One of the most important and magnificent holidays for Armenians is the wedding. Armenian culture is rich in traditions and customs, and wedding traditions occupy the main place among them. They have been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years. Modernity has imposed its own typo on them, but much has come down to this day in an almost unchanged form.
Mediator
Previously, the bride was chosen by the parents, more precisely, the mother of the groom. Parents tried to make sure that the groom could see the bride before the wedding. Having chosen a suitable girl, the parents were looking for an intermediary - a relative who was part of the girl's family.
The mediator's duties included negotiations with the girl's family in order to obtain consent to the wedding. Now morals have changed, and the groom himself has the right to choose his bride. In turn, the girl herself decides whether or not to be a wedding.
Matchmaking
The tradition of sending matchmakers has not changed its meaning today. If the negotiations of the mediator ended with an agreement, then in a few days matchmakers were sent to the girl's family. Previously, the groom could not be present in the delegation. The matchmakers consisted of men on the paternal side and often the groom's mother.
Matchmakers began the conversation from afar. Topics not related to the wedding were discussed first. Then, in an allegorical form, the matchmakers announced the purpose of their arrival: they came to take a flower from your house or ash. There are many options.
It was considered bad form if the bride's parents immediately agreed to the wedding. Usually the bride's father, if he agreed, would ask for time for reflection. The declaration of consent also took place in an allegorical form. After that, according to tradition, the table was laid, and the parties of the young people drank brandy or vodka.
Betrothal
Now the date of the engagement and all its conventions are agreed upon during the matchmaking. On the agreed day, all close relatives gather in the groom's house. All guests bring gifts to the bride. The groom's father kills a calf or a ram on this day.
The table is laid in the bride's house. Guests from both sides sit down at the table. The groom gives the bride a ring. Guests make toasts with wishes of happiness to the young. The groom promises that he will do everything to make all wishes come true. The bride silently thanks and hands her glass to her father. After that, the presentation of gifts to the bride begins. Usually, towards the end of the feast, the parents of the bride and groom negotiate the wedding day.
Modern wedding traditions and customs
Autumn is considered a favorable time, as before. But today summer weddings are in vogue.
On the eve of the holiday, the bride's house is decorated, where the carpet should lead. The young people will walk along it to a car that will take them to the ceremony.
Modern Armenian weddings have not lost their splendor over time. The duration of the festivities can be two or seven days. The bride and groom are allowed to dance only one dance, during which numerous guests shower them with money.
There are also customs similar to Russian ones in Armenian wedding traditions. These include a loaf. For Armenians, it was replaced by lavash, but the meaning of this rite remains the same. The only difference is that it is not customary for Armenians to compete over who will be the master of the house - the dominance of a man is indisputable.
At the end of the ceremony, presents are presented to the young. They mainly give money and jewelry.
The Armenian wedding is still accompanied by a huge number of traditions and rituals, which simply cannot be enumerated. Some customs, such as bathing the bride and groom, are a thing of the past, some are still alive today.
