domenica 6 dicembre 2009

martedì 30 giugno 2009


  1. The religious wedding has the same legal power as the civil one. So the couple doesn't have to go for a civil wedding befor the religious one.
  2. A man or woman can have three religious weddings.
  3. The wedding ceremony can take place during the Holy Service. Although most of the couples prefer it in the afternoons (especially weekends).
  4. You can not have a wedding ceremony in a monastery. Only in the parish church.
  5. Each couple must have a best man and a lady of honor (koumparos and koumera).
  6. The bride wears a white dress as a sign of virginity.
  7. During the ceremony, after the conation part, the couple following the priest is making three rounds around the table were the crowns were. It represents the aggelic dance in heaven. The tradition says that the angels are taking part in the ceremony and they are happy at that time.

martedì 9 giugno 2009

The bride and groom today

Russian Wedding Traditions

Russian wedding traditions are many and are celebrated very pompously and religiously. What is noteworthy about every wedding in Russia is that civil weddings are given much more preference to official weddings. This is why even if a couple ties a knot in a church they have to separately organize a civil wedding ceremony. This reflects the social consciousness of the Russian people. Following is a detailed description of the Russian Wedding Traditions.
Russian weddings mainly last for two days and is celebrated lavishly. Though the Russian civil ceremony is a small process yet it is carried out with much fun and enjoyment and is more of a festival. The whole process of wedding involves singing, dancing, feasting and drinking. This explains the fun-loving nature of the Russians.
Unlike other wedding ceremonies in the world, Russian wedding ceremonies are attended by close friends and family members. During this ceremony the Russians follow certain customs and traditions. These are:
• A relative or a close friend makes a wedding toast in honor of the newlyweds.
• Again it is mandatory in a Russian wedding to offer the bride and the groom bread and salt. This is mainly done to ensure the newly-weds have a good health and a flourishing married life.
• The bride and the groom must reach the wedding chapel together to exchange the marriage vows. Then they are supposed to stand on a special carpet all through the marriage ceremony. There is more to add to this. Whoever reaches the carpet first is regarded as the guardian of the family.
• Again towards the end of the reception the guests throw the champagne glasses on the floor. It is a common Russian belief that if the glasses break into pieces after hitting then the ground then this is sure to bring the couples good luck.
Russian weddings are also popular for the exclusive dining that they have. Here the guests are treated with delicious Russian dishes. They can also enjoy romantic Russian music and can dance to its tunes.

German Wedding Traditions

German Wedding Traditions are true reflection of their customs that have inherited from centuries. The German Wedding Traditions are so popular among people of different counters that many people come to Germany to get married. Germans value their native rituals. There are many Germans living abroad who wish to marry in accordance with their customs and traditions.
German Wedding Traditions are of diversified types. Generally the wedding traditions in Germany vary from one region to the other. May is the favorite month of marriage in German. There are many people, especially the younger generations who prefer a fusion of both the traditional and the contemporary customs.
Generally the father of the bride has to bear all the expenses of the wedding. It is an old custom that are still practiced in many families. But today in many families the cost is shared by both the families. During the engagement both the bride and the groom wear ring on the left hand. But after the wedding the ring is worn of the right hand. The rings are made of gold and has no diamonds studded on it.
The bride should not wear the wedding dress before the wedding day. It is inauspicious to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony. The bride generally wears white. Often the bride can wears a flowery headband. The groom wears a black suit. The smoking jacket can also be a better alternative. After all the preparations are done the bride and the groom proceeds towards the church.
But before the church -wedding, the bride and groom go to the Registry Office to get married. A witness for the bride and also for the groom generally accompanies them. After all the legal proceedings is completed the bride and the groom enters the church. Sometimes the bride carries salt and bread while the groom carries grain. Salt symbolizes good harvests and grain wealth. Generally before the wedding all the possessions of the bride are transferred to the groom’s home
After the wedding the first dance is performed by the newly wed. It is known as waltz. After that bride dances with the father of the groom while the groom dances with the mother of the bride.

Weddings in Czech Republic

Weddings in Czech Republic offer an exclusive experience to the couples. Situated in Central Europe the Czech Republic is a suitable location to witness the most special event in your life and commence a new journey of your life your partner. Weddings in Czech Republic provide multifarious options and services to make the ceremony an affair to remember.
Couples can tie the nuptial knot in the midst of Bohemian forests, the majestic Jeseniky Mountains or the Krkonoše Mountains and make it an unforgettable moment of their life. Wedding venues in this region also include castles such as Kost Csatle, Zbiroh Castle, Cesky Krumlov, and Konopište Castle. Both civil and Protestant ceremonial rites are performed in most of theses castles. Few of the packages available in the castle weddings consist of horse-drawn carriages, a multi-tiered wedding cake, photographers and videographers, and accompaniment of music. Accommodations and transportation facilities in vintage cars for the couples and their guests are also arranged. The couples can also opt for spa massages and other beauty treatments.
Czech Republic Weddings in the churches include special packages featuring legal documentation, time management for the final day, transportation facilities, wedding coordination, live music, floral bouquet for the bride, witnesses, wedding cake, photography and a lavish dinner. Apart from these bottles of wine or champagne are provided in the civil ceremony packages. Romantic Weddings in Czech Republic can be held in the Old Town Hall or the New Town Hall which reflect the rich heritage and culture of the land. Many luxury hotels and resorts offer wedding packages to the couples from across the globe. The essential necessities required in the Weddings in Czech Republic include a legal passport with a validity of ten years, birth certificate, Certificate of
Celibacy, Decree Absolute, and Divorce Certificate and Death certificate of the Spouse, if any. Couples are recommended to keep the original copies and the photocopies of all such documents. However, it is needed that the couples must undergo an official translation of all such documents. For the overseas couples, the Czech law calls for the presence of an interpreter.

Weddings in Hungary

Weddings in Hungary are recognized as significant celebration amongst friends and family. The diverse landscapes, awe-inspiring mountains, wonderful wines and luxury of Western Europe have made this place an ideal wedding destination. Weddings in Hungary are generally accomplished with ancient marriage traditions wonderfully blended with modern customs.
The Weddings in Hungary reflect the multicultural nature of this region. You can have a brief idea of the customs related to Weddings in Hungary and you can incorporate them into your own wedding also. The ceremony starts with arrival of the couple in a horse-drawn carriage. They then exchange handkerchiefs and moneybags as a sign of trust. There is also a ritual of money dance in which the bride places her shoes in the mid of the floor and those you would like to dance with her put their money in the shoes.
The wedding feast is also a significant part of the wedding celebration in Hungary. Before you plan a grand feast for your wedding, the wedding venue should be chosen. Budapest, the capital of Hungary has many spectacular beaches and a beach wedding is an interesting idea. The beaches like Palatinus Beach, Csillaghegy Swimming Pool and Beach, Paskál Beach and Római Beach are ideal venues for beach wedding. You will get all facilities here to arrange a wonderful wedding. The marriage agencies of Hungary will help in all way.
The International Baptist Church and Kaposvar International Church are the two major churches of the country where weddings can be arranged in true Christians' spirit. For arranging a grand feast you can opt for the community center, which can be decorated, according to your wish and you can order food from any good restaurant or avail of catering services. If you intend to make your wedding an extravagant affair then the banquet halls of the luxurious hotels are better choice. The Excelsior group of Hotels, InterContinental group of hotels, Mandarin group of hotels and Holiday Inn group hotels are the major hotel groups of Hungary that offer wonderful wedding services to the guests. The special honeymoon packages of the hotel will definitely make your wedding celebration unforgettable.


