How to meet young people, what to say. How to meet young people after the registry office? Bread and salt as the main symbols of tradition

In order for the wedding to be a success and leave behind pleasant impressions for the rest of your long and happy life, you need to try very hard. The key to success is serious and responsible preparation. Particular attention should be paid to how to meet young people after the registry office.

In every matter with heavenly permission

Not a single magnificent feast is complete without God's blessing. Starting such a great day as a wedding with a prayer to the Almighty is a good tradition of our people. Even today, like a century ago, holidays feature rituals and ceremonies that have their roots in ancient times. We, like our ancestors, bless the young couple for a long and happy life in love, peace and prosperity.

One of the traditions, still popular today, is to rebaptize newly-made spouses with the faces of saints. Many people know about such a ceremony, but few people know what icon to greet the newlyweds after the registry office. Not many people remember the history of this ritual.

A custom that has passed down through the centuries

Previously, when newlyweds started their life together and left their home, their parents gave them a special gift. These were icons. Images of saints became the basis of the house.

The icons were placed in a place of honor in the red corner. Throughout his life, this part of the house was treated with special respect. The territory was decorated with flowers and embroidered towels. Sincere prayers were heard here. The icons were also supposed to protect the house and its inhabitants from all misfortunes. They gave both family faces and completely new, custom-made icons.

What icon to greet the newlyweds after the registry office, a new one or an old one, is decided by the parents. In general, paintings do not play a big role in this custom, because any face of different shapes and finishes carries equally strong, positive energy. But the very essence of the ritual is important. The symbolism of the ritual is very great. By such actions, parents give the go-ahead to create a new family and continue the family line. The custom also helps to strengthen the bond between the older and younger generations.

Instead of a house - a restaurant

Nowadays the festive lunch is held in cafes or restaurants. The guy's relatives should be standing at the entrance to the establishment. The main thing here is that the groom’s mother knows how the mother-in-law greets the newlyweds after the registry office or wedding, because a lot here depends on her. How she greets her daughter-in-law is how their future life will turn out. This is one of the few customs that has an echo in modern weddings.

At first, parents presented the gift immediately after the official part. As soon as the young people appeared on their doorstep, they were greeted with icons and bread and salt. Then the guests feasted and had fun. Traditionally, the newlyweds were welcomed by the groom's parents, since the young wife was supposed to go live in his house. And although today the wedding scheme has changed somewhat, this ritual has not lost its main essence.

Images of the Mother of God and Jesus Christ from mom and dad - this is how the newlyweds are greeted after the registry office. The guy's parents accept their daughter-in-law into their family. The native girls stand behind along with the guests, since from now on the daughter has moved to another house.

Path of happiness

It is best if the newlyweds are a little late. Then all the guests will have time to arrive on time. But a happy couple should not linger for a long time and make them wait, because this is disrespectful to friends and family.

Next, the spouses pass through a living corridor. According to our traditions, lovers must pass under embroidered towels, which will be held over their heads by their relatives. The ritual will provide the doves with a happy life. This is one of the options for meeting young people after the registry office.

Guests can also shower them with flowers, money, and wheat. All these are original symbols. Petals mean a beautiful and lush life, coins attract finances to a new family, and cereals are responsible for abundance and children, which should soon appear. There are also regions where newlyweds are showered with hops to make them have fun, nuts to make their marriage strong, and sweets to make their fate sweet.

Usually the toastmaster should be responsible for this moment. After all, his task is to explain to the public how to properly meet young people after the registry office.

Main family ritual

The parents of the children are waiting at the threshold of the establishment. In their hands are icons, because they must bless the couple for a happy life. For this ritual, you can take samples from what you have in your home. Usually these are images of the Savior and the Mother of God, but if the family honors other saints, then their images are also acceptable and will not contradict traditions.

For the ceremony, parents must stand nearby. Dad takes the image of Christ, and mom takes the image of the Virgin Mary. They often say: “May God bless.” They take turns baptizing the children three times with icons. At this time, the couple bows and kisses the images. This is how the groom's parents greet the newlyweds after the registry office. If the bride's relatives did not bless their child at home, then they can also join the ceremony.

If one of the parents died, their function should be performed by godparents or older relatives.

This tradition should accompany every Christian family, since in this way mothers and fathers give their permission to their children to live together.

