The tradition of welcoming newlyweds with bread and salt is rooted in the deep past. At the same time, even now, most families do not neglect this rite and are happy to prepare a delicious loaf and put a salt shaker with crumbly spice on it, preparing for the marriage of their son.
About the tradition of meeting newlyweds with bread and salt
The parents of the newly-made husband greet their young daughter-in-law with bread and salt. The fact is that earlier a woman who got married was accepted into her husband's family and lived with him in the big house of his parents. Immediately after the wedding ceremony, the young couple went to their husband, where the bride was to taste bread and salt. This symbolized that her father-in-law accepted her into their home, their family, their hearts.
Before tasting a piece of loaf, the parents blessed the children with an icon. Then the husband and wife took turns biting off a piece of bread, dipping it in salt and feeding each other. Whose piece turned out to be larger, he was considered the master in the young family. After that, the groom picked up the newlywed in his arms and carried her into the house. The half-eaten loaf was wrapped in a napkin and taken to church. It was believed that this would bring peace and love to the family of children.
About the tradition of meeting newlyweds with bread and salt
Nowadays, life has changed a lot, but the tradition has remained. Only in a slightly modified version. Often, the groom's parents meet the young couple with a loaf not in their home, but at the door of the restaurant where the wedding is planned. This is due to the fact that it is not always convenient to visit the house of the husband's parents, and with the fact that young families mostly live independently, without parents.
During the ceremony of biting off the bread, guests sprinkle the young with sweets, coins and flower petals. Which symbolizes the wishes of a young family for a sweet happy life, financial well-being, love and tenderness.
After the newlyweds have bitten off a piece of the loaf, they often break it in half and give it to the bride and groom. At the same time, they begin to feed the guests, who completed the task faster - that breadwinner is in the house.
Bread and salt
For a long time in Russia, both of these products enjoyed special respect. Bread has always been a food that is part of the daily diet of almost every person and has enjoyed special respect and reverence. Salt was considered a scarce, expensive product. They were even prescribed special magical properties. So, according to legend, salt is able to protect against any evil spirits, and bread contributes to the establishment of peace and friendship between people.
The offer to taste bread and salt speaks of the friendliness and hospitality of the hosts. Refusal of the offered treat was regarded as a serious insult.