A traditional Bulgarian marriage involved two "cycles": engagement and marriage proper. The engagement was something of a legal event, it represented a form of bargaining, a deal and fulfilment of the material terms and conditions by the two parties. The wedding itself was an official and public confirmation of the contract. Both rituals were characterized by a good deal of theatricalness, especially the wedding ceremony which was characterized by a mixture of elements of a symbolic, magic, and artistic (dramatic, musical, poetical and choreographic ) nature.
Irrespective of their "buy-and-sell" aspect, marriages in the countryside were concluded mainly for love, while in the towns the prevalent principle was the class-related and mercantile one.
The engagement was initiated with "reconnaissance" visits to the girl's place. Confidants of the candidate tried to find out what either parents and girl thought. The talks were kept in secret, since their outcome was not always predetermined. The moves of both sides were full of mystery and allegory. The guests would give a sign as to the aim of their visit by sitting next to the fireplace and starting to rake the coals with the iron-tongs. Consent was expressed by the phrase "Let us see", acceptance being at least once delayed. The proposal was declined by saying that the girl was too young to be married.
Provided an agreement was reached, the messengers of the suitor presented the family with money and gifts, and the girl's family, in turn, gave dowry in cash or kind - goods, livestock, or real property. With this - according to common law - the marriage contract became effective.
The festive engagement ritual was already a public event and was accompanied by feasts, music and frolic joined in by many near and dear. Only under most extreme, scandalous circumstances could an engagement be broken off. The period of time between the engagement and the wedding was short - several weeks, as a rule. Intermarriages of people of different religions were not practised. The "breakthrough" in this respect dates back to as late as the 19th century, when Bulgarian students abroad started marrying women of German, Czech, and other nationalities.
All wedding rituals had a specific meaning and were performed by strictly appointed persons, although the personage varied from region to region. Along with the bride and the bridegroom, "central parts" were played by the sponsors, the bridegroom's brother and sisters, etc.
The marriage proper would begin with a ceremonial invitation of the guests. The people who performed this task were decorated with towels across their shoulders and carried a wooden vessel of wine (baklitsa) and containers of brandy. In smaller communities practically everybody around was invited.
Meanwhile, a ritual baking of the festive bread was underway. The baking was done by young women at both places, all the rites being accompanied by "tradition-blessed" songs. The next point was the making of the wedding banner, again by young girls. The banner was white, red, or white and red, its top being adorned with flowers, a gilded apple and an onion. In most places a wedding tree was also set up and decorated with blossoms, ribbons and gold-foiled fruit. It was carried by every wedding procession and was usually placed in front of the most respected wedding-guests. At the sponsor's place wreaths were made to keep from the evil eye and other troubles. During the church service, they were placed on the heads of the young couple, who did not remove them while following the way home.

Before taking the bride out of her father's home, a group of girls, her friends, would unbraid her hair, comb it and plait it again filling the room with resounding ritual wails and songs. On his part, the bridegroom would be ritually shaved by his friends, even if he was still beardless. This ceremony also involved singing songs, the ritual being regarded as the end of single state. The boy's or girl's farewell parties popular in Europe were rare in Bulgaria.

The dressing of the bride (naturally with her finest garments) and her trimming with adornments, wreaths and other embellishments was also accompanied by heavy ritual trappings. Finally, there came the veiling (with a thick red cloth showing nothing through) - a symbolic "isolation" of the bride from the outer world, and of the world from her. Since the beginning of the 20th century the red fabric has been replaced by fine manufactured tulle

