Every tradition has a wealth of wedding traditions and Russia is no exception. While many current Russian couples opt for a more « westernized » ceremony that only requires them to sign their names in a register office ( or as we call it Zags), there are still those who want to go the whole pig and have the conventional Catholic festivity with all of its associated entertaining https://www.history.com/news/6-surprising-facts-about-st-valentine.
As an example, a classic Russian couple does greet their parents with bread and salt as they enter the home. This is a way of wishing the fresh few a longer life together. After this, the brides will have a special meal of korovai, a square marriage bread filled with different images such as seagulls, flowers, sun and stars, all wishing the couple wellbeing, prosperity and happiness.
During the welcome, guests are encouraged to cut a bit of funds on the floor around the brides, known as « dvoryanka ». This traditional custom embodies a couple’s desire for great success in life.
Another custom is that the wife throws her most beautiful russian girl in the world flower at the friends instead of the wife. Anyone caught it is thought to be the person who will marry the next, so they must be very cautious not to trample to hard. 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 wedding. In essence, the vicar’s buddies kidnap the bride before putting her in hiding until he reaches the end of a string of commitments intended to test his feelings for her. To free the girl, the man must pay either actual or symbolic income.