Mother of the Groom:
Our dear children! 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 the loaf, gain strength from this unique day and live your life with dignity and beauty strong family! Congratulations!
The newlyweds bite into a loaf.
(or such an option) ... We want the warmth to remain in your hearts,
which contains this loaf. Let your home be full of this warmth,
welcome guests and children. Advice and love to you!
(or another option) ... My dear children, I sincerely congratulate you on the beginning of a new path in your life. And on the threshold of this happy beginning, I present you with the main symbol of prosperity and well-being in all things earthly - a wedding loaf. Break off a piece of it and treat each other. 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 one a small piece treats. Let the distribution of this loaf be the beginning of your hospitality. Advice and love to you!
Mother of the Bride:
Our dear children, _____________! We congratulate you, bless your marriage, and wish you happiness. Your union is simply a great happiness for us. Advice and love to you!
Here's some water for you to have fun for the rest of your life!
(or another option)… Dear children, ___________! We bless you for a strong marriage, for friendly family. Live in peace and friendship, love and harmony, for your own happiness and for the joy of people! Let the children in your family laugh, let there be peace and prosperity in your home!
Blessing from the groom's mother
A son's wedding day is one of the most important events in a mother's life. In addition to all the pre-wedding troubles, worries and tears of joy, the groom’s mother will have to say her wishes and parting words young couple. Perhaps the most difficult thing on such an exciting day is managing your emotions. And although women are always more sentimental, it is still worth keeping yourself in control. Loving mother sincerely wishes happiness to his adult son and strives to protect him from possible hardships in life. To prevent excessive emotions from casting a shadow on the holiday, you need to properly prepare for this joyful event.
Blessing from the groom's mother
Usually, after the official registration of marriage, the groom's parents greet the newlyweds with bread and salt and words of blessing. They sound especially touching warm regards from the groom's mother blessing the newlyweds for a happy family life.
Our beloved children! Accept my sincere congratulations! Your journey together begins, along which you will walk hand in hand. We sincerely wish you prosperity, prosperity, and happiness! Treat each other with love and respect, take care and appreciate your feelings! On the threshold of a new life, let me treat you to a loaf of bread. This is not just bread, but a symbol of prosperity and wealth in the family. Break off a piece, children, dip it in salt and treat each other. Remember that life can be not only sweet, but also salty. And you will overcome all trials together. Let warmth and love remain in your hearts, and may your home be a full cup! Advice and love!
Dear children! Today means a lot to all of us. I thought I was losing my son, but in fact I had found a wonderful daughter. Now my family has grown, this is also happiness. I bless you, live in harmony and appreciate each other. Let ringing laughter always be heard in your home, and let the smiles of two give light. loving people. I wish you healthy children, to the delight of grandparents, to help mom and dad. Cherish the love!
Dear children! Your family life is just beginning. However, remember that family is joint work. Walk this path hand in hand, support each other, keep warmth and love in your heart! We present you this beautiful loaf with the hope that your path in life will be just as sweet. Help yourself to bread and salt, children, treat each other as a sign that you will take care of your other half in the future. We bless you! May you live happily ever after!
Beloved, dear, respected son and daughter, please accept my congratulations on your wedding day, which marked the beginning of a new family. This loaf is not just a tasty dish, but a symbol that you will live prosperously and have abundance in everything. Break off a piece of the delicious pie and present it to each other. May the warm bread served at your wedding keep your hearts warm for each other forever! I wish you always have something to treat your guests. On the day of such a wonderful wedding, I want to wish you, your future children, health, an unquenchable fire of love, peaceful happiness under the roof of your home. My son has always brought joy to my heart, I am honored that our family now has a daughter! I am sure that we will all live loving each other, because kindness and understanding warm our hearts. Happy wedding, young people!
Dear children, on your wedding day,
Receive blessings from your parents,
Be happy always
May life give you only inspiration!
Live as a friendly family,
Definitely give us grandchildren,
I wish you good health, prosperity,
May your life be long and sweet!
Today you have become the towel of fate,
We congratulate you with all our hearts,
May all your dreams come true,
Let the good news pleasantly surprise you!
On long life we bless you,
We sincerely wish you all the best,
Appreciate and love each other always,
May the Lord protect you from troubles and evil!
Like two white doves
In peace and harmony
You, our good ones,
Live joyfully!
This day is beautiful
A new one is born
Designated by love
Your family!
Blessings, children!
