Traditional Russian Weddings

By: Jasslyn Montanez and Milachelle Powell

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Making Reservations

• Before asking ones hand in marriage, the couple must be eighteen or older to do so.

• The young couple is required to register with ZAGS (The Department of Registration of Civil Statuses)

• While registering with ZAGS the couple also register their string orchestra and/or photo shoots for the day of the wedding.

• During the ZAGS registration ceremony the couple exchanges wedding vows and rings

• Wedding celebration are usually long events because they sometimes last more than a day.

Ransom of the Bride (vykup nevesty)

• In Russian traditional weddings there are no groom’s men or bridesmaids, instead they are referred to as “witnesses” (svideteli).

• Traditionally, the ransom of the bride was a folk theatre performance. That is usually “set up” by the witnesses.

• The bride’s family would block off the road several times as the groom would try to make the trip to the bride’s house; however, the bride’s family would not let him pass until he proved some of his talents.

• In modern day Russia, this ritual is performed on the way to the ZAGS department or on the trip to the bride’s house. Today, this ritual is made up of funny challenges, such as writing poems or even writing the brides name in rose petals

• In certain Russian provinces passing by babushkas block the road until the groom pays to pass by.

Different Wedding Ceremonies (Church Ceremony)

• In Russia there are two different types of wedding ceremonies. There are church ceremonies and there are civil ceremonies.

• These two ceremonies are different from each other because church ceremonies follow traditional steps such as the following:– blessing the rings by the priest before they are put on the couples finger– the couple receiving candles, which symbolizes the couple’s willingness to

receive Christ in their life, so he may bless and guide them.– The joining of the right hands, which the couple must do throughout the

whole ceremony to symbolize that they are now one body.– The couple are crowned to symbolizes God honoring and glorifying the

newlyweds . The crowns also represent the couple being king and queen of their own kingdom. As the crown is above their head the couple, says: "The servants of God, (names), are crowned in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Crowning

• In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Holy Matrimony is considered a sacrament, and the sign of the marriage is not the exchange of rings but rather the placing of crowns on the heads of the bride and groom.

• The priest leads the couple into the center of the church where they come to stand on a piece of new, rose colored fabric, symbolizing their entry into a new life. Where they promise themselves to one another.

• After several long prayers, the priest places crowns on the heads of the bride and the groom. These are usually held over their heads by members of the wedding party.

• In the past , It used to be the custom that the bride and groom would wear their wedding crowns for eight days, but now the removal of the crowns is done at the end of the service.

Different Wedding Ceremonies (Civil Ceremony)

• Civil ceremonies are located at ZAGS.• When the couple enters the hall, they are offered bread and salt to symbolize health and a long happy life.• The ceremony last about 15 minutes. Afterwards, the couple exchange rings, say “I do”, and sign the book of registry.•A Russian wedding orchestra plats while the newlyweds walk out of the hall.• The wedding celebration starts soon after the ceremony.

Just Married!•After the ZAGS registration ceremony, the newlyweds and guest usually observe traditional wedding activities•the ransom of the bride•sharing of a wedding loaf (karavay)•touring the city (progulka) and a wedding feast.

Touring the city (PROGULKA)

• After the ZAGS ceremony, the newlyweds and their guest go on the tour of the city. Most often they visit historical sites, drink champagne, and take pictures.

• Limousines are the traditional form of transportation, but some newlyweds choose more unique transportation: vintage cars, horse carriages, boat rentals, and even the metro.

• While touring the city, many couples follow the tradition of laying flowers on WWII memorials , to show gratitude for their lives and happiness.

• Another tradition is releasing of pigeons, this traditions has been simplified over the years. In the past , pink and blue ribbons were tied to the pigeons to determine the sex of the couples first child.

• After the tour is over, the couple arrives at the banquet , which is the key part of a Russian wedding ceremony.

Wedding Feast

•The Russian wedding feast is the most eventful portion of the entire wedding its made up of many different traditions.•The most important event at the reception is that of the toastmaster (tamada)The tamada’s job is to introduce the guests, toast the newlyweds, organize singing contest and make sure the guest are enjoying themselves.•The feast begins with the tamada’s toast to the newlywed couple, with the cries of “Gorko” (“Bitter”) from the guest.• This tradition has a long history. In the past, the bride would carry a tray filled with glasses of vodka and the guest would pay the bride for a drink and then yell “Gorko” to confirm that it was actual vodka. After the drink the guest was entitled to a kiss from the bride.•Another tradition is, everyone throws their champagne glasses on the floor and it is considered good luck if the glasses break when they hit the ground.

Sharing of the wedding loaf

•After the ceremony, the newlyweds are given a loaf of bread, which represents health, prosperity, and happiness.•The bride and the groom have to take a bite out of the bread. Whoever takes the largest bite is considered to be the head of the family.•This tradition was borrowed from the ancient Romans.•This tradition can be followed by a toast and the breaking of a glass for good luck.

Stealing the bride (KRAZHA NEVESTY)

•Throughout the night, the groom must keep his eyes on the bride because if at any time the groom loses sight of

the bride she can be stolen by his friends and he would be forced to play the ransom.

The day after

• A traditional Russian wedding last between two days and a week

• The second day of the party is held where the newlyweds will be living.

• Guest are not allowed silverware or glasses they must pay to borrow these items the money goes to the newlyweds.

• The newlyweds must wear something newly bought on the second day a nice dress for the bride and shirt and pants for the groom. (no jeans or t-shirt)

• After the meal the bride must "clean" the floor in the room. The fun part is that guests are allowed to make a mess while she is but they only can make a mess with money. Usually people make a special effort to get lots of change, so the bride has to work hard. The collected money belongs to the couple.

• The atmosphere on the second day of the wedding is more quiet and relaxed though still cheerful and fun.

SOURCES USED

http://www.barynya.com/wedding.stmhttp://www.russian-crafts.com/customs/marriage.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_wedding_traditions