Embracing Traditions: Morning Celebrations at Armenian Weddings
As Armenians, we are so proud of our rich cultural heritage and vibrant celebrations. This is especially true in an Armenian wedding. We are sharing some of the traditions that our family has observed during the morning festivities of the wedding day.
Celebrations kick off in the morning, as the bride and groom start the big day in their respective homes with close friends and family. The night before, both houses are extravagantly decorated in preparation for the morning festivities. After a short celebration in the groom's home, his family arrives to the brides' home with sinis - an arrangement of beautifully decorated baskets that hold gifts for the bride (bride's veil, shoes, garter, perfume), flowers, cognac and chocolates.
As the groom arrives to the brides' house, with traditional folk music and honking of car horns, the bride's family greets them outside with dancing and gifts. These gifts are exchanged for the sinis that the groom's family brought.
Inside the bride's home, the blushing bride is in her room getting ready (who are we kidding? At this point, the bride is nervously pacing back and forth). After a few toasts, the groom's family asks the bride's father for permission to bring the bride out of her room. In Armenian tradition, the father of the bride gives away his daughter in his home - it's a beautiful moment when he walks his beautiful daughter to the groom and the happy couple lock eyes for the first time.
There are several other important traditions that are observed at the bride's home. Before the maid of honor puts the veil on the bride, she circles the veil over the head of each bridesmaid for good luck. Another tradition associated with the bride's attire is stealing of her shoe. One of the sinis brought by the groom's family contains the bride's shoes. One of the girls from the bride's family steals one of the shoes and keeps it for ransom until the groom's family pays.
Before the almost newlyweds can leave, the closest male member of her family (usually brother or close cousin), stands by the door, not allowing them to leave and asking the best man for a ransom. These traditions are all in good-natured fun, and symbolize the transition of the bride from her family to the groom's.
Upon departure, the bride's family gives the groom's family gata. This sweet Armenian pastry is given in an Armenian wedding as a symbol of prosperity and blessing.
Armenian weddings may vary by region, but they all share the elements of honoring tradition, delicious food, lively music, wonderful company, and the heartfelt wish of 'May you grow old on one pillow.'
As a party planning business, we understand the importance of preserving and honoring traditions while also creating unique and memorable experiences for our clients. We cherish the heritage that make each of us unique and would be honored to help you create a day filled with love, joy, and cherished customs.