A look into the future

Another ceremony that will take place before the festive dinner is the determination of who will be in charge in the family. A wedding loaf is used for this ritual. This is a richly decorated bread. Salt is often served with it so that the spouses “annoy” each other today and never again.

Previously, bread was baked by women who were successfully married. While kneading the dough, they said prayers. Housewives often sang folk songs. Everything was done cheerfully and with soul. Not a single wedding is complete without this bread. Older people will tell you how to meet young people after the registry office with a loaf of bread and what to say. Usually lovers break off a piece of bread. Whose part is larger will become the leader in the family.

An obligatory element of the ritual is an embroidered towel on which the holy bread lies. They fold it so that the white cloth is under the sole of the loaf, and the patterns hang down on the sides. Previously, girls wove and embroidered towels even before marriage. The brighter and more magnificent the pattern, the better life will be. Now the amulet can be ordered or bought.

Wedding genius - toastmaster

Before biting or breaking bread, you should cross it. Children must kiss the loaf. Very often traditions diverge. Even neighboring cities and villages have rituals unique to them. In order to avoid unpredictable events and problems at the wedding, the action plan should be discussed in detail.

Parents should talk in advance about how to welcome newlyweds after the registry office. This can be done at an engagement party or just before a special day. Each party should first describe how they see the ceremony, and then discuss the differences and write one plan for the ceremony. But here the older generation should also take into account the opinion of children, because first of all it is their day.

If none of the families has any idea what needs to be done, then the script can be entrusted to the toastmaster. It is recommended that you first watch videos of weddings conducted by a professional. This will make it easier to imagine the overall picture and atmosphere, add something to the plan or refuse something.

If parents are concerned about religious issues, they should first consult with the priest.

Sweet life

Another tradition that is popular at the moment is feeding a couple in love with bread and honey. In the morning, one of the relatives must ensure that these products are brought to the establishment. There, the staff will beautifully cut everything and place it on a silver tray. When the spouses approach the festive table, mothers will feed the children this delicacy from their own hands. Next, the parents pass the delicious, sweet sandwich to other guests. Here's how to meet newlyweds after the registry office or wedding.

Don't forget about champagne. Wine glasses can be purchased. Today the choice of wedding products is very large. Their coloring can match the style of the wedding. Sometimes the dishes are tied with ribbon so that the spouses do not leave each other. Having taken three sips from the glass, the lovers pour everything that is left back. Often newlyweds drink for brotherhood. There are regions where after the ceremony the dishes are broken.

Final ceremony

Before sitting down and feasting, parents must complete one more mission. They are obliged to say a few good words to their children. If it’s hard for you to come up with congratulations on your own, ask the toastmaster how to greet the newlyweds after the registry office. The words he advises are always successful, but often not emotional. Therefore, it is better to wish something on your own, from the heart. Remember that the speech should be short so as not to bore the guests.

Be sure to remember God and life with faith in him. No one knows children better than you. Therefore, the words you say will be accurate and touching in any case. If you wish, you can tell a beautiful legend or story from childhood. But do not forget that you may still be given the floor during the feast.

After the ceremony you can relax. A festive dinner, dancing and fun awaits you.

The wedding loaf is one of the most popular Russian traditions. It is a symbol of love and prosperity that is passed on to the newlyweds by the older generation. The ritual of preparing a loaf was strictly observed by our ancestors, and today its deep meaning is returning again.

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Photo gallery: Wedding loaf: traditions and modernity

Since ancient times, the parents of the groom greeted newly-made spouses with bread and salt. After all, it was to their house that he brought his betrothed. Nowadays, this tradition has been somewhat simplified, and the loaf awaits the newlyweds in the banquet hall or other room where the wedding is celebrated.

What is needed to meet the newlyweds with a loaf?

Let's start with the fact that the loaf should be large. Its size and all kinds of decorations predict a rich and happy life for the newlyweds. Of course, you don’t have to create unnecessary trouble for yourself and just buy ready-made round bread from a bakery. However, by doing this you will deprive yourself of quite an interesting pastime. And what the wedding loaf symbolizes will lose its relevance. After all, you don’t even know who baked it and in what mood.

According to tradition, only women were allowed to do wedding ritual baking. For this purpose, one of the happiest married ladies was invited to the groom's house. She kneaded the dough, constantly singing positive love songs. And while shaping the bread, round like the sun, she read prayers. “Our Father” and “To the Virgin Mary” were considered obligatory. A man sent the loaf to bake. Also married and accomplished. Thus, the bread absorbed the positive energy of family well-being. And it was passed down from generation to generation.