Traditional Bulgarian Wedding

Many Bulgarian wedding rituals have been almost entirely preserved. Others are now lost. However, in the 21st century, Bulgarians tend to reject marriage in great pomp. Most of the original rituals are still carried out but many young people do not follow the "old-fashioned" customs.
Originally, marriage consisted of a series of festivities, containing elements and symbols that were impossible to omit. Not to follow the procedures was inconceivable. The main elements of a marriage can be divided into three cathegories - "engagement", "marriage" and "post-marriage" rituals. I plan to present them to you in three articles.
The Visit of the Parents
It is important to point out that even though the father was considered as the most important person in the family, the bride's opinion has always been taken into consideration and her wishes were always carried out.
A girl who would not accept marriage would never be forced into an arranged one. Sometimes a girl would have some requirements which her future husband had to carry out. Those are often refered to in tales. Sometimes the bride would ask her future husband to bring her some kind of gift in proof of his attachment. Sometimes, young men from the North-West would go far to the South ( and some would even reach Greece ) to buy sheep or other cattle - a journey that could turn out perilous for many especially at the time of the Turkish presence.
Until the 1940-ies there existed one exciting ritual that preceded the wedding. It was called "sgleda" and consisted of a prearranged meeting between young people who wanted to get married.
Young men would go after young women who, every morning, went to the river to do the washing or to take water. Water was carried in large pots called "mentsi". Those were carried on the shoulders and if a man wanted to give a sign of love to a young woman, he would attempt to drink some of the water she carried back to her house.
Then, the young man sent his father to the home of the chosen girl. If the young man was an orphan, he would send his mother or his closest friends but he would never go on his own.
They would usually bring "rakia" ( a very strong home-made beverage which is made of plums or grapes and resembles the german "schnapps" and the French "eau-de-vie" ), a small bouquet of "zdravets" ( an evergreen plant with no flowers nor buds, which is considered a symbol of health and prosperity ) as well as some gifts for the girl and her father.
The girl's father, considered the master of the house, offered the guests a drink. If he approved the match, he would give his blessing. Then he was supposed to ask his daughter three times if she could accept the marriage. If she confirmed, the family sent small gifts, cookies and wine back to her future groom and his family.
Sometimes a girl would propose to a young man by leaving him her kerchief or a flower. She would drop it somewhere near him and would not turn back. If he accepted, he would send his parents to the girl's family.
The Engagement
The engagement was often held at the girl's house and this on a specially chosen holiday or on a Sunday. Relatives and neighbours were invited and were normally supposed to have a great feast, overeat and drink as much wine as they could...
An important moment during this ritual was the agreement on the details of the wedding. This ritual was the equivalent of a legal act. The period between the engagement and the wedding lasted from one day to a year or even more. It depended on the local customs and the income of the families. Some would take their time and save money for the future family or even start building a house!
During that period, the girl was allowed to see her future husband but the young man was not to go to the girl's house without prior arrangement. The girl was supposed to stay at home, weave, knit and sew. She had to make the costumes for the marriage, the bedclothes for her first wedding night and everything she might need at home.
The Party and the Hen - a Bachelor's Party or a "Farewell Dinner"
After the engagement party, people were supposed to have two farewell parties. The first party was thrown at the groom's house ( the bride was not present ) and the second one - at the bride's ( the groom was not present ).
Normally, both families would kill a hen in honour of their future family-in-law. In some regions, families would go around the village ( or town ) and would give sweets and food to everyone they saw ( an article on traditional food will be published later ).
Those parties have lost their original ritualistic meaning but they are still symbols of the separation of a single person from a group of unmarried men or women. They mark a period of transition and entrance into active life. At the same time, the week prior to the wedding was full of many complicated rituals which are no longer practiced and most are forgotten.
The Ritual Bread and the Wedding Three
The Bread was made on the Thursday prior to the wedding. It was called "Pita" and was considered a very important part of the preparations. ( Such bread is made on almost every holiday. For every occasion, there exist different types of forms and ornaments. The top of some "pita"s is covered with ornaments representing grapes, animals, people, crusifixes, etc. There are thousands of pattenrs possible but each carry a different significance and has a predefined purpose. )
The Bread was prepared by the oldest woman of the bride's family. She would prepare it while singing ritual songs one after the other. When the dough was ready to bake, she would place a cross on it and would bless the bread.
During the last week before the marriage, the tradition required the preparation of the object to be carried in front of the wedding procession - the "wedding tree".
This time, somebody close to the groom was in charge of preparing it. Often this was a brother or a cousin. The pole for the so called "tree" was cut off from an orchard tree. The branch had to be chopped off with one swing and the pole had to be about 2 meters long.
A hand-woven kerchief and an apple were attached to the pole. An onion was fixed on top of it. This was also decorated with popcorn and bunches of "zdravets" ( the plant I mentioned above ). Ivy was tied with interwoven red and white threads ( this is called "martenitsa" and Bulgarians belive it brings health and happiness, there is a special holiday on the 1st March every year in connection with the "martenitsa" - I envision a special article about it ).
The wedding tree is still preserved in some regions. It is carried in front of the wedding procession. Some Bulgarian Roms ( gypsies ) have this same tradition. In some regions we can see a flag ( normally red ) or even both a flag and a wedding tree.
Braiding the Bride's Hair & Shaving the Groom Hair braiding was an important part of the pre-marriage ritual. Everything was done by the friends of the bride, who sometimes accomplished entire chef-d'oeuvres. Many jewels were put in the girl's hair and were often quite heavy to wear. Most of the jewels were made from wrought iron and silver. At the same time, the hair of the future groom was shaved which was thought to serve as protection from evil forces.
Both these rituals were accompanied with dances and music, supposed to protect the couple. These were the last rituals that preceded the wedding.
The Best Man
Early on the morning of the wedding day, all the guests, relatives and friends of the groom would gather at his house.
Usually, there was a table set with snacks for the guests. The main concern at that moment was the best man.
The best man and the maid of honour were ( and still are ) chosen among the married couples of the town or village. They had to be close friends of the young couple.
The "taking" of the best man from his own house was very a jovial and noisy procedure, which was accompanied with music and dances.
The groom and his friends, headed towards the best man's house, followed by musicians and the crowd of guests. They danced dancing all the way to the best man's house and if there was a carriage, ( as in some wealthy parts of the country ) the whole procession was obliged to run after the vehicle... Even at this time, in some villages we can see a large croud, following some musicians, who, on their turn, run after a carriage, in which there tries to stand upright a very happy ( and most of the time very drunk! ) fellow - the groom.
There was another table set at the best man's house for the guests... The groom brought wine and a roasted chicken. From that moment on, the best man's word was said to be "law" - whatever idea he had, everyone had to follow him. The procession headed towards the bride's house, the best man carrying his own wine, the bride's maid waving the bride's veil. If the best man suggested it, this procession could run around the village for as long as it physically could endure it and until they had no more wine... This procession went to church to take candles and a small basket of baked candy.
Taking the Bride Before the groom left the house, his friends poured barley over his head and shot with rifles in the air. Then the groom's father stood at the gate and blessed his son and the marriage.
The order of the ceremony procession towards the bride's house was the following:
• at the head of the procession was the flag-bearer,
• then the dancers (young men and women who play "Rachenitsa" - a popular folk dance),
• then come the best man and the groom,
• then come the musicians, who were supposed to make as much noise as possible.
The rest of the guests followed at the end. There was a special messenger who served as a "hostage". He would go first to the bride's house. Usually this was a man with a great sense of humor who told jokes and tried to divert the attention of the bride's parents by trying to buy a rooster from them. This has a particular purpose, however. It was because the bride was hidden somewhere in the house and if her parents' attention was diverted, someone might come and steal her.
There was a rooster on every wedding. It was decorated with wreaths of white popcorn and chili peppers. Its wings were tied with red cloth and people usually bargained a long time on its price.
The groom's wedding guests were stopped at the front gates. They had to jump and do all sorts of crazy things in order to be allowed to enter the bride's house. Sometimes, if the "hostage" was successful in diverting the parents' attention, he would open the gate or would even steal the bride and take her outside right away!
But if we follow the normal procedure, after the procession was allowed to enter, the most honored guests sat down around tables in the yard.
The attention shifted to the young couple. The bride was locked in a room somewhere, and only the bride's maid could visit her.
Later, after some bargains for admission, the best man and the groom could join them too. The maid's obligation was to "veil" the bride. She veiled the bride three times; two times the bride would reject the veil, on the third time she would agree to keep it.
In the meantime all the wedding guests were singing and dancing outside, expecting the groom and the bride. The "hostage" continued to make jokes, play with the rooster and brag about anything. At the same time, the girls were trying to steal the rooster in order to sell it again.
The groom and the bride are taken out of the house by the bride's brother (if any) or by the bride's maid. Each held an end of a long hand-woven cloth.
At the front door, there was to be another set of protection rituals. The bride threw a dish (a new one and especially brought by the groom) filled with wheat, coins and a raw egg. She threw the dish behind and over her head and she was not allowed to look back at it. It was a good sign if the dish broke into many small pieces.
Then the bride had to knock over a copper cauldron with water. People guessed about future crops, by the way the water had spilled.
At the front gates, just before the bride and the groom left the house, the mother threw a bucket of water on the road, wishing them a smooth and happy life. The guests threw coins, wheat and candy all over.
An essential part of the wedding ceremony were the sad songs that were sung because of the separation of the mother and the daughter or the bride's separation with the girl's life. Singing was very important and that is why the guests sing almost all the time! The songs are full of symbols and are sometimes impossible to translate correctly... An example of some lines of a song is:
"A fir tree is being twisted; a lass says good-bye to her kin."
Usually in front of the bride's house the groom and the guests dance the "horo". This is a very popular dance, which persist in every celembration. There are different types of "hora" ( the plural ) and one of the best are those arranged by Diko Illiev.
The Wedding Procession
On the way to the church, the wedding procession was cheerful and noisy. There had to be someone to beat the drum, the guests had to shout and shoot in the air. Occasionally, they would stop on the way to dance and anyone who passed by was invited.
The bride was never to look back at her house. It was not a good sign. Another terrible sign was if two brides ( unmarried ) met on the street. It was believed that they would steal each other's happiness, that is husbend... Even today there are occasions when a wedding ( in Bulgaria, the word "wedding" - or "svatba" is often used as a collective noun as in English "the police" or "the blind" etc. When used in this way, it would mean the whole procession AND at the same time every single man or woman who walk along with the bride and groom. Here I use it contrary to the English rule... ;-) )wander and sneak around the neighborhood in order to avoid facing another marriage procession.
The Marriage Ceremony
The marriage ceremony in church is a very important part of the wedding even though it had nothing to do with the folk rituals! They remain from the times of the Tribal Union ( which occupied the territory of future Bulgaria ) when the population had multiple religions and obeyed the rules of polytheism!
Marriage in a Christian Orthodox church ( this is the official religion in Bulgaria ) is very different from the one in a Catholic or a Protestant church. If you would like some details or if you have questions on this subkects, please do not hesitat to write and I will do some research!
Now, very often, the bride and the groom would try to enter the church with their rihgt foot first... But that is more of a superstition. Anyway, many people believe that the bride tends to step with the left one first all the time so the groom actually attempts to carry the bride.
Later, after signing of the official documents, instead of kissing the bride, the groom tries to step on one of her legs... Sometimes it is she who succeeds to do it on the first place and then, there is a general applause for that is considered a sign that the bride would wear the pants in the family.

