The best wedding traditions in Russia. Wedding customs in Russia

A Russian wedding is an interesting symbiosis of ancient national traditions, trends of the Soviet era and elements of Western style. Although many couples prefer to celebrate their wedding in a Western manner (exit registration, replacement of the toastmaster by the host, lack of competitions, accordionist, traditional ransom and meeting with bread and salt), most of the couple adhere to classical traditions.

Matchmaking

In ancient times, before sending matchmakers to the bride's house, they were carefully selected. As a rule, relatives became matchmakers. The main purpose of a matchmaker is to be an authoritative person in the eyes of others and to know what to say in a given situation. The peculiarities of weddings in Russia were that the bride did not know her future spouse before the wedding, and it depended on the skill of the matchmakers whether the wedding would take place at all.

Only by their speeches could one understand how good the groom is in his characteristics and qualities. Matchmaking has always been accompanied by jokes, songs, and dances.

As part of the matchmaking, many symbolic rites were performed, some of which are still observed today.

Loaf

This attribute was most often brought by matchmakers from the side of the groom. If the girl agreed to the wedding, she cut the loaf into pieces and distributed it to everyone present, starting with her parents. The loaf had to be eaten to the last bite - then the future marriage was considered successful and happy.

Towel

Today, a towel is used at matchmaking as a dish for a loaf. After the matchmaking, it is kept until the solemn day.

There were certain dates and even days when the outcome of the matchmaking could end most successfully. These dates included the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th of each month, as well as October 14th. The last date was especially significant, since it fell on the feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos. It was impossible to get married on the 13th of any month. Among the days of the week for matchmaking, weekends, Tuesdays and Thursdays were best suited.

Matchmakers, once in the house of the future bride, never openly declared the purpose of their visit. They talked with the owners of the house on abstract topics, and then from a distance came to the point. The bride's parents welcomed the guests cordially, treated them to drinks (they were served by the future bride).

At this time, the matchmakers looked closely at the girl, began to ask about her and praise the groom. If the groom was refused, then, as a rule, it was a very laconic answer: “Our apple has not yet poured”, “Our goods are not for sale”, “The dowry has not yet been saved enough”, and others.

If the results of the matchmaking were positive, then after discussing organizational issues, the bride gave her betrothed a pledge - a handkerchief.

A piece of loaf was wrapped in a scarf, and the matchmaker carried it, lifting it up, so that everyone could see that the matchmaking was successful and the wedding would take place soon.

Today, the wedding decision is made by the lovers themselves. Only after that, parents and other relatives will learn about the upcoming event. Of course, matchmaking in many families is carried out to this day (as a certain tribute to old traditions, parents). It is during this pre-wedding ceremony that the parents of the bride can better see and recognize the groom.

Today, matchmaking is carried out in a simplified form. Matchmakers do not arrange theatrical scenes, they sing little and do not say jokes. The groom, having entered the house of the bride, gives flowers to all the women present. Matchmakers bring fruits, alcoholic drinks, sweets. The bride receives a valuable gift from the groom and future father-in-law and mother-in-law.

Most often this is a piece of jewelry, but it can also be an old family heirloom. The bride's parents are presented with an inexpensive gift, but with meaning: a horseshoe (a talisman for housing), a beautiful candle (for comfort and warmth in the house), a photo album (for good memories) and others. As soon as there was an exchange of gifts and mutual greetings, all those present are invited to the table, where the details of the future wedding are discussed.

So that matchmaking does not turn into a boring evening, you need to choose the right matchmakers. The most suitable option is talkative natures who are not burdened with constraint, complexes that can captivate everyone with them.

The groom, who came along with the matchmakers, must remain silent. It is matchmakers who should shine with eloquence. Having greeted all those present and informed about the purpose of the visit, the matchmakers can come up with a whole kaleidoscope of comic trials and tricky questions for the bride. The same tasks, carefully prepared by the bride's relatives, await the groom.

Standing apart in the midst of matchmaking with characteristic jokes is the moment of marriage proposal. At this moment, both the groom and the bride's parents should be very serious, but sincere. The groom can ask parents to marry their daughter to him at the very beginning of the meeting or at the table.

After the engagement was announced to everyone, the main wedding chores began. The bride, along with household chores, had to prepare her dowry and sew a wedding dress. In remote villages, there was even a custom to go out every day on the porch of one's father's house, to sob and lament about the fear of entering a new life. Today, this ritual is no longer observed.