Decorated wedding loaf and towel

At first, the baked goods were decorated only with viburnum branches, but a little later each decorative element became iconic:

• ears of wheat - wealth,
• viburnum - love,
• braids are an inextricable bond between spouses.
• figurines of swans - loyalty and devotion. Interestingly, it is swans that are found in many. Along with grapes, which symbolizes fertility. Both in business and in the desire for offspring.

In fact, the decoration of the loaf for the newlyweds echoed the pictures embroidered on the towel. The painted towel also contained a lot of meaning. Firstly, it had to be very beautiful, so the embroidery was entrusted to experienced craftswomen. Secondly, the towel was made double-sided: a female side and a male side. The decorations came in three rows. The first personified the continuity of generations and used plant motifs. The second is best wishes to the bride and groom. For example, red cockerels, symbolizing happiness and health, or roses for eternal love in the house. The third row served as a talisman for the newlyweds. Most often, the crown acted in this capacity. She was perceived as asking for God's blessing on the marriage.

Today the towel is given less importance. But you should still choose it very carefully. After all, you will keep this towel for many years, remembering your important day with joy. And the photo of the wedding loaf will take its rightful place in your album.

The same goes for salt shakers. You shouldn’t spoil the beautiful wedding bread with any salt shaker. It is better to buy it together with a towel set - a traditional white one with painting or a more laconic wooden one.

How to meet newlyweds with a loaf

If you follow Russian tradition, then the answer to the question of who holds the loaf at a wedding will be unambiguous. This is the mother of the groom, or an older relative who replaces her. The father or godfather should stand nearby. The guests form a semicircle, encouraging the newlyweds. Sometimes before the meeting they say special words for the wedding loaf.

The round bread is placed on a towel without a plate, and a salt shaker is placed in the middle. The towel itself should hang freely on the sides almost to the floor, but not touch it.

But it is not necessary to put your parting words in poetic form. A few sincere kind words with the conclusion “advice and love” will be enough. The main thing is that they walk with a pure heart.

Tip: You can take an icon of the Mother of God or the Savior to the newlyweds’ meeting. Or a folder in which both icons are immediately presented.

The young bow to their parents and thank them. Then, to the applause of the guests, a treat with bread and salt follows. The bride and groom are invited to bite off a piece of wedding pastry and eat it, after salting it. Traditional wedding entertainment involves the spouses holding their hands back and trying to bite off as large a piece as possible. The one who wins will be the master of the house.

If the groom's relatives greet the newlyweds with a loaf of bread, glasses of champagne are served by the bride's parents. And they can also congratulate the children and wish them happiness. Champagne must be drained to the bottom in order to “drink all the love,” and the glasses must be broken without regret, imagining that with this clink all troubles, both past and future, will go away.

Note: You should definitely salt a piece of loaf. Especially the bride. According to a long-standing tradition, it is believed that this is how she eats all her tears.

Treating with wedding bread

After meeting with the loaf of bread, the newlyweds and guests go to the banquet hall. Wedding bread is cut or broken into many pieces and distributed to the guests. Carrying a piece of loaf away from a wedding is considered a good omen. Unmarried girls take bread decorations from a loaf and place them under the pillow, hoping to see their betrothed in a dream.

In ancient times, there was an unspoken set of rules on how to divide a loaf. According to Russian wedding traditions, the process was led by the groom's groomsman or best man, as he is now called. After the newlyweds, the parents received the bread, then the older relatives. And only then the loaf reached the guests. Moreover, each piece was exchanged for a gift or money. The remains of the wedding loaf were distributed to the poor who were waiting on the street. So you can only imagine how big and delicious it was.

Note: You can also take the loaf to church. This will be a sacrifice asking for peace and well-being in the family.

Traditions associated with wedding bread go back hundreds of years. Therefore, if you want to preserve the continuity of generations, then try to find out everything about the wedding loaf and carry out this ceremony as colorfully as possible. You can make your own adjustments to the meeting scenario, remember other wedding signs and create an excellent program based on them. Then your family life will begin with a beautiful and symbolic holiday.