Weddings in Poland

Weddings in Poland, a country at the heart of Europe where east and west meet, are an important family celebration. A key tradition at a Polish wedding reception is the presentation of salted bread and a cup of wine by the parents of the bride and groom. As the newly married couple, you will eat the bread and drink the wine.
The bread symbolizes the hope of your parents that you will never be in need. The salt represents that life may not always be easy, but that you must learn to cope with troubles that come your way, and the wine is offered in the hope that you will never be thirsty and have a life of happiness with many friends.
Poland is a country where historic towns and villages dot a picturesque landscape. The capital, Warsaw, is divided in half by the Vistula river. Mostly postwar in appearance, the city does have some historic sites, which have been restored with meticulous care.
Poland's second city, Krakow, is where most of the country's historic sites are concentrated. The royal capital for 500 years, Krakow was virtually untouched by the second world war, and has a fascinating variety of architecture. There are many museums and churches to visit, some dating back as far as the tenth century.
Poland's only alpine range is the Tatras, a region which offers numerous opportunities for walks and treks. Many traditional villages are scattered amongst the towering mountains, at the foot of which lie glacial lakes. Another popular region of Poland is the Great Masurian lakes area, ideal for yachting and boating. This part of the country is well suited to being explored on bicycle.
However you choose to experience Poland, your wedding here will be a day never to forget.

Weddings in Croatia

The central figure in Croatian wedding culture is the bride, and weddings include many ancient traditions. The most common of these is the use of rosemary, which symbolizes welcome to your guests. Sprigs of rosemary tied with ribbon will be pinned onto their left hand side, in place of the corsage which is common in the west.
Your wedding reception is the chance to really celebrate, with Croatian schnapps traditionally offered to your guests as they arrive. A very popular custom is the "dance with the bride" - the maid of honor will hold a basket, and men will put money into it. They then have the right to dance with the bride - and the more money they give, the longer they can dance. In years gone by, this was a prestigious way of signifying one's wealth and importance.
Croatia is a charming country which attracts increasing numbers of visitors every year, drawn by its mild climate and great beaches. The most picturesque coastal town is the fishing port of Rovinj, which has an archipelago of 13 tranquil islands. If you appreciate stunning views and delicious seafood, this is the place to stay.
The capital of the country is Zagreb. Much of the medieval city remains here, and there is also a neo-gothic cathedral. Croatia is home to some of Europe's finest Roman ruins, the most impressive of which are in Split where you will find the huge Diocletian Palace.
Dubrovnik is completely encircled by intact city walls, which were built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Some say they are the finest in the world, and the views are superb. The old town, Stari Grad, has also recently been restored.
Croatia is a wonderful place to get married, a historic country which contains many hidden delights.

Weddings in Crete

A wedding in Crete is a big celebration. The bride will arrive at the church accompanied by the groom, family and friends. There will also be musicians playing traditional Cretan instruments such as the lyra and the laouto, reciting poetic mantinades.
After the wedding ceremony the festivities begin in earnest with much more Cretan music and celebrations which continue into the early hours! A traditional delicacy offered at Cretan weddings is Baklavas. These are layered and shaped filo pastry, filled with nuts and spices and dipped in light honey syrup. Endless varieties of this sweet make a delicious and unusual accompaniment to your wedding celebrations.
Crete is a picturesque island with lovely beaches and a very mild climate which makes swimming in the sea possible from April to November. It is a land with an ancient history, home to the earliest European civilization, the Minoan. Some fascinating sites remain from this period. The most magnificent Minoan site is the palace of Knossos, situated just outside Iraklio, the largest city in Crete. You will also find Roman ruins at Gortys, Venetian forts at Réthimno and Byzantine churches at Krítsa, illustrating the lively past of the island.
The mountainous interior of Crete is a very scenic region where many remote villages are nestled. To the southwest of the country tower the stunning White Mountains, with the 18 kilometer long Samarian Gorge just below. You may choose to spend a day trekking along the gorge, admiring the amazing view.

Weddings in Eastern Europe

A wedding in Eastern Europe is an important celebration amongst friends and family, where ancient marriage traditions are combined with modern customs such as flowers and a white wedding dress for the bride. Traditional music is often part of the festivities, as is dancing and a feast of delicious Eastern European food.
Some Eastern European countries, such as Greece and Croatia, incorporate the tradition of the money dance into wedding receptions. Men will pin money to the bride's gown to earn the privilege of a dance with her.
Eastern Europe is a region where European culture is blended with influences from neighboring Middle Eastern countries. This results in a fascinating cultural mix which influences all aspects of life, from cuisine to local handcrafts. There is a huge amount of history to be discovered, from the ancient architecture of Cyprus and Poland to the historic ruined cities in Greece and Croatia.
The diverse scenery of this part of the world includes some stunning mountain vistas and lovely beaches along the coast. Archipelagos of beautiful romantic islands lie just off the coasts of Croatia and Greece. There are countless picturesque towns and villages to discover, alongside some lively and historic cities. These include Krakow and Warsaw in Poland, medieval Zagreb in Croatia and Athens in Greece, one of the oldest cities in the world.
This is a unique and historic part of the world, with an immense amount of scenery to admire. A wedding in Eastern Europe will be special, unusual and romantic, an experience never to forget.

Romantic Weddings Around the World

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Our goal is to find you a good spot to get married and organize a satisfactory-planned foreign wedding ceremony abroad so that you and your spouse and his family will be completely satisfied.
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The day of the wedding the bride will wear a pleated skirt (on manteu "), the jacket (on gipponi"), the handkerchief cross on the chest ( "sa perr'e evening), the apron (on ventalicciu") , And will be cloaked by a veil of fine wool (about pannicciu and choir "), a handkerchief with floral designs (on macaroi mannu") or a shawl with embroidery silk ( "sciallinu on the evening).
It is the evocation of marriage, to be celebrated as a time Santadi, a small country in south-west of Sardinia, organized by the pro-site which is celebrated every first Sunday in August, after a little curious; Marriage Mauritania. The name evokes ancient migrations, which mankind probably from North Africa landed in this part of Sardinia, the ritual is derived Sardinian and pastoral, punctuated by a series of traditions and customs that end with mothers who break the dish contained "Gratz knows."

Old Marriage Selargino
The Sardinian campidanese wedding ceremony, full of archaic symbols, gestures touching and mysterious beauty and culture that manifests itself in pomp and style of clothing, jewelry and accessory adorning the spouses and parades of men and women who make the wing two married.
For this holiday throughout the country mobilizes many people are wearing the costume Sardinian, the streets are decorated with flowers, we expose tapestries at the windows and offer sweets in the streets.
The night before the wedding takes place the Palio of the Bride who is the removal of household of women, including the nuptial bed, the future home of coppia.La first phase of the ceremony includes the habit of the spouses that take place in large and old peasant houses of Ramsbury, the so-called pollas campidanese.
When spouses have worn the wedding dress, traveling from their parents for blessing. At this time linked a series of ancient rituals, such as the blessing of the head with salt and grain and the breaking of a dish in the presence of the bridegroom. Marriage itself takes place in the parish church of Assunta, where the marriage is celebrated according to the Catholic rite. The spouses are accompanied at the ceremony by relatives and friends of the players invited launeddas earlier.
The spouses are dressed with the old wedding dress and Sardinian are chained with each other at the end of the ceremony. Finally, traveling the ancient church of San Giuliano, where they exchange the promise, and write a parchment in a message for future heirs, to be guarded and delivered to the children of the couple the 25th anniversary of marriage.

