Versatility of Ukrainian weddings or what is national unity?
Ukraine can safely be called a multinational country. In fact, there are not many indigenous Ukrainians left. The majority of our compatriots in their veins flows international blood. Such cultural diversity sometimes sow dialogue disgrace. There is only one charming resource that is capable of keeping the unity of the motley Ukraine on a chimeric but durable thread. This resource is love, which translates into a wedding. During the warm season on the streets you can meet numerous brides in lush white dresses. The size of these skirts sometimes literally fall into the eyes. But not only the traditional Western style manages in the celebration of marriage. What ethnic wedding traditions do modern Ukrainians have?
Do not forget that the ancestors of the Ukrainians were the ancient Greeks, who were partially assimilated with the Slavic tribes, enriching them with their culture. Actually, the wedding traditions that are now popular take their origins in ancient Greece. However, in those days, the weddings of the Greeks were slightly different from the modern traditions, which were strongly influenced by the British Queen Victoria.
The ancient Greek bride wore a loose white dress. Her hair was decorated with golden threads, and her face was covered with a delicate pink veil. The wedding was celebrated in the house of the bride. After the celebration, the newlyweds went to the groom’s house, where they were to begin their life together. At each corner in the new dwelling, the bride was awaited by a certain rite calling for happiness and good luck. On the threshold of the house the young mistress was met by the mother-in-law, holding bread and a belt in her hands. These details she covered in front of the threshold. The young spouse had to step over the tasty obstacle with her right foot. Later, in Ukraine, the belt was replaced with an embroidered towel. On the frame of the front door the bride was supposed to draw a cross. The resource for this was oil or honey. If she does not do this, the groom’s friends will cut a cross with a dagger on the frame.
This tradition has long been slightly outdated, so today’s Ukrainians rarely inherit it. An example of a strong memory of the rites of the Greeks can serve as the Crimean Tatars. They start celebrating their wedding only on Friday. On this day, the wedding is quite fun without the groom. In the house of the bride reigns noisy joy, whose members are her relatives and friends. On Saturday, this whole idle pack moves to the groom’s house, where the celebration continues. In addition to guests and fun, the bride carries gifts to her beloved home. Usually such a treat is good coffee. Undoubtedly, this drink will come in handy the next morning. After the wedding night, the young wife treats her husband’s parents with coffee and also kisses their hands.
A more practical and less costly wedding tradition was invented by the Jews, who created their little Israel in Odessa. In order for a couple to be called married, it is enough to hand the girl a ring. It is not necessary that this ring be expensive, it is only necessary that this process has two witnesses. In presenting the ring, the Jewish bridegroom says: “You are dedicated to me according to the Law of Moses!” The argument is weighty …
Despite the fact that all these traditions have many differences, they are united by one – the engagement ring. The most beautiful engagement rings (Kiev) at affordable prices offers luxury salon jewelry Daimox.