Special words for a wedding loaf

Just as people love bread and salt, so a husband would love his wife. Just as salt cannot be replaced with sugar, so a husband cannot cheat on his wife, neither with dark, nor light, nor with fat, nor with thin, nor with smart, nor with stupid, nor with any another slave. Just as people love bread and salt, so a wife would love her husband. Just as salt cannot be replaced with sugar, so a wife cannot cheat on her husband, neither with a dark, nor with a light, nor with a full, nor with a thin, nor with a smart, nor with a stupid, nor with any other slave. Amen.

Parents' words

1. Our dear children!

Take this loaf,

He is ruddy, fresh and lush,

As hot as your hearts.

We put happiness in the middle for you,

Keep it until the end.

Our dear children! We give you bread and salt,

So that you divide everything in this world in half.

There will be joy or sorrow - avoid unnecessary dramas,

You need to learn to give in to each other in a dispute.

Live by faith and law, don’t look for an easy life,

Greet relatives and friends, respect father and mother.

There will be children, there will be grandchildren - everything will go as usual.

Husband, take your wife by the hand! And advice and love to you!

We have such a custom,

It has been familiar to us since childhood

Greet all guests with bread and salt

Bow low to the waist,

At the table in Russian,

Treat generously.

Bread and salt for you,

Happiness and love

This is what people have been saying since time immemorial.

Our dear children! We give you bread and salt,
So that you divide everything in this world in half.
There will be joy or sorrow - avoid unnecessary dramas,
You need to learn to give in to each other in a dispute.
Live by faith and law, don’t look for an easy life,
Greet relatives and friends, respect father and mother.
There will be children, there will be grandchildren - everything will go as usual.
Husband, take your wife by the hand! And advice and love to you!

Dear........ and......! Your wedding day is a sunny moment of your destiny! Be happy in your union that you have created today. And as a sign of parental blessing, accept a loaf! This loaf is a symbol of prosperity, salt is a warning that life is not always smooth and “sweet,” but in order for you to overcome the obstacles that life will present to you, treat yourself to a loaf.
(after breaking off)
My dear children, you have tasted a piece of the loaf. I want your hearts to retain the warmth that this loaf has preserved for you. May your home always be full of guests. Cherish the warmth of this day for the rest of your life. Save your happiness and increase it many, many times.

You according to ancient traditions,
We greet you with a wondrous loaf,
It is warm in the hands of parents,
And the salt of our tears and all our hopes,
May you be lucky in your new life,
No less than in my previous life.
Take this loaf
Give each other salt for the last time,
So that in life you will never be annoying again,
Well, now whoever bites off your edge more (break it off)
So that we can find out who should be the head of the house.
These words are spoken by the mother of the groom when they meet the newlyweds with bread and salt.

Today the sun smiled
And the birds suddenly began to sing in the heights,
And bells for good luck
Suddenly there was a ringing sound on the wall.
And what, what suddenly happened,
That everyone is rejoicing and singing.
My son and his young wife
Hurry up and come to my house!
I will meet them with wheat bread,
So that their life is bright,
And to never go to them
Trouble did not come into the house.
Let their house be a full cup,
Filled with joy and warmth.
And so that the kids grow up,
Delighting everyone with your intelligence.
And let them taste a little salt,
Just a little bit for
To always be like before God
They were honest with each other.
May you never have
There is discord and trouble in the family,
So that you can be happy with each other all your life,
May you love each other to the end!

Father– “Our children, we congratulate you - now you are legal husband and wife. We bless you and your mother for a long and happy life, live together and happily. Live in such a way as to thank God for every day you live together, love each other, give birth to our grandchildren as soon as possible, do not forget us - come visit more often, Advice and Love to you!
“In the name of the father, son and holy spirit,” with these words he baptizes the newlyweds.

Father- “Our beloved doves, you have finally become husband and wife. A long and happy road has now opened before you, along which you can walk together until the very end. Congratulations on completing the first important step in your life. And then we expect many more such steps from you! The birth of your first child, his first step, building your own home - all this you have to experience. In the meantime, you are the happiest couple on this earth. I want to wish you only happy days, so that you, like two swans, float through life side by side, warming each other with your warmth. Be happy"!

Mother– “Our dear (Names of the newlyweds), I also want to congratulate you on your marriage. Be happy in your union that you have created today. Cherish the warmth of this day for the rest of your life. Save your happiness and increase it many, many times. Oh, my lovelies. What happiness. They arrived beautiful, elegant, happy. Let me kiss you on both cheeks.”

Mother- “Dear children! Congratulations on your legal marriage. We wish you happiness, health, and long years of married life. You are welcome to our home - your home. Try our bread and salt, and we’ll see who’s boss in the house.”