In addition, a bachelorette party was held on the eve of the wedding. Today in Russia, a bachelorette party is celebrated very magnificently and loudly, but in the old days it was a fairly quiet evening with sad songs.

The bridesmaids braided her braid, weaving in satin ribbons, then untwisted it.

It was believed that in this way the bride says goodbye to her former unmarried life. The bride herself wept and lamented. Ribbons from the bride's braid were considered endowed with meaning: the bridesmaids took them apart and kept them for happiness and a speedy marriage.

Pre-wedding preparation on the part of the groom consisted in baking a huge painted loaf, decorated with flowers, figurines and interesting patterns from the dough. The entire female half of the house, accompanied by loaf songs, was engaged in the creation of this culinary masterpiece until dawn. The groom had a bachelor party on the eve of the wedding. This evening was attended by his family and friends.

Bride ransom

In Russia, the ransom of the bride was a very responsible matter, requiring considerable generosity from the groom. Today, the monetary component has already faded into the background. The main purpose of the ransom today: passing all the test-competitions prepared by the bridesmaids, the groom proves to everyone how well he knows and loves his future wife. Friends from the groom's side can always come to his aid, if necessary.

After the ransom is completed, the bride's parents will organize a small table for those present.

Wedding ceremony

The wedding takes on a new shade after the official ceremony at the registry office. Many modern couples delight themselves and guests in the hall for official ceremonies not only with the first kiss, but also with the first dance (it is required to agree on a specific composition in advance).

After the official part, the guests will have a photo session with the young. Then the guests of the holiday should stand on both sides of the exit from the registry office to shower the young with rose petals, rice, coins or sweets.

According to folk signs, this ceremony (depending on the products chosen) grants young people wealth, healthy offspring, a romantic and sweet life together. If the newlyweds are true believers, then according to the customs of the Russian people, on the same day they undergo a wedding ceremony.

After the official events, the festivities begin. Usually only the closest friends are involved in them.

In order to keep colorful photographs as a memory, young people visit and hold a photo session in the most picturesque corners of the city.

The groom carrying the bride across the bridge is also an integral tradition of Russian weddings. According to beliefs, the young must do a similar procedure on seven bridges, then their union will be strong. But in the conditions of modern celebrations and the congestion of the main city highways, this is not always possible, so the tradition is observed, but the number of objects is reduced to one. They also leave a memorial castle with the initials of the young as a symbol of the strength of marriage.

In Russia, the newlyweds after the marriage visited the groom's father's house. The mother-in-law met them with bread and salt (loaf), and the father-in-law at that time held the icons. The bride and groom had to bite off part of the loaf. The head of the family was determined by the size of the bitten off piece. At the same time, the ceremony of blessing the new family took place. Today, a meeting with a loaf is increasingly taking place in a banquet hall in the presence of guests.

outfits

The first thing that comes to mind at a wedding is the dress of the bride. Its color is mostly white. The bride gets a new dress, although some girls prefer to wear their mother's dress on the solemn day, wanting to inherit her happy family life. A new dress is a symbol of entering a new life, and white is a symbol of youth and purity. That is why women who marry several times wear dresses in blue or beige shades for subsequent ceremonies.

If in Russia the wedding dress has always been bright red, then at modern celebrations you can see brides in white attire with bright accents or delicate pastel colors.

Red color today is the lot of bold and extraordinary personalities. The veil has become optional in modern weddings. It is perceived as a hairstyle decoration. You can replace the veil with a hat with a veil.

According to popular beliefs, there should be something old in the bride's attire. Most often, these are family jewelry or an element from mom's wedding dress. This attribute is a symbol of the connection between generations. Also, the outfit should contain a detail borrowed from a girlfriend. It is believed that then next to the young there will always be true friends who are ready to help in difficult times.

In order for harmony to reign in a young family, the bride must wear something blue: a garter, an accessory, an element of a dress, a make-up component.

feast

The wedding script is built in such a way that congratulations take the main place in it. Parents are always invited first. Then the floor is given to relatives and friends. So that the money envelopes do not form a chaotic pile, and by the end of the evening they are not lost at all, the bride herself or her girlfriends specially make a box with a slot. A witness helps the bride to collect gifts in monetary terms on the day of the celebration.

After the first toasts and snacks, guests are invited to the dance floor. By tradition, the first dance always remains for the young (if it was not in the registry office). It is very fashionable today to do staged dances, for which the bride and groom work hard for several months in a dance studio. For spectacular performance, the bride and groom can wear other outfits for a while.

Another traditional dance during the feast is the dance of the bride with her father. With this action, he blesses his daughter for a happy life in another family.

