subject: Wedding Traditions Of Eastern Europe's Central Region [print this page] Wedding traditions of Eastern Europe has grand traditions that have been part of the regions many years. Although modern traditions have been incorporated, older traditions still remain. For the countries of Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania, they are no exception.
Bulgaria
- In old Koprivshttiza, it was the mother who chose her son's bride. The mother would see if the woman would make a good wife if she was a good housewife that was hard working. The reason for this is because often the son would be out of the village as much as four to five months out of the year and did not have time to search for a bride.
- Often the groom's parents and his friends will go to the home of the girl. They give her parents reasons for why they are there as through various rituals. When the families agree on the marriage, the young woman is then asked for her acceptance of the marriage, and more often than not, she agrees.
- In the old days, a Bulgarian wedding may last up to three or four days, in which day has something specific planned for it. Whether its food preparation or wreaths being made.
- Old Bulgarian wedding traditions are connected with the separation of the bride from her family and friends as she joins her groom's family. Often that leads to her calling her new in-laws mother and father.
- Just prior to the wedding, a bride will toss a dish over her head. The dish is filled with coins, wheat and raw eggs. In the event the dish breaks, that is a symbol for good luck.
- Future happiness is in order if the couple each steps into the church with their right foot.
Hungary
- Hungary is a multicultural country and often the weddings reflect that.
- The bride generally will wear an elaborate headdress which will include woven strands of wheat. The wheat is a symbol of fertility.
- An egg is also presented to the new bride. She would then smash the egg thus bringing good health to her future children.
- As a measure for the bride's wish for a long and happy marriage, she will present a gift of seven scarves to her new husband. Seven is considered a lucky number.
- The ceremony usually begins with the couple arriving by a horse drawn carriage.
- As a sign of their trust, the coupe will exchange moneybags and handkerchiefs.
- The money dance at the reception involves the bride placing her shoes in the middle of the dance floor. Anyone wanting a dance with the new bride needs to place money into her shoes.
Romania
- A wedding ceremony is often known as a "show" with elaborate outfits. This is looked at as a sign of prosperity and happiness to the new couple.
- Often in the Moldova part of Romania, a wedding celebration will last all night and into the morning.
- A sign of respect to the parents is for the couple to bow to them, which is another way of showing their gratitude for all that they have done as parents.
- At the end of the reception, a baby is held by the new bride as a symbol for her own home to be full of children.
- In the Maramures part of Romania, a trust worthy friend of the groom will be sent to the potential bride's home to get permission of marriage. Quite often the answer is yes. At that point the discussion turns to the woman's dowry and the engagement date is set.
- Many traditions are followed to be exact with a Romanian wedding. Everything from the clothing to the dressing of the table. Traditions play a very important part in wedding ceremonies and their pre and post celebrations.
- On the evening before the wedding, many men and musicians will show up at the groom's house where they will perform the "Flag Dance."
- Emotional moments are held for the relatives of the bride and groom as they ask their parents for their forgiveness for all past mistakes.
- At the ceremony, both the bride and the groom will have their cheeks washed by the groom's mother. This is one form of acceptance of the new bride by her new mother-in-law.
- A Romanian wedding is so important, that many girls begin to plan as early as age six. They will begin to fill their wedding trousseau by collecting treasures.
by: Nicole Sanchez
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