Mother

“I’m taking my daughter into the house,
Paired with my dear son.
Peace be with you and love is your advice,
May God protect you from troubles,
Children will be your reward,
I'm happy to babysit my grandchildren.
Happiness for the son is happiness for the mother,
I will be happy with you."

Father

“I want to congratulate you on your marriage.
Keep the warmth you have acquired.



So that trouble can’t sneak up on you,

Never part, children."

When fanfare and poetry sound,
Let us congratulate you
Happy birth of a young family!
What can I wish you at this hour?
Of course, joy and happiness,
May luck not leave you

So that you never know
About grief and sadness,
So that they don’t forget about love,
Let there be holidays!
I would like to briefly congratulate you,

And direct you to the true path,
And fasten your hands between you.

I wish you without any doubts,

Preserved until the last days.

Customs in Russian villages,
Cheerful children's round dance.
At the wedding performance
There is a crowd of people at the door.
An unusual variety of flowers,
The bride is as beautiful as the light,
And let it be added to this rhyme
Her mischievous soul.

Try it, take a bite
You are a baked bread
Yes, listen to mommy
With memorized speeches.
As it is prophesied in a fairy tale,
Advice and love to you.
Yes, I would like to wish you
Merry festivities.

Are you ready for congratulations?
Well, then listen.
In the meantime, we pronounce them,
Eat some bread.
We are immensely happy for you,
Our newlyweds.
Be an example to everyone
Both in fun and in luck.

I want to congratulate you on your combination.
Now you have become husband and wife.
Considerable efforts have been made.
But the feast, as they say, is a mountain.
Live peacefully and always in harmony.
Don't be offended at each other often.
Don't waste your happiness in vain,
After all, your life is only in your power.

Congratulations to the father in prose

Our dear birds, you have become a young husband and wife. Now a long and happy road of family life lies before you. I want to congratulate you on completing the first step in your new life. How many more such first steps will you take! The birth of your first child, his first word, his first step - all this you have to experience. In the meantime, you are the happiest couple on this planet. I want to wish you only happy days, so that you, like two swans, float through life side by side, warming each other with your warmth. Be happy!

Congratulations to the father in prose

To be honest, I lived a long and happy life with my wife. I would like to wish you the same happy life. But first of all, please accept my sincere congratulations on your wedding, which took place only a few hours ago. This is a very short period of time, but I see that during this period you have proudly managed to maintain a very high level of happiness in your young family. Keep it up!

Congratulations to father in verse

I want to congratulate you on your marriage.
Keep the warmth that you have acquired,
And do your best,
So as not to waste everything you found.
Live peacefully, amicably, fairly,
So that trouble cannot sneak up on you.
May life be fun and beautiful.
Never part, children.
I want to wish you happiness
And congratulations on your responsible step.
So that you don’t see bad weather in your life,
So that you are close to each other.

My heartfelt congratulations
I can’t put it into words.
I will hug you, my hearts,
I will wrap my arms around you.
There is simply no strength to speak,
Yes, and what to express in words.
You are so beautiful today.
You are warmed by the rays of love.
I would like to briefly congratulate you,
Wish you many years without separation.
And direct you to the true path,
And fasten your hands between you.
Let happiness be endless,
I wish you without any doubts,
So that your love and cordiality
Preserved until the last days.

You are our golden children!
Please accept congratulations from us,
We don't need gratitude
Just always live in peace.
Combining in a worldly union,
You took the oath of allegiance.
And don't be a burden to each other,
As you promised today.

In a solemn and bright hour,
When fanfare and poetry sound,
Let us congratulate you
Happy birth of a young family!
What can I wish you at this hour?
Of course, joy and happiness,
May luck not leave you
Let all bad weather pass by!
So that you never know
About grief and sadness,
So that they don’t forget about love,
Let there be holidays!
I want to throw flowers at your feet,
So that the road is paved with them.
So that your secret dreams come true,
You ask God for blessings.
I will shower the family with congratulations,
Which is a little over an hour old.
I'll sprinkle you with holy water,
I will bless you, so that with a reserve.
I hasten to congratulate you with all my heart,
After all, the marriage took place.
All congratulations in the world are good,
I give them to you with all my efforts.