A wedding has long been considered the most important event in life. Orthodoxy does not provide for the possibility of divorce, so people got married only once. And although our religion promotes chastity and sings of purity, some merry liberties were allowed during the celebration of youth.

In the pre-Christian era, the rite of marriage symbolized the flowering of nature and fertility. After the Baptism of Russia, some pagan elements were preserved, new traditions were added to them. Both in rich families and among ordinary peasants, the decision of the important issue of choosing a life partner was left to the heads of families. But not everything was so bad. The young people understood the established order and found their own ways to persuade their father to choose their beloved betrothed or betrothed.

Russian wedding tradition

At all times, the ceremony of marriage was divided into several parts, stretched out in time. Each stage required not only certain words and actions, but also other obligatory attributes - costumes, gifts, decorating premises or vehicles. Main steps:

• betrothal
• Training
• wedding train
• "Purchase" of the bride
• Walking and feasting
• Second wedding day - pancake

The whole process took from one week to three months. The peasants arranged the dates in accordance with the church and agricultural calendars. Not only relatives, but also friends of the bride and groom took part.

The central stage - the wedding - was distinguished by special beauty, solemnity and splendor.

wedding suits

An important role was assigned to the clothes of the participants in the ceremonies. The main colors are red and white. Red symbolized male power and wealth, and white symbolized female purity, purity and beauty. Woven items were decorated with intricate embroidery with symbolic patterns.

Interestingly, in ancient Rome and medieval Europe, only very rich people could afford the red color of clothes. The dye was extracted from the shells of Mediterranean molluscs and was expensive. In Russia, red paint was made from carmine, a substance extracted from cochineal insects. Therefore, a Russian bride, even from the poor, could afford a chic outfit of a beautiful, dark red color.

bride's outfit

The young woman put on sandals, bast shoes or woolen felt boots, depending on the season. Toward the beginning of the twentieth century, leather boots were often used.

Under the clothes, the bride put on a shirt made of homespun cloth. In those days, underwear did not yet exist; this part of the wardrobe performed its functions. Casual shirts were simple and coarse. Another thing is the wedding. The bride began to decorate and embroider her outfits even before the wedding date was determined. The most commonly used threads are red and yellow.

A sundress was put on a shirt - a dress with straps, not without sleeves. It could consist of several parts at once and usually had a wedge-like shape. Tailors in those days did not pay attention to the female waist, the narrowest point of the sundress was at the top, in the chest area. And the widest one is near the ground. The color was almost always red, in rare cases - white or black with an abundance of multi-colored embroidery.

An apron was worn over the sundress, which served as a kind of "business card" of the bride. Girls spent years decorating it with embroidery. The entire costume was pulled together by one or more belts.

Separately, it is worth noting the headdress of the bride and groom. In almost all regions of Russia, women wore kokoshniks. Only the shape or decorative elements could differ. According to tradition, the bride had to remove the kokoshnik only in front of her future husband, at the wedding ceremony. The priest placed crowns on the bowed heads of the newlyweds and began the ceremony. In different provinces, the kokoshnik was called the magpie, kichka, warriors. But the essence has always been the same - a solid band and a colorful beaded fabric.

groom's outfit

If in Western countries a young man puts on a nondescript suit and gets lost in a motley crowd, then at a Russian wedding his clothes stand out among others. The main element is a red shirt or a kosovorotka. In the cold season, it could be replaced by a caftan of the same color. Often, not coarse cloth was used for tailoring, but thin and elegant linen fabric. The groom's shirt was also decorated with embroidery, but in less quantity than the bride's. Most often, a thin layer of embroidered fabric covered only the collar. Rich people wore fur coats in winter.

On his feet, the groom put on pants or, as they said in Russia, trousers, often black, and boots. The lower part of the men's suit did not matter much.

The groom's headdress is always a hat, regardless of the season. Furs have always been expensive and were a sign of wealth. Therefore, the groom could wear a fur hat decorated with velvet or pearls, even in summer. Ordinary people wore felt hats.

Russian wedding ceremony in detail

Interestingly, many traditions have survived to this day. But, although their form has remained almost the same, the essence has completely changed.

If now matchmakers come to seek the consent of the young, then before they went for the blessing of their father. Usually not the groom's parents came, but his relatives or acquaintances, who have the highest social status. The whole process could take place without the bride, her desire was of little interest to the participants in the ceremony.

