2. It comes from the old Ukrainian wedding traditions, when a wedding was
not just a party but a complete set of rituals which symbolized the creation
of a strong foundation for a new family and its future well-being.
The traditional Ukrainian wedding differs in details from village to
village, but all of them follow the same pattern in the order of wedding
events.
3. Dressing
Most weddings take place on Saturday. The bride and groom are usually dressed
in a white wedding dress and black suit. Some Ukrainian elements are sometimes
integrated into their clothing. For example, in some cases, the bride wears a bridal
headpiece in the shape of a vinok or wreath. Besides the bride's headpiece, the
embroidery on the bride's dress as well as on the groom's jacket and shirt
expresses Ukrainianess.
4. Blessing [blahoslovennia]
A ritual blessing of the bride and groom by their parents is
sometimes performed shortly before the church ceremony. It may
be done separately for the bride at the home of her parents, and
for the groom at the home of his parents, or it may be combined.
5. Wedding procession
The wedding cars are often decorated with paper and plastic
flowers. Sometimes the bride and groom separately rent limousines
or other special vehicles for the occasion. They drive separately to
church.
6. OFFICIAL WEDDING CEREMONY
When all the obstacles are overcome and the bride and groom are
reunited, they go to the registry office to exchange vows and to register
their marriage officially. There is the Ukrainian tradition according to
which after the couple becomes husband and wife they drink sparkling
wine and then throw champagne glasses on the ground. It is believed it
brings newlyweds good luck in their married life.
7. The marriage ceremony
The marriage ceremony often takes place in the afternoon. It is sometimes a relatively
quiet affair, but often the families ask a choir to sing and many people participate in a
grand and formal ritual.
The priest welcomes the bride and groom in the rear vestibule of the church and
blesses the wedding bands, placing them on the fingers of the bride and groom.
8. After all official and church events the couple continues wedding
celebration in a restaurant. Ukrainian wedding celebrations are
usually very interesting and joyous, full of funny competitions,
dances and folk songs.
Wedding celebrating traditions
9. WEDDING CAKE CUTTING FINALIZES LONG AND EXCITING
WEDDING DAY. THE BRIDE AND GROOM THANK THEIR
PARENTS AND GUESTS FOR SHARING THAT SPECIAL DAY
WITH THEM, TAKE THEIR PRESENTS AND FLOWERS AND
DEPART HOME TO HAVE THEIR FIRST WEDDING NIGHT.