Congratulations to the mother in prose

My dear children, you have tasted a piece of the loaf. I want your hearts to retain the warmth that this loaf has preserved for you. Let your house always be full of guests and let everyone get at least a small piece of food. Let the distribution of your first loaf be the copyright-by-holiday beginning of your hospitality.

Our dear ____________________________________ (the mother calls the children by name), I also want to congratulate you on your marriage. Be happy in your union that you have created today. Cherish the warmth of this day for the rest of your life. Save your happiness and increase it many, many times.

Oh, my lovelies. What happiness. They arrived beautiful, elegant, happy. Let me kiss you on both cheeks. Eat some bread and salt and refresh yourself. Oh, joy, well, now I'm happier than ever. Now my lovebirds will always be together.

Congratulations, congratulations. Yes, how beautiful, and how elegant. You can immediately see the bride and groom. Don’t be shy, break some bread and put it in your mouth. Let not only your ears enjoy it. After all, you won’t be satisfied with congratulations alone. Help yourself and treat others.

Congratulations to the mother in verse

My son’s wedding is coming soon, and his ticket to the world has been given.
What kind of life will fate present to the child?
The soul is in confusion and fear for the young,
I pray to you, Almighty, give them happiness in their lives!
I will kneel down to atone for my sins.
Just give them happiness, harmony and love.
Let life flow calmly, like a measured river,
And let children be born, bringing peace into their lives.

The ritual of meeting newlyweds, as a tradition, has a long history. There is an opinion that the parental blessing of the newlyweds with bread and salt was one of the early forms of marriage. Cases have been recorded when a wedding in a church was replaced by the ceremony of leading the newlyweds around a bowl (a wooden tub for preparing bread dough), on the lid of which lay bread. Later, after the church wedding, having met the wedding train, the groom’s mother led the newlyweds around a bread bowl, which had previously been laid with a towel and on which bread was laid with a pinch of salt.

This Russian wedding tradition was formed and became widespread in Russia already in the nineteenth century. From that moment on, baking a wedding loaf became an obligatory ritual in the families of the bride and groom. It was with him, in general, that the wedding began. As a rule, the parents of the bride and groom baked the wedding loaf on Thursday or Friday. Wheat flour was used for the dough, but in some regions rye flour was also used. The upper part of the loaf was decorated with doves, which symbolized the love of the newlyweds, as well as cones and spikelets, personifying fertility and wealth.

The bride's parents escorted the couple out of the house with parting words, and the groom's parents, also with him in their arms, met the newlyweds on the threshold of the house, accepting their daughter into their family and blessing them for a long and happy family life (according to tradition, the spouses settled after the wedding in the house of the groom's parents ). Then, under the joyful cries and exclamations of the guests, the loaf was placed at the head of the wedding table, where it stood until the end of the feast, after which it was sure to be divided. As a rule, the division of the loaf was carried out by the senior friend or “elder”. The central part of the loaf was given to the young people, then the pieces were given to parents and relatives, the bottom of the loaf with coins baked in it was usually given to the musicians, and the rest was received by the “Cossacks” - children and teenagers who were not present at the wedding feast, remaining “behind the threshold.” In most cases, the division of the loaf was combined with the process of gifting gifts to the newlyweds. The guest, having received a piece of loaf, always put money, linen on a special plate, or promised a pig, a heifer, or a sheep. Since the principle of “reflection” (“Give and you will be given”) was in effect, the newlyweds tried to distribute the loaf to more guests.

This beautiful and cheerful tradition of greeting newlyweds with a loaf of bread after registration at the registry office still exists today. Of course, it has not been fully preserved, it has been somewhat modified and even transformed, but it has not lost its mysterious charm and symbolic significance: parents meet the young in a new status for them, as husband and wife.

The meeting of newlyweds by parents is a special ritual that personifies the connection between generations and the tradition of continuity of family values. Today, as mentioned above, this tradition has undergone many changes, in particular, modern couples often already have separate housing from their parents before marriage. Therefore, this ceremony no longer takes place on the threshold of the groom’s parents’ house, but smoothly moves to the doors of a restaurant, cafe or banquet hall.

If the meeting of the newlyweds takes place in the house of the groom's parents, the mother with a loaf in her hands and the father with an icon are waiting for them on the threshold (this could be the image of the Virgin Mary, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker or another saint who is the patron saint of the family). In this case, the mother-in-law blesses the young people for a life of prosperity and harmony, and the father-in-law reminds them of spirituality and the eternal values ​​of Christian love. The newlyweds, having crossed themselves, first bow to the icon, and then break off (bite off) a piece of the loaf and, dipping it in salt, give it to each other to eat. Then they thank their parents and kiss them three times on the cheeks. After this, the parents invite the married couple and their guests into the house to the set wedding table or into the hall where the wedding celebration will take place.