Tellingly, it was not customary to speak directly at the matchmaking, indirect expressions were used. “You have goods, we have a merchant” or “You have a chicken, we have a cockerel.” Matchmakers started a conversation from afar, because the young father had to refuse for the first time. Although in many cases, it was he who was most interested in marriage. Therefore, the ceremony remotely resembled trade - the future father-in-law praised his daughter and dowry, and the matchmakers praised the groom and his family.

Smotriny

During the courtship, the issue of marriage was not yet resolved positively. Therefore, the next stage is the bride, the visit of the bride's parents to the groom. According to the old Orthodox tradition, the husband took his wife to his home. Therefore, the father of the future newlywed went to look at the farm in which his daughter would live and work.

Formally, it was during the show that the groom's parents could first look at the bride and chat with her. In some regions, the ceremony of the bridegroom was held differently - the groom's parents went (after the matchmakers) to the bride's parents.

In any case, it was at the bride's show that families made the final decision about marriage and the amount of the dowry. For the bride, this day was the most important. It is clear that formally the decision was always made by the head of the family. But we know that a woman, a future mother-in-law, often makes a decision instead of a man.

Betrothal in the Russian tradition

Engagement in the Orthodox world was very different from the Western one. Although our ancestors also used wedding rings, this accessory did not play a dominant role. The most important was the official announcement of the consent of the fathers of each of the parties and the announcement of the date. The parties, as it were, entered into a "wedding agreement", which was sealed with a public "handshake" - the fathers of the families shook hands with each other. It is from here that the popular expression "hit hands" came from.

Interestingly, in the process of betrothal, not only the size of the “dowry”, but also the size of the “treasure” was finally approved. This word was called the guarantee of material support for the bride from the groom's family. In the event that the future husband could not cope with his new duties, the wife had to live for some time at the expense of these funds.

Training

(Preparing the bride for the wedding)

Further actions in the Russian wedding tradition varied greatly, depending on the era and region. In general, their essence was reduced to the preparation of a solemn wedding ceremony. The future bride was already wearing different clothes than she informed others about the upcoming event. Sometimes a bachelorette party was held, only its essence was different from the modern festivities of the women's company. The young woman gathered unmarried girls to help her embroider her wedding clothes and prepare her dowry.

The groom also did not beat the bucket. He had to take care of the ransom, the wedding train, and the place for the feast. And just before the wedding ceremony, the young man, along with his friends, went to the bathhouse to cleanse himself of all the sins of a bachelor's life.

"Wedding Train"

In the old days, this term meant a motorcade of horses and a cart, on which the bride and groom rode to church. Only the poorest segments of the population had a walking wedding procession.

The harness of the horses was decorated with flowers and ribbons, the participants in the procession sang songs and wished health and well-being to the newlyweds. The men who participated on the part of the groom wore red shirts or decorated their outfit with red belts and ribbons.

"Redemption" for the bride

In our Orthodox tradition, all sorts of rituals associated with the "purchase" of the bride or the groom's right of way could take place at all stages of the wedding ceremony. In some villages, they even took a nominal fee from matchmakers who only came with an offer.

In most cases, the amount of the fee was symbolic or charged in the form of some kind of action. Sometimes the subject of the ransom could not be the bride herself, but some of her things or part of the wedding treats. This part of the ceremony has always been the most fun and interesting. Our ancestors also liked to play a trick on the groom, for example, offering him another girl.

Church wedding

The most important sacrament in the entire wedding ritual. It was here that the bride became a wife, and the groom became a husband. At the church ceremony of marriage, the clergyman put on the most beautiful and solemn clothes. Crowns were placed on the heads of the newlyweds, often in the form of a crown.

A number of ritual actions during the wedding symbolized the unity of the newlyweds. They tied their hands with one towel or belt, they drank from one cup or ate one piece of bread. In the north of Russia, it was customary to give young people one handkerchief, they had to, holding on to it, enter the church.

Only now the church wedding ceremony has acquired the same form throughout the country. In the old days, priests tried to follow the traditions of the area in which they served. They could cover the heads of the young with a cloth or "push them with their foreheads." Sometimes young people walked around the altar, stood on one towel, scarf or belt. You will be surprised, but the tradition, after leaving the church, to close the symbolic lock with a key and throw it into the river, has existed for several centuries.

Festivities, a feast and the second day of the wedding

Immediately after the completion of the ceremony, festivities began in the church. They usually took place in the groom's house. Due to the abundance of red in the clothes of the newlyweds, in some regions of Russia the traditional feast is also called the “red dinner”.

