Weddings are one of
the most significant events in people's lives. In Russia, traditional weddings have deep historical roots and reflect the richness of the country's culture and customs. In this article, we will explore the features of traditional weddings in Russia, including pre-wedding rituals, the marriage ceremony, wedding celebrations, and customs.
Pre-Wedding Rituals:
In Russia, there are several pre-wedding rituals and traditions. One of them is parental blessing, where the couple seeks their parents' blessing for their marriage. Other rituals involve interactions between the couple and their relatives and friends, such as the "bride's ransom" and the "arrow translation." These rituals are symbolic and create an atmosphere of joy and interaction between the families.
Marriage Ceremony:
The marriage ceremony in Russia can take place in both government offices and churches. Civil weddings are conducted at the Registry Office (ZAGS), where the couple officially registers their marriage.
Traditional church weddings are performed in Orthodox churches and involve religious rituals and blessings from the priest.
Wedding Celebrations:
Wedding celebrations in Russia usually take place in a restaurant, banquet hall, or at the couple's home. They involve lavish feasts, toasts, music, dancing, and games. Traditional wedding dances, such as the "first dance of the newlyweds" and the "circle of youth," are important elements of the wedding celebration.
Wedding Customs:
Russia has a number of wedding customs that add a special atmosphere and symbolism to the wedding. For example, the custom of breaking the wedding bread, where the couple breaks bread and the one who gets the larger piece is believed to become the head of the family. Other popular customs include the throwing of the bride's bouquet and the catching of it by an unmarried woman, who is believed to be the next to get married.
Traditional weddings in Russia are a blend of religious, cultural, and social customs. The pre-wedding rituals, marriage ceremony, wedding celebrations, and customs create a unique atmosphere and significance for this event. Traditional weddings in Russia are an important part of the national heritage and reflect the richness of the country's culture and customs.