Mauritanian Marriage

It was called marriage Mauritanian with explicit reference to African nations that certainly in the past for various reasons, not least the confinement, landed at ports of South santadese close to the territory.
The Pro Loco of Santadi again the celebration of the rite of marriage Mauritanian, a pure and pastoral tradition of Sulcis, according to the most ancient traditions handed down for centuries. A pair of young people join in marriage with religious ritual wearing the costume of the local people, "is Maurreddus", as it usually identify the inhabitants of the Santadi and Basso Sulcis;
The costume worn by married couples is simple, austere, beautiful for its simple elegance: the bride wears a skirt pleated loose "on manteu," the jacket "on gipponi", the handkerchief cross on the chest "knows perr'e evening" the apron "on ventallicu" The fabric used is silk or silk brocade. The head of the bride is covered by a rectangle of wool fine trip clear blue tone on tone "on panniciu 'and chorus, or a large handkerchief floral designs" on mucaroi mannu ", or a finely embroidered shawl with wire silk "on sciallinu 'and evening."
The bride wears shoes stained with the dress, usually of the same fabric, and jewelry received as a gift from the bridegroom. The costume of the bridegroom is predominantly Orbachi (lamb wool, white cotton shirt, "sa camisa" trousers "is cracionis" waistcoat "to cossu" (silk); red handkerchief (silk) "on turbans; headgear "knows berritta" leggings "is craccias" the waistcoat is closed by silver coins, buttons from the shirt of gold or silver. The spouses wear their costumes in their homes early in the morning and then reach over "is traccas "(carts hauled by oxen), together with relatives and friends in the parade, the great square of the country where the marriage will be celebrated.
A ceremony was the mother of the bride and the father of the bridegroom offer newly married couples a glass of water to drink and spread over them and invited "knows Gratz, rose petals, grains of wheat, grain of salt, coins: a wish for happiness, prosperity, prosperity for the new family; mothers then break the dish that contained "Gratz knows." You are returned to the house where the bride will be the wedding banquet

Marriage in Friuli

It was habit, in view of marriage by the husband, go home with the mediator of "her" to contract the dowry. Sometimes could happen that the father of one of the two will oppose the marriage because the family considers the applicant does not meet its aspirations ... economic.

In this case two were the solutions: Scappare far along, or leave forever.

Rare! Typically, negotiations are successfully closed, a mortar fired into the air announcing what.

Hurry, these formalities are fixed the wedding day: tradition and convenience for you chose on Saturday. Therefore already the previous Thursday began preparations, governed by a specific rituale.
Begins with the transport of "bala" a kind of support on a cart pulled by oxen. This was also the moment when the groom with his friends celebrating the farewell to celibacy, the bride task was to prepare for the friends of the bridegroom "struc" which replaced the confetti. Also on this occasion, the groom paid the "stivanka" to the youth of the country, because otherwise we would not have allowed the transport of bala. The average charge stivanka was the equivalent of fifty liters of wine. If they were engaged in different countries, each paying the stivanka to the youth of their country.
Followed the gifts between the two pledged. He gave her the "kurdon" (the golden cord, sometimes passed from mother to child). Sometimes together with kurdon had also donated a large red ribbon, with which, on the day of the wedding, she would belt to life was a kind of charm against the possible bleeding of the first birth.
On Friday, the eve of the wedding rite, both went to confession, the priest gave the bride a new white napkin.
For what concerns the home of the bride's sister or best friend was going to settle the nuptial bed, to decorate the bedroom. Typically, the promised, it gave the best room of the house. On the wall above the bed, had attacked a sacred: The Holy Family or the Virgin Mary and Jesus separated in the direction of their pillows.

Here the wedding day.

The bride was helped by friends to dress, while her husband was by himself. When the groom came to take it, sometimes jokingly, she was hidden in a room with other women that prevented the husband from entering. At this point, the groom, according to the game, describing it asked the girl, but say the name. Her friends, pretended not to understand: one by one out of the room under his eyes, last appeared for the bride who, taken under the arm husband, s'incamminava, with the result, towards the church.

Followed the ceremony.

Then departed for the honeymoon that lasted several hours. In return, the bride made her entrance into its new home for lunch solemn. The mother-in-law daughter-in-law waited on the door and delivered the "meskul" (mixed) and "Medlar" (broom).

Followed, of course, lunch at the wedding which included more close relatives and friends.
All male guests wore a success story, and the bridegroom was a bundle wrapped by "you". Even women, but only if unmarried, had flowers from her hair.
On that day does not eat cheese, but soup, pasta chicken or turkey. There was no cake, but the struke and gubana. The day closed with the dance festival. At bedtime the family offered the keys to the wife because closed the door before ascending the stairs outside.
Sunday hereafter acquired relatives accompanied the entry to marry. This served as a public presentation is as a demonstration of good agreement. The following Monday, she put in place his things, then began his working life in the new family. For eight days, the bride was not quite back to where his father was born and lived until the day of marriage, otherwise people would have thought that was not faithful to her husband and that ultimately it ran away from him.
Finally, the first celebration of Easter - after the wedding - the mother of the bride was the daughter personally lead the "pogaza" or "zegnanca" which consisted of a basket containing bread blessed, dishes, cutlery, etc..

Officially, everything was finished here, but now truly began to understand that life, mutual help, love true that resulted in silent activity, in which new life is lit in a love purified in its emphasis outside, but pure and profound and only death, and perhaps even death, could eliminate.


Customs and rituals for the wedding and marriage.
Weddings and parties in matrimonial tradition passed start'900.





The union between a boy and a girl was often bound by very different motives from which parents often forced their children to marry and fidanzarsi for economic or social interests. The girls promised in marriage could not absolutely oppose the will and family were then forced to marry a man not loved.
Normally, the marriage was combined in this way: the mother of the groom chose the girl for their son, called "the ambassador of the country" and sent the home of the girl to the father's request of the hand of her daughter. His father, examined the proposal, gave the answer and, after taking the decision, communicated to his daughter. Since then, she had to keep attitudes reserved in public and at home. Furthermore, young married couples had promised not wear short dresses and leave the house alone, but should always be accompanied by someone.
Second stage was very important that the engagement official, who was the first of marriage. On this occasion, traditionally called "trasút '", namely "entry", families of the two boyfriends and you know, done with a reception at home of the bride, made "official" report of the children, not only among themselves, but especially the whole country. Followed, then, premarital contracts, with the presence of a notary.
Singular is an example of the "Charter of clothes," which listed the dowry that the girls had to have at the time of marriage (sheets, blankets, towels, dusters, furniture, land, etc.).. Often, during these meetings the families and argued the figure of the mother of the bridegroom emerged for his arrogance and his claims, distinguished by mother of the bride, who seemed more docile and more inclined to support the consuocera, always possessive against child male. Often there were disputes that led to the rupture of engagement, in that case, it quickly sought other substitutes, because the mentality of the time did not see eye to good men and women not married.
After the engagement is going to agreements for the day of the wedding: invitations, and invited festivities, lunch. Singular was the delivery of calls. Parents of the bride and groom, usually fathers, went personally to invite relatives and friends on three occasions! The first inform the date of the wedding day, to remember the second and third to take the response of participants in the marriage.
The celebrations lasted three days: the first day at home celebrating the wedding with friends and relatives, the second and third home of the bridegroom, always with friends and relatives. But it was also very unique wedding lunch that included:

• Zitoni the sauce sheep;
• Boiled in rural chicory with pork;
• Roasted Lamb with salad;
• Sighs (local sweet);
• Tarallucci, wine and browned.