If for some reason the parents cannot meet the newlyweds at home, then this ceremony is carried out at the door of the building (restaurant, cafe, etc.) where the wedding celebration is scheduled to take place. For everything to be successful, the toastmaster will have to prepare in advance. It is necessary to agree with one of the couples who will be part of the wedding procession so that the toastmaster is warned by phone five minutes before the wedding procession approaches the restaurant.

It would be good if the guests lined up on both sides of the path, forming a “living corridor” along which the young people would need to walk, and at the end of which their parents would be waiting for them. The meeting will look beautiful and touching if everyone forming a “living corridor” holds one rose in their raised hand. During the meeting of the newlyweds, the groom’s mother holds in her hands a loaf on a towel and an open wooden or silver salt shaker, and the father holds an icon (optional), a small towel and a bowl with candies and coins. The bride's mother holds a glass plate with honey and a spoon, and her father holds glasses of champagne. Parents may also have lit candles in their hands. The witness and the witness, in whose hands there is a large towel (a special towel with an ornament), stand opposite each other at some distance from the young parents.

The groom carries the bride in his arms all the way along the “living corridor,” while the invitees strew their path with flower petals, flowers, and sprinkle the newlyweds with grain (wheat, rice), confetti, sweets and money. According to the old belief, such an action promises young people happiness, wealth, prosperity and a long, sweet family life. Approaching their parents, the newlyweds bow to them at the waist, thereby showing respect, and thank them for their blessing on marriage, parental love and work.

As the newlyweds walk along the path to their parents, they can arrange test competitions and ask questions. For example, ask young people about the number of children they plan to have. They must look for the answer (allegedly different) to the question asked under three carpets. Notes with the words “We will have many children” are placed in advance under each carpet.

Parents meet the newlyweds, bless them, take turns expressing their wishes, and the groom's mother presents a loaf of bread. The young people should break off (or bite off) a loaf, dip it in salt and treat each other. This gesture symbolizes the care the spouses take for each other, which from this moment on they will constantly show throughout their lives. It is imperative to compare the broken pieces: whose larger one will be the owner of the family. It is necessary to salt a piece of loaf. According to one version, all the tears that awaited the young people during their life together are eaten along with the salt; according to another version, with this gesture the young people seem to be making a promise that they have “annoyed each other” for the last time.

In the future, according to tradition, the groom’s parents either remove the loaf and do not allow anyone to touch it, after which they take it to the church as a donation (it is believed that this promises peace and harmony in the home of the newly made spouses), or the newlyweds divide the wedding loaf among the guests. Moreover, the bride distributes the pieces to her relatives, and the groom - to his own. According to another version, the bride approaches each guest with a loaf of bread in her hands, and everyone breaks off a small piece for themselves.

After treating the loaf of bread, the groom's father (father-in-law) solemnly presents the bride with a letter stating that she has been accepted into their family with great joy. After this, the newlyweds approach the bride’s mother, who treats them to honey with wishes for a sweet life and an endless honeymoon. Then the father of the bride presents the newlyweds with glasses of champagne, which they should drink to the bottom with words of gratitude to the parents for their support and love. This action is a symbol of the fact that the cup of mutual patience will never overflow. Empty glasses must be broken “for good luck” so that “no one drinks from them anymore, and the spouses are not taken away.” Based on the fragments (the greater number of them), they look at who will be born first in the family: if most of the fragments are large, it’s a boy, if most of the fragments are small, it’s a girl.

Then the groom's father ties the hands of the newlyweds with a pre-prepared towel. Thus, hand to hand, they must go through their entire life together. Hand to hand, the young people approach the witnesses and stand on the towel, which they spread in front of them. The towel in this case acts as a life path that the young people have to go through. At this moment, parents begin to sprinkle the young with pre-prepared sweets for a sweet life, coins for prosperity in the house and millet for numerous offspring.

Then the mothers of the young people come up to them, and I untie the towel. It is preserved as the first family heirloom. Then it is passed on to the children during their wedding (they will also have to stand on it for a long, happy and harmonious life), and they, in turn, will pass it on to their children, etc.