There could be several wedding tables at once. The guests were divided by gender, social status or family ties. In any case, the most important part of the ceremony was the process of seating the guests. The young people, as it were, indicated their attitude towards each of the guests. Here, for the first time, the newlyweds could sit down together at the table, in the most honorable place, under the icons.

In almost all regions of Russia, it is customary to continue the festivities on the second day after the wedding. Only not all guests are invited to this ceremony, but only the closest relatives and friends.

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 resolved various issues. 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 partially played by the cake.

There was also a rite of vaults in Russia, which was carried out even before the young people go down the aisle. This magical act was intended to unite the young family, to provide them with many years of living 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 Russia, 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, dance had a 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 capabilities 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 Russia. And the wedding loaf was 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 a light hand and a 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 on to the young, and at the same time say a parting word on how to keep 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 candles to the beautiful words of the presenter. 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 Russia, 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 in 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 luck to take a girl across the road 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 a young man they liked. 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. It was baked in dough and put on the festive table. After the celebration, all the girlfriends and friends broke off a piece from her.
• Ukrainian weddings are always wide, noisy, and alcoholic drinks are pouring on them. 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 the festive dishes there should be traditional pilaf, and among 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 Russia, 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. The color and cut of festive clothing may vary depending on the region of India.

The bride can have only one hairstyle - a 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 necessary, 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, the guests - men and women could not sit together, they were supposed to have 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 Russia, 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 passersby 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.

There are always couples who want to have a wedding according to the traditions and customs of the Russian people. Someone prefers the most spectacular, well-known rituals, while someone digs deeper and follows the established rules with an understanding of each rite. The traditional wedding of the Russian people is soulful, amazing, interesting, dear. This unique event remains in the memory of the guests, and the newlyweds receive an unforgettable parting word for a prosperous marriage.

What wedding ceremonies are characteristic of the Russian people?

A Russian wedding has long been a complex of customs, rituals and traditions performed according to a strict sequence according to a certain scenario. The most important rituals in Russia were conspiracy, matchmaking, wedding, bachelorette party, wedding feast and wedding night. Each action had an important semantic load. For example, a wedding is the legal, religious registration of marriage, and the wedding night is its physical bond. The wedding feast, according to the traditions and customs of the Russian people, symbolized the public approval of marriage.

Matchmaking

Taking into account the customs and traditions of the Russian people, matchmaking was a negotiation of families interested in marriage. This is a mandatory, basic ritual that preceded the wedding. In Russia, it was customary to marry early, so the choice of the bride for the son was done by the parents. The newlyweds themselves might not know about the upcoming wedding. Before the matchmaking, a family council gathered, which was attended by the closest relatives.

According to the customs and traditions of the Russian people, when choosing a bride, they did not take into account the financial situation, since it was believed that in marriage the couple would make everything on their own. Matchmakers were chosen with special care, because the outcome of the ceremony depended on the ability to conduct a conversation, win over people, present the groom's parents in a favorable light. According to the customs of the Russian people, the godparents of the guy, close relatives or a person who was respected acted as matchmakers.

The matchmaking itself took place in compliance with many signs, on which the future life of the newlyweds depended. The girl's parents came to marry. Families of the young established contacts with each other, since family ties at that time had serious weight. For the matchmaking, the so-called easy days were chosen: Thursday, Tuesday, Saturday, night or evening with a burning candle. After a successful completion, they put a bottle of alcohol on the table, and the matchmakers drank from the glasses as a sign of consent.

rain of abundance

This beautiful wedding custom, used by the Russian people, was intended to give the newlyweds well-being in material terms. In the modern age, rice is used for a rain of abundance, and earlier they took rye, oats, hops. They poured it on the young people's heads, threw it under their feet, so that throughout their life together they would have a lot of money for a decent life. Rose petals are also used - a sign of love, beauty.

Blessing of the young with a loaf

Another wedding tradition of the Russian people is the blessing of the young with a loaf, which bestowed happiness on the future family. Baking was prepared specifically for the ceremony, it was decorated with various patterns. Among the latter, the most important was a sprig of viburnum, personifying love. Loaf baking gave the wedding celebration a special meaning. To prepare it correctly, it was necessary to take into account many rules and rituals.

The Russian people have a custom according to which the dough for the wedding loaf was kneaded by one married woman who has many children and is happily married. So she shared her happiness with the future couple. Before cooking, the woman had to wash her hands, wash herself, put on a cross, a scarf on her head. While kneading the dough, she prayed. A married man also put a wedding cake in the oven with prayers. The larger the baking, the richer and happier life it promised to the couple.

