Ukrainian wedding traditions
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Taisia
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Alexandra
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Elena
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Ruslana
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Ukraine is a wonderful country with rich, colorful, and interesting history and traditions. Some customs have their origins from the times of Kievan Rus and even earlier. Meanwhile, most of these practices are preserved only in Western regions of Ukraine. That is why it is rather hard to participate in traditional events. However, if you want to learn more about Ukrainian history, customs, food, national costumes, singing, and dancing, the best option is to visit a wedding ceremony that will acquaint you with many traditions of this country. The wedding in Ukraine consists of several phases: proposal, wedding ceremonies (a civil ceremony and blessing of a church), and celebrating or "playing" the wedding.
Ukrainian Proposals
Due to strong family values and traditions in Ukraine, proposal is very important for a bride and a groom, as well as for their parents and relatives. It is filled with symbolism. For instance, when a couple exchanges pieces of the wedding bread, it is a symbol of their engagement. If a woman wants to refuse, she might give a man a pumpkin. Meanwhile, rings don't play such an important role in engagement and are usually used only during the wedding ceremony. Moreover, they are not as flashy and luxurious as American ones. A Ukrainian bride and groom exchange simple golden rings; most of them do not have diamonds.
Wedding Ceremonies
A traditional Ukrainian wedding ceremony consists of two main parts: a civil ceremony and a church blessing. Due to the fact that most Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians, the second event - church blessing - is even more important than the legal aspect. However, clergymen will not give their blessing without prior official registration of the marriage.
A wedding ceremony is usually held on Saturday and takes about two days. On Saturday morning, the groom with all his relatives and friends arrives at the bride's house. After numerous competitions and barriers held by bride's friends, he takes her to a registry office for the legal ceremony. The legal part of marriage is accompanied by solemn vows of love and fidelity. Furthermore, the couple with their relatives arrives at the church where the blessing part occurs. The church ceremony, as well as the proposal part, is a very symbolical one. During the blessing, many symbolic rituals are conducted:
- The one who first stepped on the handkerchief will be the master of the house.
- No one has to cross the road when the couple goes to the church.
- If the bride drops her handkerchief, the groove can abandon her.
After the church, newlyweds go to celebrate the wedding.
Celebration or "Playing" a traditional Ukrainian wedding
This part is probably the most important for guests. Because it is accompanied by mass festivities, traditional food, national costumes, contests, dancing, and games. Moreover, the whole process is controlled by the master of ceremonies that guarantees involvement of all visitors. During celebration, all guests should present their festive speeches, wish happiness to newlyweds, and present gifts.
As you may see, Ukrainian wedding traditions customs deserve your attention. Moreover, the best way to get acquainted with them is to take part in such a wedding as a guest or even as a groom. If you still don't have a wife, think about Ukrainian brides. Definitely, one of them is waiting for you!
Ukrainian Proposals
Due to strong family values and traditions in Ukraine, proposal is very important for a bride and a groom, as well as for their parents and relatives. It is filled with symbolism. For instance, when a couple exchanges pieces of the wedding bread, it is a symbol of their engagement. If a woman wants to refuse, she might give a man a pumpkin. Meanwhile, rings don't play such an important role in engagement and are usually used only during the wedding ceremony. Moreover, they are not as flashy and luxurious as American ones. A Ukrainian bride and groom exchange simple golden rings; most of them do not have diamonds.
Wedding Ceremonies
A traditional Ukrainian wedding ceremony consists of two main parts: a civil ceremony and a church blessing. Due to the fact that most Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians, the second event - church blessing - is even more important than the legal aspect. However, clergymen will not give their blessing without prior official registration of the marriage.
A wedding ceremony is usually held on Saturday and takes about two days. On Saturday morning, the groom with all his relatives and friends arrives at the bride's house. After numerous competitions and barriers held by bride's friends, he takes her to a registry office for the legal ceremony. The legal part of marriage is accompanied by solemn vows of love and fidelity. Furthermore, the couple with their relatives arrives at the church where the blessing part occurs. The church ceremony, as well as the proposal part, is a very symbolical one. During the blessing, many symbolic rituals are conducted:
- The one who first stepped on the handkerchief will be the master of the house.
- No one has to cross the road when the couple goes to the church.
- If the bride drops her handkerchief, the groove can abandon her.
After the church, newlyweds go to celebrate the wedding.
Celebration or "Playing" a traditional Ukrainian wedding
This part is probably the most important for guests. Because it is accompanied by mass festivities, traditional food, national costumes, contests, dancing, and games. Moreover, the whole process is controlled by the master of ceremonies that guarantees involvement of all visitors. During celebration, all guests should present their festive speeches, wish happiness to newlyweds, and present gifts.
As you may see, Ukrainian wedding traditions customs deserve your attention. Moreover, the best way to get acquainted with them is to take part in such a wedding as a guest or even as a groom. If you still don't have a wife, think about Ukrainian brides. Definitely, one of them is waiting for you!