Russian Bridal Traditions
Every tradition has a wealth of wedding traditions and Russia is no exception https://blissy.com/blogs/the-blissy-blog/robed-and-getting-ready-to-go-the-perfect-getting-ready-robe. While many contemporary Russian couples opt for a more “westernized” service that only requires them to sign their names in a registry office ( or as we call it Zags), there are still those who want to go the whole hog and have the conventional Orthodox party with all of its associated fun.
As an example, a old-fashioned Russian partners did greet their parents as they enter the house with bread and salt. This is a means of wishing the new partners a long living together. After this, the newlyweds will have a special dinner of korovai, a circular bride food filled with different icons such as pigeons, blooms, sun and stars, all wishing the couple health, prosperity and happiness.
During the greeting, customers are encouraged to lose a bit of wealth on the floor around the brides, known as “dvoryanka”. This is a traditional custom that embodies a couple’s desire for great success in life.
Another custom is that the bride throws her flowers at the visitors instead of the visitors. Anyone caught it is thought to be the person who will marry after them, so they must be extremely cautious not to kick too challenging. A piece of the plate must be positioned underneath their pillow for those who do n’t pick up the bouquet.
The “ransom” is another well-known part of a Russian marriage. In essence, the vicar’s friends abduct the bride and keep her until he finishes a string of commitments that will inevitably humiliate him. To free the girl, the bridegroom must make either real or symbolic payments kiss russian beauty.