After this, the newlyweds go to the banquet hall, followed by their parents, witnesses and toastmaster, and then the rest of the guests.

When thinking through a wedding program, you need to think through many points. It is very important to prepare in advance the words for welcoming the newlyweds with a loaf of bread at the wedding. After all, when the guests gather, there won’t be an extra minute to think about everything. In addition, vanity can make its own adjustments, because it is difficult to concentrate and say really important and beautiful words. There are many options for what kind of congratulatory speeches you can prepare and it all depends on your own preferences.

Secrets of tradition

All wedding traditions have their own history, and have come to our time from the distant past. Of course, some of the traditions were lost, and some were transformed in a modern way. So the tradition with the loaf is an obligatory ritual and without its participation the celebration cannot begin. Traditionally, it is baked from wheat flour; the day of the week is also important; it is customary to prepare it on Thursday or Friday. Also, special attention is paid to the decoration of the product; most often, spikelets and cones are present at the top, which symbolizes fertility and wealth. But if there are pigeons on it, they will be there, which speaks of devotion and love.

How is the meeting going?

When the wedding cortege arrived after the wedding and painting, the parents met them at the threshold of the hall where the newlyweds’ celebration would take place.

Loaf at a wedding

The groom's mother is given the responsible task of presenting the loaf of bread to the newlyweds on a towel. At the same time, there should be salt along with the loaf; this tradition has two meanings. First, such a product symbolizes harmony and wealth in future family life. The second will be discussed a little further.

Icon of the Mother of God

The groom's father must hold the icon of the Mother of God in his hands. But sometimes this icon can be replaced by the icon of St. Nicholas the Pleasant. This will speak about the spirituality of the future family.

Glasses of champagne

The task of the bride's mother and father is to present glasses of champagne and honey, which speaks of the honeymoon and the sweet life.

Words of encouragement from parents

So, when the young people arrived, they should hear parting words from their parents for their future life. What can I say, the parents themselves know best. But here it is better to choose small congratulations. Firstly, during the celebration, each of the parents will have the opportunity to say all the important words, and secondly, the guests are waiting for their turn to congratulate the newlyweds.

To annoy me one last time

After this, the young people break off a piece of loaf, dip it in salt and give each other to eat. Thus saying that they are ready to take care of each other, and the salt symbolizes that this is the last time they will be annoying. There is also a tradition of not breaking off the loaf, but biting it off, and whoever has the larger piece will be the head of the family.

Break the dishes for a happy life

Then the newlyweds must drink the champagne to the bottom, but break the glasses themselves; it is customary to determine the gender of the unborn child by the fragments; large pieces of glass will indicate a boy, and small pieces will indicate a girl.

Speech of gratitude to parents

In conclusion, the newlyweds must make a speech of gratitude to their parents, while bowing deeply. These should be warm and gentle words, you should think in advance about what you want to thank your parents for, love, care, support, worries. On this day they also experience a lot of emotions and deserve the most sincere and reverent words. Also, according to tradition, they must kiss their parents three times.

What to do with the loaf?

The loaf cannot be hidden or removed; it should be placed on the newlyweds’ table, where it should remain until the end of the celebration. But at the end of the evening it needs to be divided, the top remains young, and everything else is divided between the parents and guests. According to tradition, everyone who receives a piece of loaf should give a gift to the young ones in return. Therefore, a dish or tray is prepared in advance on which guests place their gifts.

What to say?

• Regardless of which congratulation is chosen, a prerequisite is the exclusion of ambiguous meaning.

• The words must apply to both newlyweds, since they have become one family. The words of the mother-in-law should concern not only the son, but also the daughter-in-law, and the mother-in-law should address her daughter and son-in-law.

• It is better if the speech concerns not just your own children, but both of them as a whole. Appropriate words: new family, our children, dear, beloved, etc.

• The use of phrases of regret, reproaches, jokes, dissatisfaction or advice is excluded here. This is a holiday of love and unity, they are happy and nothing should overshadow this day.

• It is better if parents adhere to a specific plan. A well-thought-out script will prevent awkward moments.
• Despite the fact that the congratulations should be short, you should not skimp on words. The bride will be pleased to hear gentle, kind words of approval and support.

For newlyweds, the wedding day is a very important one; they experience a lot of emotions. The task of parents is to help, support and be there. Correctly chosen words evoke pleasant and tender feelings; they remain in memory for many years.