The wedding and marriage in the popular tradition

Marriage in the Abruzzo
In the culture of our region marriage, which was a ritual with important consequences in society, was presented with a rich variety of incidents, which began from the choice of partners in accordance with rules and customary rules which are difficult regardless, continued with the formal request made by the parents of the bridegroom consuoceri future, with the engagement, during which the boyfriend brought serenade the morning or the future bride, and the transport of dowry in the house of the bridegroom, who lived with active participation of women especially near the bride; The wedding ceremony with the coronation with the garland of flowers and the ritual of the cover, the posting of the bride moving from the house father, the contrast in which the payment was symbolic of the bride, the blessing of the bride with bread and an overnight stay at the marital home stating the final transition to the status of married.
Even today many married couples asking to cheer the banquet with sound, music, rites and tradition of poetry ... and so many couples who celebrate the anniversary .......
The schedule adjusted Traditional Marriage suggested here is very general but credited. We hope that the spouses of Abruzzo is scordino of orpelli of marriages by soap (very far from the sense of etiquette) and remember the beautiful weddings, full of meaning, their ancestors.

1-Singing departure (the procession of the bridegroom with the complicity of relatives of the bride brings the serenade). In reality this is not a serenade as we want but a consolatory or instructive provided by the local bride about to leave the family home and face an unknown family ...
.. eeee cows fija my cows cuntént caaa Lloc them truve n'ata buna Agenda and cows fija off my nu put C. you impire the use of them paise ....
2-compliment of the bridegroom in the afternoon are offered strictly mostaccioli and liquors combined red and yellow, white mint with confetti (for the etiquette of this stage it in detail later but it is nice). Singing the mother of the bride. The bridegroom gives a flower brooch or a bouquet of silver to the bride. "We offer this pledge of flower in my love". The mother-in-law gives the palm with silver or presentation.
The 3-bolt (wedding procession: The father with the bride, the groom with the mother-in-law, then all the others)
4-Blessing of the spouses with bread, rite of the mantle, unveiling and crowning of the bride. Trallallero. Ring (around the country in the parade with traditional drums), contrast with the blue ribbon, payment of tolls and saltarello sung.
The 5-Sciarra (rain of confetti, flowers and mites, is the presence of children who collect them) on the way back before entering for lunch you can also make the outbreaks (crackers). Gifts to spouses.
7-The penessella and verses of praise, declamation under bride, Brindisi sung
8-Zinna blanket and ties of love.
After 9-dinner dance (quadrille, and songs saltarello apotropaici

Important is the table! the menu suggest that basis but if you want you can do much better:
1. 2 as a wine montepulciano and a slight sweet and frizzantino for the ladies,
2. meats, cheeses and stress (eg chillies round tuna),
3. coratella ovo and cheese, vegetables,
4. broth with real pasta with parsley,
5. herbs and boiled,
6. òrapi and ricotta ravioli (spinach would be wild)
7. Pallottino guitar with the castrato
8. lamb with baked potatoes,
9. polpettone (roll) stuffed, cooked vegetables
10. pizza doce
11. confetti (the confetti leghorn passes helped by the bride groom a spoon)
12. cigarettes and cigars (even for married ladies and navigate), and bitter coffee

Marriage over time

Customs and traditions

Wear something old represents the link with his family and then with his life before marriage. Usually the bride is wearing a jewel of the family or the veil belonging to the mother or grandmother passed by. Bring something new means luck and success for the bride in her new married life and often is dall'abito itself, as new.
Wear something provided, usually from a happily married, is intended to bring luck and happiness to the couple. It may be an accessory or a jewel. Get off at something blue dates back to the Bible, in the belief that the color blue represented purity and fidelity. Through the years, this belief has evolved: first the bride wore blue clothes, then we simply bring a blue band around all'abito wedding.

Tradition dictates that the bride bring with them the day of marriage 6 things:
- Provided one thing: to indicate 's affection of loved ones who remain close in this transition from old to new.
- Donated one thing: to remember the good care of people.
- Something blue: the ancient blue was the color that symbolized the purity and was the color of 'dress of the bride.
- An old thing: that symbolizes the life that is left behind and the importance of the past that must not be forgotten in the transition to the new.
- Something new: that symbolizes the new life that is about to begin, shows all the new achievements and innovations that will bring with it.
- It is not a good omen for the future spouses face before the ceremony.

- Do not sleep in the new house before marriage.

- The bride's bouquet must be given.
- It 's good omen for the bride wear as follows: something old, a symbol of tradition, something new, symbol of life that begins, something given, a symbol of complicity, something blue, like wishes for serenity and something given as a symbol of love.

- A 'popular tradition has it that her husband cross the threshold of the new house with his wife in his arms so that no obstacle in crossing the entrance, avoiding the fate of adversity.

- During the early hours of wedding celebrations have been several changes and influences. Nell'Ottocento on taxation of the clergy, spouses Italians could not choose it as religious marriages are celebrated only in the evening, home of the bride (followed dances and banquets). Twenty years in fashion began to marry at fourteen. Subsequently, the French introduced the custom of celebrating the wedding on time antimeridiano. The real couples from around the world use to celebrate their wedding between eleven and twelve o'clock in the morning.

- It is not a good omen that the wife packs her own wedding dress.

- It 's considered harmful to the bride dressed entirely look at his wedding dress in the mirror. To avoid malasorte simply omit some in clothing accessories (gloves, shoes, etc.).

- Tradition suggests a preference for a veil used rather than a veil again. In particular, if it belonged to a woman happily married, that luck is handed to the news wife.

- Recites a proverb: "wet bride, lucky bride."
- It is considered the lucky bride who is woken up by the chirping of birds or find a ragnetto
hidden in wedding dress
Older people suggest to prepare the nuptial bed by unmarried girls.

- The successful maiden flight that takes the bunch to the bride runs in the crowd, you marry within a year. The same goes for the lucky guy who manages to retrieve the wife of the Garter.

- Tradition has it that fit into five confetti bomboniere. This stems from the fact that five are the ingredients for a good marriage: health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.

Music by marriage

An element not to overlook the music is never in marriage. There is nothing better than music to create a magical atmosphere during a solemn moment like that of the wedding.
Its origins go back in time. It is said that Princess Victoria, daughter of Queen Victoria of England, was the first to introduce the wedding march on the occasion of his marriage to William of Prussia in 1858.
The music that is surrounding the ceremony, first of all, must adapt to its spouses who want to create. But we must also think about the kind of more spiritual aspect that music from marriage can have. On that day so important, the music marriage becomes a message of love and intense key to the whole ceremony.
In selecting music from marriage, spouses can turn to, in advance, with the specialized agencies and their local musicians. To avoid the possibility of recruiting friends or organists amateur singers and sbaraglio.
Among the most popular, the violin, cello, harp and the timeless body.
Articulated or not, the music must provide at least one song to be performed while the bride and another piece, preferably more touching, to be reserved for the exchange of rings: two moments, usually lived in the most absolute and embarrassing silence. What not to do absolutely is to distribute a program of music of marriage to those present. We are facing a sacred celebration and not a concert.