According to the wedding traditions of the Russian people, in order to festively, beautifully meet the bride and groom, the most respected or eldest person in the family made a speech, and the parents of the young one carried out a loaf on a towel embroidered with patterns, congratulating the newlyweds. The couple took the loaf and bit off it: whose piece turned out to be larger, he was considered the head of the future family. Then the child cut the pastries and delivered them to the guests.

Bride kidnapping and ransom

In Russia, the pre-wedding ransom of the bride took place in several stages. At first, fellow villagers blocked the way for the groom on the way to his beloved. The second part of the ransom took place near the house of the future wife. The young guy had yet to find a bride. According to the traditions of the Russian people, initially the ransom was a performance where the groom and his friends played the role of strangers who make their way to the other world for their beloved. A horse was considered a wonderful helper for a young guy, delivering him to the bride's house and taking out a couple.

The Russian people have a custom according to which the groom's team had to pass tests, fulfill various desires of those who carried out the ransom: cross flimsy bridges, jump over fire to show strength and dexterity. Girlfriends could put forward strange demands, ask for money, make riddles. During the ransom, the main goal was to request the maximum price, the confrontation between the two sides. The stronger the struggle, the stronger will be the union of two hearts. After that, the groom could put the ring on the young finger, give a kiss.

Wedding traditions associated with the decoration of the bride

The custom of dressing the bride in a white wedding dress in Russia appeared only in the 19th century, and came into use in the middle of the next century. Until that time, according to Russian traditions, brides wore an old folk costume. Between the noble and peasant wedding attire, the difference was immediately visible. The bride from the nobility wore a dress with precious decorations, sewn from expensive fabrics.

Dress and veil

Until the 19th century, a wedding dress shimmering with all shades of red was common in Russia. The young lady went to the wedding in modest, sad clothes, as this symbolized the parting with the girl's life. In some regions, girls walked down the aisle in black clothes, a veil of the same color. After that, the bride changed into a red wedding dress, which symbolized the beginning of a new life, joy.

Wedding attire, according to the traditions of the Russian people, consisted of a set of clothes. The wedding sundress was a work of art, as it demonstrated the mastery of the hostess' needlework and the material well-being of the family. Wedding clothes could be passed down from one generation to another. Sundresses were embroidered with gold threads, decorated with braid, beads, silver and gold embroidery. A wedding dress was sewn from brocade, wrapped in pearls, expensive furs.

According to the customs of the Russian people, a wedding shirt was considered part of the wedding dress. The sleeves in it could be tapering, puffy, long, with slits. They performed a protective function. It was believed that young people should not touch each other with their bare hands during marriage. A huge number of underskirts were hidden under the wedding sundress, making the figure magnificent, performing the role of underwear.

A wreath woven from wild flowers, symbolizing youth, was considered an ornament of the head. Later, wedding dresses appeared, interpreting it - hoops, ribbons. The head of the newlywed was decorated with various jewels. The girl's hair was braided or left loose. According to the custom of the Russian people, the veil or veil served the bride not only as an adornment, but also as protection from evil spirits and evil spirits. After the wedding, two braids were braided, which wrapped around the head of the young woman. A kokoshnik was put on top.

Bridal bouquet and garter

During modern weddings, the bride appears with a bouquet, and then throws it to a crowd of unmarried ladies. This tradition, like the garter, came to us from the West. Throwing a bouquet symbolizes the transfer of the status of the bride to the girlfriend. That rite is used by the bride to say goodbye to girlhood. The roots of the tradition go back to England (18th century). Slavic brides, according to the traditions and customs of the Russian people, decorated their heads with a flower wreath, which they then allowed their friends to try on.

Ancient Russian weddings, of course, differed from modern ones, they had a special meaning. The union of two people into a family was accompanied by various rituals that were intended to make family life happy. The traditions of the Russian wedding were strictly observed. Each stage of the celebration included a number of events that obeyed their own scenario.

Bride - the first step to marriage

Preparations for a future marriage always began from the bride. The bride or groom was chosen by the parents, so they tried to find the most suitable couple for their child. Here, physical data were taken into account most of all. It is important that the future spouses have good health, on which the ability to feed the family and adequately preserve their family hearth depends. The girl had to be hardworking and strong in spirit. Little attention was paid to welfare. It was believed that the young would make their own wealth.

The parents of the newlyweds found a suitable couple. And if the girl and the guy approved of this choice, then preparations for the next action began. But, of course, the opinion of the girl was rarely taken into account, often she was married off without consent. In small villages, where all people knew each other, the bride could not be held.

