Russian Marriages - Traditions And Buying the Bride
In the recent past, Russian families have been liberal during family blessings or weddings. Earlier it was the duty of the young couples to obtain the consent of the parents, but now it is not that way. Those traditions are not the same but there are several other traditions that are to be followed in a Russian marriage.
Russian marriages are a distinct experience. Wherever you meet the Russian bride, be it on the streets or marriage agency, you ought to learn certain basic things about Russian culture and the traditions that are followed by them.
In the olden days of Russia it was quite usual for the bride and groom to be "promised" to each other at a very early age. They would actually spend their wedding getting to know each other. It was the family and the parents who made the decision that they would get married, not the young man or woman.
The Russian system of promised marriages began changing in the nineteen sixties. Dating was allowed during this time, but any sexual contact before the wedding was forbidden and severe punishments were given if they found out.
It was the right of a man to visit the bride's family to know about her prior to marriage. If the father expressed his consent, the woman had to win bread for her future in laws. This proved her ability in being a good and modest wife.
Buying a wife was not a crime. These days the practice of buying brides still exists as a tradition and not as a trade act. The man is permitted to get the woman he wishes to marry by providing wealth and gifts to her family. This way he is made to prove that he is wealthy and his ability of looking after the love of his life. Also he assures her a very good life after their marriage.
If the bride's family is against the marriage in any way it didn't mean that it was impossible for her to get married, but it was more of a challenge. There was a solution that is a tradition called "Stealing". Today it might sound funny to some, but as of a century ago stealing girls was considered a profession. Young men worked out all the plans to trick the family members who were refusing to allow the marriage.
Men were helped by their family and friends circle. This could happen only with his fullest co-operation of the bride. In the mid night, she would escape with her man of love, showing the rebellious nature of Russian women. They are ready to leave all that they cherished, behind, their parents and also when it is love and affection that is considered.
Signing of the papers was to be done along with taking vows according to the tradition of Russian marriages. The vows had to be taken in front of the almighty. This was done to show that they did care for their religion and also wanted to prove that they did not get married just for legal purposes.
In olden days marriage ceremony took a minimum half of an hour, but it stretched to long time like four to five hours with traditional and obligatory chants and various acts in order to obtain God's blessings. Modern couples, these days, prefer only short forms of the marriage promises instead of the longer ones. At the end of the ceremony , the families that take part in the wedding party is escorted to a Russian restaurant or a house where the guests celebrate the marriage by drinking and having delicious Russian meals with lot of happiness.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
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