What Should Traditional Russian Brides Know?
Thursday, 17 June 2010 08:04 | 
Written by Lera Cupidonova |
The United States has many traditions when it comes to weddings. Knowing this it makes sense that other, older countries would have their own set of accepted occurrences when it comes to tying two people together. Traditional Russian weddings can be difficult to organize but for Russian brides the extra effort is worth every moment in the end.
The United States has many traditions when it comes to weddings. Knowing this it makes sense that other, older countries would have their own set of accepted occurrences when it comes to tying two people together. Traditional Russian weddings can be difficult to organize but for Russian brides the extra effort is worth every moment in the end.
The wedding celebration in a traditional Russian wedding often lasts for at least two days. In some cases it can stretch on for even longer. There is no best man or maid of honor. These people are simply known as witnesses, or in Russian "svideteli".
One thing that remains the same is prep time. Preparation for a traditional Russian marriage can run anywhere from one month to six months. The registration happens in a public place. For Americans it is usually a courthouse. In Russia they call these departments of public service "Zags".
A bride who is seeking a traditional Russian wedding should look forward to gifts of bread and salt. These edible blessings come from both parents. They are considered to be a symbol of health, prosperity, and longevity.
When the couple is given these gifts they are expected to take as big a bite as they can. This is much like in America where we take the first bites of wedding cake. Only, with Russian tradition the individual who takes the biggest bite of this special bread is considered to be the head of the household.
Another custom that we have in the States that is also used in the traditional Russian weddings is toasts. Toasts are where a friend or relative stands up and says something about the newly formed couple. After that a drink is shared by the entire room as a sort of well wishing.
In a traditional Russian wedding after the toasted is made the glasses are thrown on the ground. It is believe to be an omen of good luck when the glass shatters on impact. But if the pieces of the glass draw blood from anyone standing around this can be a sign of bad luck. It's a lesson for the newlyweds as well. You always have to take care.
One of the most interesting customs in a traditional Russian wedding is known as Krazha Nevesty. This means "stealing the bride" and it is exactly as it sounds. That's right; if the groom fails to watch his bride closely he may just end up without a wife.
The groom will have to keep a sharp eye out during his wedding celebrations. Friends and family members will more than likely try to set up lavish plans in order to steal his bride. If she's stolen he will have to pay a ransom to get her back.
There are many things to remember when you are planning to be one of these Russian brides. With all of the differences in wedding styles and all the hard work and gathering it can be easy to lose sight of your goal. Just remember that this is your day and you should be happy. After all, you're about to get married!
The United States has many traditions when it comes to weddings. Knowing this it makes sense that other, older countries would have their own set of accepted occurrences when it comes to tying two people together. Traditional Russian weddings can be difficult to organize but for Russian brides the extra effort is worth every moment in the end.
The wedding celebration in a traditional Russian wedding often lasts for at least two days. In some cases it can stretch on for even longer. There is no best man or maid of honor. These people are simply known as witnesses, or in Russian "svideteli".
One thing that remains the same is prep time. Preparation for a traditional Russian marriage can run anywhere from one month to six months. The registration happens in a public place. For Americans it is usually a courthouse. In Russia they call these departments of public service "Zags".
A bride who is seeking a traditional Russian wedding should look forward to gifts of bread and salt. These edible blessings come from both parents. They are considered to be a symbol of health, prosperity, and longevity.
When the couple is given these gifts they are expected to take as big a bite as they can. This is much like in America where we take the first bites of wedding cake. Only, with Russian tradition the individual who takes the biggest bite of this special bread is considered to be the head of the household.
Another custom that we have in the States that is also used in the traditional Russian weddings is toasts. Toasts are where a friend or relative stands up and says something about the newly formed couple. After that a drink is shared by the entire room as a sort of well wishing.
In a traditional Russian wedding after the toasted is made the glasses are thrown on the ground. It is believe to be an omen of good luck when the glass shatters on impact. But if the pieces of the glass draw blood from anyone standing around this can be a sign of bad luck. It's a lesson for the newlyweds as well. You always have to take care.
One of the most interesting customs in a traditional Russian wedding is known as Krazha Nevesty. This means "stealing the bride" and it is exactly as it sounds. That's right; if the groom fails to watch his bride closely he may just end up without a wife.
The groom will have to keep a sharp eye out during his wedding celebrations. Friends and family members will more than likely try to set up lavish plans in order to steal his bride. If she's stolen he will have to pay a ransom to get her back.
There are many things to remember when you are planning to be one of these Russian brides. With all of the differences in wedding styles and all the hard work and gathering it can be easy to lose sight of your goal. Just remember that this is your day and you should be happy. After all, you're about to get married!