Before starting the matchmaking process, a family council was held in the house, where all members of the family expressed their pros and cons. The bride and groom did not participate in this council, they were notified after that. Quite often, young people were informed about the upcoming wedding only the day before, and they might not have seen each other at all before that.

Matchmaking - the rapprochement of future relatives

Representatives of the two members of the family had to get to know each other, since family ties were of great importance. The groom's parents went to the bride's house. Talkative and wealthy people were chosen as representatives in order to present their family in a favorable light. Arriving at the house, the matchmakers were baptized on the icons and asked permission to sit on a chair.

The bride's parents set the table with all sorts of treats and invited the matchmakers to the table as Russian wedding traditions and customs required. It was believed that the matchmakers should be well fed, as this will bring good luck to the house, even if the groom did not really like it. And only at the end of the dinner they said that their “goods have not yet ripened” and the bride is not ready for the future wedding. They could also ask to wait if they did not know the groom at all. Parents said that giving a bride in marriage is not as fast as baking a pie. After all, raising a child is a long process, and it’s quite difficult to get married right away.

The matchmaking was supposed to take place by candlelight, after dusk, so that all family members were at home. It was possible to get married only on certain days - Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, as they were considered the easiest. The bride had to go out to the matchmakers and present them with some kind of treat, and the groom had to bring the ring. During the matchmaking, the future life of the newlyweds was not discussed, for this there was a different rite.

Conspiracy - no turning back

The parents of the bride and groom gathered again to discuss all the material and domestic issues of the future festival and the life of the young. They had to discuss everything. And if everything ended positively, then the parents feasted and drank a glass of vodka in honor of a successful agreement.

During the conspiracy, they also talked about the dowry of the bride; in wealthy families, this agreement was sealed with a signature on paper. After all the questions were discussed, the fathers slapped each other's hands. This ceremony was called handshaking. Then the bride and groom joined hands - thus showing that an alliance was concluded between them. After the agreement, it was impossible to refuse the upcoming wedding under any pretext. Refusal meant a mortal sin and the one who refused had to pay compensation to the other party. After breaking the agreement, mourning clothes had to be worn.

After this ceremony, the bride was not supposed to do chores until the wedding itself. She had to walk around the village and lament. It was believed that the more she lamented, the happier her family life would be. The groom, on the contrary, before the wedding had to have a fun walk with friends in order to say goodbye to his valiant life. Every evening he was supposed to give his future wife and her friends some kind of treat.

Bachelorette and bachelor party

The bride's bachelorette party lasted until the wedding day. She and her friends sang sad songs somewhere on a bench near the house. Girlfriends braided her braid, weaving flowers into it, decorated her head with wreaths. Then the braid unraveled. The scythe was considered a symbol of girlhood, and when it unraveled, it meant that the bride was ready to become a wife. Before the wedding, the bride went with her friends to the bathhouse to say goodbye to her former life. But first, she had to put on a wreath of flowers, which her girlfriends wove.

In the bath, the bride was helped to wash by her girlfriends, she had to soar for a long time with a birch broom. It was believed that the girlfriend who steamed with this broom after the bride would also soon get married. The groom before the wedding had to gather a feast in his house, where relatives and friends came.

Blessing - the path to happiness in marriage

Wedding traditions in Russia have always included the blessing of parents, without which the young could not get married. They had to get their parents' consent to marry. The blessing ceremony was held in the church, the bride's parents held bread, salt with a towel in their hands. It was believed that without this, young people could not be happy in marriage.

For the blessing, special bread with patterns was baked. Great importance was attached to its preparation. Only a happily married, prolific woman could prepare such bread in order to convey her happy experience in marriage. Before kneading the dough, she washed herself, put on a clean dress, and prayerfully set to work.

The bread was placed in the oven by her husband, also with a prayer. The bride and groom were always greeted with such a loaf, they had to be the first to bite off it, and then the bread was distributed to the guests in pieces. The couple was greeted with words of congratulations, which were to be pronounced by the most respected person in the family.

Newlyweds attire

The bride always observed Russian wedding rites, which required her to get up early in the morning and put on a mourning dress. This meant that her girlhood was over. Girlfriends had to braid her braid for the last time. Then the bride changed into festive clothes. The bride's attire of those times consisted of a sundress and a shirt, which could be white, but most often red. On this occasion, a sundress was embroidered with gold threads and decorated with furs and jewelry. Often wedding dresses were inherited from mother to daughter. They were carefully kept all their lives. Petticoats were worn under the sundress to add splendor to the outfit.