Wagner, Schubert, Vivaldi, Handel and Bach are some of the classical authors that married couples usually choose. Their songs emphasize the most touching moments of the ceremony. The etiquette, however, recommend some songs "standard" to include music from their marriage. The Wedding March by Richard Wagner accompanies the entrance of the bride to church, the wedding march instead of Felix Mendelssohn, announces the release of the spouses at the church. Finally, the Ave Maria di SHUBERT should be reserved for the moment, ceased the function of religion, spouses and witnesses are called to sign the documents to formalize, even for civilians, has union in marriage.

Once the sacred ceremony, you move to the place chosen for the reception. The wedding music will accompany us too long this second part of the day. Should be chosen with great care.
Upon receipt can be somewhat 'formal and less rigid about music from marriage, but still and always attentive to taste. Many local restaurants, now aware of the importance of music by marriage, are predisposed to this type of entertainment venues and facilities for amplification. It 'important to take into account the time when the music goes. At the banquet table and the advice is to choose a soft music, a little intrusive background that allows guests to converse with each other without having to raise the voice too. In mid-lunch / dinner, or when guests begin to leave between scope and the other is good to revive the environment by choosing a wedding music more lively. The repertoire should still look quite large to satisfy the variety of tastes of guests.

A fine meal is allowed to involve the various guests in a celebration dance. At the start then, but only if considered appropriate and really for fun these, a Latin American dance, waltz, polka. The whole direct maybe a dj expert. The important thing, whatever the choices, is that the repertoire of music from marriage is of good quality. The watchwords in this case the 'fun but with elegance. "

The wedding cake

Like any party that respects the marriage has its moment "sweet"!
There is, today, the wedding feast that does not end with the tasting of delicious desserts and wedding cake designed to dazzle the eyes and delight the palate!
Cakes and sweets cheer the tables of major events since ancient times, formerly the ancient Romans used to offer a sweet young wife round made of honey and fruit, such as fertility and wish the same were the Greeks that when consumed marriages sesame cakes and honey as a sign of hope and fertility.
In the Middle Ages, however, marriages of nobles was used to prepare the White Eat a sweet made of flour, eggs, cheese and ginger taste very special.
It 's just the first of the twentieth century that the wedding cake, as we, appears on the tables prepared for the wedding and it looks almost shyly, as long his "performance" was considered synonymous with lack of sophistication ...
From the fifties fashion will change and with it the views: the wedding cake becomes part of the holiday menu and then is seen as completing unique and essential to every wedding dinner.
Even when there was little to spend, the economies of poor rural areas, the wedding cake could not miss a conclusion of the banquet. They were just sweet, because the ingredients were not packaged for economic, prepared by the wise hands of the mother of the bride or the closest relatives often met since the week preceding the wedding to cure all the preparations. In most cases, the cake was made of sponge cake soaked Vermouth, stuffed creams and covered with frosting, but no region in Italy has not developed one or more traditional recipes to celebrate the wedding day.
Sardinian confectionery in art, for example, in addition to the amaretti, small traditional cakes that could not miss the wedding, was used to prepare the cake of the bride. This dessert from very ancient origins was already mentioned in documents of the seventeenth century and its preparation was very long and delicate. The pasta made of flour, water, salt and lard contained a filling of honey, walnuts, cinnamon and orange rind. What struck most of the sweet was the final appearance: a white rose that remained perfectly intact even after cooking.
A Boccassuolo, in Modena, there is still the tradition of cake Flippa the Flippa, a sister or a close relative of the bride, was formerly responsible for the success of the festival. It was she who oversee the kitchen, the habit of the bride, the choice of ladies of honor but especially cured cakes: the cake of Flippa was to be the most beautiful, the most good, and was served at the end of the banquet the evening at home husband.
Contrary to the traditional rule of non-ostentation, the wedding cakes are, in addition to spouses means, the protagonists of modern marriages. Showing a triumph of form and decoration that is unprecedented even come to steal the scene, but for a few seconds, the bride ...
But under under the good confectioner knows that, beyond the forms, to celebrate the solemnity of the moment we must rely on tradition and rarely suggest to a wedding cake, other than a millefeuille or a cake with whipped cream.
The wedding cake has a greeting and is rich in symbolism: its circular shape symbolizes the heavenly protection that spouses claiming the pair, the various layers, whether they are superimposed on one another whether they are supported by alzatine, forming a scale to represent the path of life that spouses along together, on top of the classic figurines to represent the spouses, or Swan, a symbol of monogamous relationship, or rose representing love!
The cutting of the cake is an important moment: joining their hands weddings enshrine the beginning of their married life that, at least for that day and for that banquet, continues gently with the distribution of confetti and bomboniere to relatives.
The tradition of offering guests bomboniere is very old and dates back at the end of'500. Bomboniera The term comes from French bon-bon means precisely that little sweet, it was because of small objects in miniature accompanied by sweets which the spouses give to the guests. The first bomboniere were packed with rare materials and therefore had a great artistic value. With the spread of used spread the tradition of preparing bomboniere at home and, once again, were the skilled hands of mothers, or those of the bride, for building small embroidered handkerchiefs in which wrap home-made biscuits.
The bride's biscuits were preparing at home more than two centuries ago. It is lined with a mixture of sugar, flour, salt, oil and eggs which are added almonds and walnuts. The dough was worked carefully before being divided into narrow and long loaves that were baked for half an hour. Then let cool, cut into small pieces and go back in oven to toast.
Even today in Trentino is usually distribute cròfani small cakes called 'confetti of the spouses'. They are fried cakes, shaped oval, with a kernel inside the nut and sugar outside. There are many testimonies, including century, mentioning the cròfani between distributed sweets during the marriage by spouses to relatives and friends.
The wedding cake, was developed at the wealthy classes from the seventeenth century. The custom batch of cookies and pastries brought by invited to form a heap, whose height corresponded to the future prosperity 'spouse, according to a belief would be transformed from "mountain" dolce ungainly in a Glassato plans after the goal' '600 by a French chef.
Royalties's symbolic wedding cake, instead were born in the late Anglo-Saxon countries. The circular, is the heavenly protection evoked the spouses, the ring symbolizes a promise without end. The raise that underpin the various plans, or the layers that overlap each other, are a kind of scale of married life, where the spouses deal with a path made of joys and difficulties'. The wedding cake, whole scope before the celebrated, should have started by cutting the first husband (with the laid her hand on her) and completed by the bride. Then the wife should serve the cake to neo-husband, the mother-in-law, the mother, the father-in-law, father and witnesses, thus symbolizing 'acquisition of the role of mistress of the new family.
In Italy until the first goal 'of'900 tradition of the wedding cake has not attracted large consensus, because' marriages more ' "in" at the time (those gifts or high representation) ended with a simple dessert. But by the fifties this kind of sweet and 'become "a symbol" of the celebrations of every social class.

