after the feast, but during. The young were taken to the tent, where there should be no one but themselves. When the bride's shirt was taken out on a tray, a special fun began. Parents congratulated each other, were proud of their children.

If the bride was innocent, she was given expensive gifts. If not (which happened very rarely), her parents had to reimburse all the expenses for the wedding.

American wedding: traditions

We are all familiar with the customs of the American wedding celebration from films and TV shows. Not accepted in the US. If you arrange a celebration in accordance with all the rules, you will have to pay for the engagement, rehearsal, the wedding itself, as well as the buffet during the honeymoon.

From there came the custom to make an offer in an original and beautiful way, so that later you could tell your friends and girlfriends. Marriage is not necessary at all. The lovers themselves decide everything, and then only report this good news to the rest. A rehearsal is not always necessary, but it is sometimes arranged to introduce the guests and create a favorable atmosphere.

Comic marriage registration ceremonies are not accepted in America. The more romance, the better. It is believed that guests should cry at the ceremony itself, and laugh at the banquet.

For married life to be successful, the bride must have something blue, something borrowed, and something new during the ceremony.

In the US, they get married in churches much more often than in our country, even if the couple is not very religious. After the ceremony, the groom carries the bride in his arms, they are showered with petals and rice.

Second wedding day: traditions

Not all newlyweds want to celebrate the second day. However, the wedding ceremony in Russian traditions suggests that the next day after the wedding there should be fun and a continuation of the banquet. Previously, weddings were held for a week, now it is customary to celebrate only two days. This custom can be completely abandoned if the young so wish.

In Rus', the second day was obligatory. The newborn family received guests, treated them. The young wife demonstrated her skills as a housewife. Sometimes they jokingly interfered with her, scattered garbage, overturned buckets. And the first pancake was served with a surprise, vinegar or coal was mixed into it. A guest who ate such a pancake still had to praise the hostess and give her money for her troubles.

Of course, there were also mummers. Everyone had fun, came up with costumes, the funnier the better. They walked the streets, treated passers-by with vodka.

Such customs reign not only in Russia. So, for example, it is also customary for Dagestanis to invite relatives to the house on the second day and treat them. Young people continued to give gifts. And the young wife was obliged to dance with anyone who wanted to.

The Kazakhs, on the contrary, the newlyweds should visit all relatives, and they treated them and gave gifts.

There are separate tribes on the island of Borneo, where the second day is not so cheerful. Their honeymoon is an ordeal. Three days after the wedding, young people do not have the right to go to the toilet. To endure this, they have to eat and drink almost nothing. And only if both cope, they will be granted a happy and long life together.

As we can see, the wedding traditions of the peoples of the world differ from each other, but one thing is invariable: all the rites and rituals are designed to hold a young family together for many years.

Marriage is soon. These words evoke different feelings in the soul. You are overwhelmed with joy that soon you will forever link your fate with your loved one. But how to make sure that your marriage is truly strong and happy?

About what magical and ancient wedding ceremonies exist and how they go, read and see in our article.

Of course, no wedding is complete without traditional wedding rituals. This is the meeting of the newlyweds with the loaf, and the throwing of the bride's bouquet, and the wedding cake. These rituals are known to all, but there are a dozen or two more customs that are often overlooked by the young. But it is they who will help you make your wedding sincere and unforgettable.

It is simply impossible to list them all at once, so we suggest you choose from those that are the most common, significant and beautiful.

According to an old English superstition, the bride must wear something old, new, blue and borrowed to the wedding (“something old andsomething new, something borrowed and something blue”).

It is decoded like this: new thing symbolizes good luck for the bride in her new family life. The old (usually a family jewel) symbolizes a connection with native family bride, brings her peace of mind. Borrowed guarantees that the bride will always be there faithful friends. And something blue will bring love and fidelity to the bride.

Now it has become fashionable when newlyweds hang a castle with their names on the bridges. But this old Russian rite was carried out in a slightly different way. Before the young people get ready to leave the house, a lock is placed under the threshold of the house. After the young people step over the lock, it is closed, and the key is thrown into a deep reservoir. The castle should be kept in the family as a symbol of love.

The launch of pigeons has already become a tradition. This custom came from Italy, where the bride released a dove into the wild as a sign that she was leaving her home. Now newlyweds make a wish when launching pigeons, and if the pigeons fly nearby, then the wish will come true.

At all new custom- the bride releases a sky lantern or a balloon into the sky with his own written on it maiden name as a sign that she says goodbye to her.

When the newlyweds meet after the ceremony with the loaf, they break glasses, throwing them over their backs. Glasses are broken as a sign that the young have left all their evil behind. And looking at the fragments of broken plates, they look at how happy the newlyweds will be - the more fragments, the more happiness.

Before the beginning wedding banquet(and sometimes even before the departure of the young people home), a ceremony of lighting the family hearth is held. Mothers of the young with the help of candles convey the warmth of the parental family hearth to their children. The newlyweds light one big candle with two candles. This large candle will symbolize their family hearth.

The wedding dance, which appeared in Rus' in the era of Peter I, has changed a lot in our time. The staged dance is becoming more and more popular, when young people prepare their beautiful wedding dance long before the wedding.

A beautiful custom is the dance of father and daughter. Usually, after a touching dance, the father brings the daughter to her chosen one and transfers the daughter to reliable hands young husband, but there are also very funny embodiments of this action in life.

The rite of farewell to the veil is becoming more and more fashionable. There are several variations of it.

According to one scenario, in the second half of the wedding, the bride changes from wedding dress to the ballroom, and gives his veil to an unmarried friend who dreams of finding her betrothed.

However, most often the veil is removed by the mother-in-law, immediately covering the bride's head with a scarf or shawl. This symbolizes that the mother-in-law accepts the bride into her house, as a daughter, as a continuer of the family. The veil itself should be kept at home, it should not be given to strangers. Our grandmothers said that a young mother can cover the baby's bed if he sleeps restlessly.

In western Ukraine, a “dancing” of the veil is being carried out. The bride dances with unmarried friends and holds a veil over her head. Thus, the bride "dances" her husband's girlfriend.

At the wedding, the bride can give a box from wedding rings the girl she wishes for a quick marriage.

Young people are given tied bottles of champagne, one of which they drink on their wedding anniversary, and the second on the birth of their first child.

There are a lot of modern wedding rituals and ceremonies: new ones are constantly appearing, and sometimes well-forgotten old wedding ceremonies simply return. Choose which ones you like, which ones will look beautiful at your wedding, and which ones carry meaning. It is quite possible that at your wedding there will be rituals that your grandmother or someone you know will tell you.

But do not forget that the rituals should be approached carefully so that there are not too many of them, and each ritual becomes bright and memorable not only for you, but also for your guests.