A wreath was put on the head and the hair was left loose, while they could be decorated with jewelry. After the wedding, the hair was braided and the braids were wrapped around the head. After that, the woman had to put on a kokoshnik or a bride's scarf. The shirt of the bride and groom had to be with long arms so that they would not touch each other before the wedding. The groom wore a hat with a flower attached. The clothes were girded with a towel. A white dress with a veil of the bride began to be worn only in the 19th century.

Wedding train or tests for the groom

Before the start of the celebration, Russian wedding customs demanded that the groom redeem the bride. This is an ancient rite, which was strictly followed. The groom and some of his friends went to the bride's house. On the way to his future wife, he was blocked in every possible way. The groom and his friends had to jump over the bridge, go through the fire and show their courage.

The bridesmaids would not let him into the house, asking him for money or asking him to solve a riddle. The young man also had to pay off his girlfriends with sweets, gingerbread, money. There was a belief that the more obstacles the groom had on the way to the bride in the house, the stronger their union would be. When the groom nevertheless broke through to his beloved, he put on her a ring and kissed her. They were showered with grain and hops. It was believed that this way the marriage would be happy. A table was laid for friends, but the bride and groom did not eat, because before the wedding it was necessary to cleanse themselves of everything earthly.

Wedding as an important stage of marriage

After the test of the groom, the newlyweds had to go to church to get married. They rode in different carts. The wagons were decorated with bells and bells to announce that they were heading to the church for a wedding. The horses had to be well brushed, the sledges had to be covered with soft pillows and carpets.

The wedding in those days had legal force, so the ceremony was recorded in the priest's book. The ceremony was accompanied by the reading of prayers. Crowns were to be held over the bride and groom throughout the ceremony. The priest gave guidance to the young about their future married life. Parents were usually not present at the wedding, they had to stay at home to cook festive dishes and set tables.

The bride and groom took witnesses with them, who were supposed to be the spiritual mentors of their marriage. During the ceremony, they helped the priest, served various things and held crowns on the heads of a young couple.

Prince's table of the newlyweds

And after the wedding ceremony, the wedding train was sent to the wedding feast - the prince's table, which was held in the house of the groom's parents. The bride and groom were seated in the front corner of the house, next to them - the next of kin. Tables were arranged in the shape of the letter "G". The groom was styled as a young prince, and the bride - a young princess.

Any acquaintances of the bride and groom could come to the wedding feast. Many dishes and drinks were served, and an odd number of dishes could not be served at the wedding feast. Tables were covered with white tablecloths. The bride and groom again were not supposed to eat anything from what was on the festive table. They were served dinner at the end of the wedding feast in a special room.

After they had eaten there, the second part called "the mountain table" began. At this time, it was customary to give gifts. Everyone gave them something - it could be a gingerbread or money. After the feast was over, the young people left to the cheerful songs of the guests in order to spend their wedding night.

The wedding night

The newlyweds spent their first night at the groom's house. They made a bed in a cold room - for example, a closet, and sometimes even in a sheepfold. The bride had to bring from her dowry a beautiful, ironed sheet and blanket. In the place where the young will sleep, they put a feather bed.

The process of making the marriage bed of love was a special rite. Under it it was necessary to put a poker, bags of flour and logs. Sacks of flour meant prosperity, and logs meant future children. It is important that there is a branch of mountain ash or juniper in the room, which is stuck into the wall in order to protect the young from unclean spirits.

Outside, the bridegroom's friends guarded the young, so that drunken guests would not interfere with them. The bride had to remove the boots from the groom, which showed her humility, and the groom asked if he could go to bed with her.

The next morning, guests knocked on the door of the young people in order to check whether the bride was innocent. And if not, then a heavy collar was put on the parents' neck. In those ancient times, it was believed that a girl can lose her virginity only after performing rituals and becoming a wife.

Khlebiny - the final stage of the rites

On the second day of the wedding, the rites were completed. A feast was again arranged in the bride's house. The mother-in-law for the son-in-law had to cook pancakes, scrambled eggs and treat him. If the son-in-law ate what she cooked, then the bride was innocent, but if he refused, then no. Thus, he showed the parent's claim that they did not watch over their daughter.

Modern weddings are very different from the old ones, but many couples would like to keep some Russian wedding traditions. After all, many of them conceal the wisdom of our ancestors and make the wedding celebration beautiful and sincere.