The wedding banquet

The wedding banquet was, in all ages and from all classes, an important occasion in which the festive purely culinary reasons they intertwine and other culinary had very little: ostentation of power and wealth, or social statement effort, ritual and symbolic elements related to the wedding itself.
Still, more than you think, sitting at the table during a lunch wedding will take part in a ritual. Obviously, some data are more evident in other eras when the differences between the various classes were much more marked: in addition to wedding banquets for between royal families to demonstrate power and wealth but at the same time passion for unbridled luxury, we find examples of wedding among farmers that seal their pact with wedding banquets far more modest and far from pomp and luxury.
In any case, despite pomp and luxury are typical of all ages, the triumph of scenic wedding lunch was one that was held in 1600 in Palazzo Vecchio in Florence for the marriage of Maria de Medici and King Henry IV of France, which remained in story especially for theatrical wonders devised by the famous architect Buontalenti, and the statues of sugar modeled by Giambologna. It seems that after the fruit, calarono from the ceiling clouds swollen with Juno and Minerva, and their dileguarsi tables were changed with a view mirrors and crystals, which in turn is transformed into valleys with trees, hedges and fountains.
In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance eras in which allegories and symbolism made by the owners in every moment of human life, dating back many of the customs observed today during the wedding lunch.
In addition to the number of convitati, which must never be odd, it is very important the presence of sweets and sugar, the current confetti, as a symbol of a sweet and happy future. Nor may miss some fruits such as apple, the symbol of the dedication of the bride, and the pomegranate, symbol of fertility.
Must be on the table even spicy foods and aphrodisiac for bringing about the physical act of the union. In all eras, and within the limits of their means, as we have said before, even the middle class and the classes have given great importance to wedding banquets.
Famous, for example, the popular Italian tradition, the so-called "Panarde" Abruzzese, devoted to literature by Edoardo Scarfoglio and held in the same way today. In turn, small middle class and wealthy nobility of toga and trade, not joking. One need only recall the banquet held in Verzago in 1569 for the wedding of Hippolyta Dugnani with Count Ottavio Giovio, during which they were served five ports respectively 145, 105, 105, 140 and 110 meals each.

The wedding lunch in the folk tradition.

The culmination of the feast is reached over lunch on weekdays, it takes many hours, with quantity and variety of food truly exceptional, even among the poor.
In some regions the bride and groom eat the same dish. In Basilicata and Abruzzo, it is customary to give diners that offers cash and gold objects to the bride and groom.
In the Tiber Valley, during lunch, is traditionally launched with confetti violence to break some glass: the port wine spread joy, the break of a few dishes and clearly alluding.
Similar traditions are found in other regions.
After the festival, weddings, especially in the countryside, do not start, but recede to spend the first night and retain young people under the window to make the serenade.
In some conservative areas, some friends of the bride and groom during the festival, prepare some joke, for example: the double bed with the sheets annodate, or some household tools hidden in the bed itself.
According uses of Basilicata and Sicily, the morning after the wedding, the mother of the groom, or both mothers visiting spouses, offer them lunch, and build the bed to see signs that the alliance and have proof of virginity the bride, for the first eight days the new spouses remain at home, served by family members and board room. At one time, in Romagna, (and in a wide beyond the Alps), after eight days, the bride returned for another eight days in the house

Bomboniere marriage

A symbol for those invited, to thank and honor to welcome the event, is the bomboniera marriage.
The bomboniera, whose name derives from the French "bon-bon" (sweet), was born in Italy in the late fifteenth century by the use of noble always carry the caskets store where sweets and candy sugar, imported substance from Indie and, in economic terms, very expensive. The less wealthy will be satisfied with bags of paper and cloth. E 'in 1896, the marriage between Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples and future king of Italy, and Elena of Montenegro, which became the subject of bomboniera gift of the spouses invited to, just like today.
The bomboniere marriage are not only part of the Italian tradition. Other countries such as Greece, Portugal, Great Britain, Ireland, the United States, Africa and even 'Australia is increasingly closer to this culture.

The choice of bomboniere marriage lies with both boyfriends. Order at least three months before the date, the number of bomboniere of marriage should be equal to the number of calls distributed, plus a small reserve for any unexpected.
Today more than ever is wide variety on the market. You can entertain in the search for an object that is customized or particularly unusual. The traditional wedding bomboniere by resisting the strong current of news: silver, crystal Swarosvki, Murano glass, porcelain of Limoges. To this list, add candles and crafts, culinary items and lottery tickets that, for the occasion, become original cadeaux. Still, useful items including watches, glasses, ashtrays, vases.
The important thing is that gifts are sober and tasteful.
Even donations and gestures of generosity are part of the catalog of bomboniere marriage. Scrolls and letters of thanks from the entity which has benefited from this gesture, will come into the hands of guests.
To pack of bomboniere from marriage, preferring better tone similar to those in the bouquet and all'abito of the bride, or bags of lace, silk or net closed with a wisp of raffia.
Usually, the relatives and friends who attended the reception, reserve bomboniere the same series and the same style. According to witnesses, who have an important role during the civil ceremony and / or religious, will give bomboniere more valuable, while people who participated in the joy of the couple with a gift or a telegram, give bags of tulle embroidered with flowers for decorations in cloth.
There is a right time for the delivery of bomboniere marriage. More and more couples choose to make this gift to the guests at the end of the day with the latest greetings. The rule is that if they deliver one per household and a head for engaged couples.

The confetti is a natural complement in the composition of the bomboniera marriage. This tradition dates back to Roman times, consume the usual confetti packed with honey to celebrate births and unions. Historical traces are found in a News of Boccaccio and a sonnet of Folgore St. Giminiano composed in the fourteenth century.
The manufacture of confetti and most popular classic starts Sulmona in the fifteenth century.
Even today the city Abruzzo is among the largest producers of confetti.
Here, among other things, arose the Museum of art and technology confectioners, now a national monument. Regarding the right amount, typically is used to put confetti in every five bomboniera marriage, but is not required. The important thing is that the number remains odd. According to tradition, 5 confetti representing health, fertility, long life, happiness, wealth, 3 confetti symbolize the couple and their first child, 1 candy symbolizes the uniqueness of the event.
In any bomboniera is inserted, finally, a simple card with the name of baptism of the spouses, why the name, and date of the wedding.
What is silver, porcelain, ceramic or any other material, the bomboniera is the memory that the spouses leave at the end of the most beautiful day of their lives represent a significant gift that the bride and groom invited to offer as remembrance of the great day.
The tradition wants the classics made in crystal, silver, and especially limoges same for everyone, You can choose between: a portrait door, a small box, an ashtray, an object of practical use as a corkscrew, a small alarm clock, a small salt shaker, un'agendina, a teaspoon of sugar. For the materials entrusted to: pottery, porcelain, crystal, silver, but also materials such as synthetic resin, cork, wood. Any object can customize with their names or initials and date of marriage. Objects can also be different from each other to meet the tastes of each guest, provided they have the same value. Only for witnesses can provide a bomboniera more valuable.
The bomboniere will be wrapped all in the same way and combined in the same bag. The package must be particularly cared so content buying the item value and can show whoever receives as a surprise. Bearing in mind the color and style of the event, you can choose between boxes, colorful cards or single, raffia or strips of satin, decorative flowers.
Or you could use small pots with fragrant herbs to be placed on tables as places to leave marks to the guests. The bags must contain over five confetti that symbolize health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life even a small card with just names baptism of the spouses.