Keep your love
Give birth to strong children
And appreciate each other!
Words of congratulations from the groom's mother in prose
In order not to get confused at the very important point, it is worth making a plan in advance for your address to the bride and groom. During the wedding, the hearts of the guests will surely melt the mother’s words of excitement and concern for the fate of the child. However, it is worth adding friendly words to them addressed to the son’s chosen one. It is generally accepted that mother-in-law and daughter-in-law initially have a difficult relationship, often forcing young husband take someone's side. The best way to break this stereotype - to beautifully congratulate the newlyweds, without neglecting the dignity of the bride.
Dear children! With all my heart I congratulate you on the beginning of your family life! Now you can go hand in hand and build your happiness! Take care of each other, let your union be based on love, mutual understanding and respect! Carry the fire of your love through many years, so that both children and grandchildren know how deep your feelings are! Happiness and prosperity to you, children! Bitterly!
Dear newlyweds, beloved son and beautiful daughter-in-law, I sincerely congratulate you on this wonderful event, your wedding day, the beginning of a long journey together. Now I remember myself: how exciting it was to sit at the head of the table, among hundreds of guests on the day when my family life began. Then I knew that love would cope with any troubles, everything would be fine. You will have difficult moments, there will be happy ones, the main thing is do not abandon each other, do not let despondency and bile appear. You, son, show respect to your wife, and you, daughter, protect your husband.
Dear son! Just recently you were running around the house and waiting for dad and me to get home from work. The memory of our evenings together is very dear to me, but the time has come for you to start your own family! I am calm for you, because next to you is a wonderful girl whom you called your wife. Dear children! Please accept our most sincere wishes! Let your home be cozy and happy. Plant trees, raise children that you will be proud of later. Your union is the key to success in life. As long as you have each other, you will not be afraid of any troubles. I wish you happiness, prosperity and goodness! Bitterly!
Dear children! May your happiness and love last for many years! I am proud of the man you have become, son, and what a wonderful companion you have chosen. Family life is a cozy and calm haven, but it cannot avoid storms. Always remember and take care of each other. Then harmony will always reign in your union! Be happy every second, because these moments are unique, and time flies so quickly. I want to raise this glass to you, newlyweds! We wish that love will continue to illuminate your path and warm your family with its rays. Walk through life confidently, holding hands tightly! Bitterly!
My beloved son, there is no greater joy for a mother than to see her own child whose eyes are shining. You are all glowing with happiness. I thought I'd be jealous when the time came to let you go adult life, give it to the girl who will take care of you... But on your wedding day, I feel something else: fun, joy, pleasure and gratitude to the beautiful bride who made my son smile so widely! I congratulate you, young people, on your wedding, I wish that this radiance emitted now never leaves your eyes!
Dear son, first I turn to you. You were a strong boy for me, you made your mother happy. I remember how he helped me around the house, greeted me after a hard day at work with a cup of tea, and diligently studied even those subjects that I didn’t like, in order to avoid my frustration. Sometimes, son, you and I had a hard time, but we got through these difficult moments. Now look at yourself: you are so strong, beautiful, successful, next to you sits your beautiful wife, whose radiant smile illuminates this wedding all day long. Dear bride, daughter, I am happy that you have become my son’s chosen one. Like any mother, I am proud of my child, I love him, I trust his choice. If he fell in love with you, then there is probably no more beautiful soul in the world than yours. I wish you to live peacefully from today until your wedding day, helping each other, always lending a shoulder of support, together reaching those heights that cannot be achieved individually. And I will try to help as much as I can if needed. Happy wedding to you!
Our dear son and daughter! Time flies so quickly, and the baby, whom we remember as a very small child, has now become a real man - strong, strong, ready to take responsibility for the family on his shoulders. And we are very proud of you, son! Looking at you, we ourselves become younger, and your joy fills our hearts with warmth and light. We are glad that you have found each other, because a person can live alone, but he will never be more important and significant than in a family. To be a beloved son, father, husband - isn’t this the best purpose for a man? And now, son, you have the opportunity to realize yourself in every role. Take care of your spouse, appreciate her love and support, protect her from adversity! May your family become stronger every year, and let bitterness be felt only in noble drinks and on a worthy occasion! Bitter for the young!
My beloved children! I have never liked the word “marriage” because it is ambiguous. You join an alliance loving hearts and begin your journey together. It won't always be easy, but as long as you have each other, even bitter things will seem sweet. May your family life be long and happy, and every day be like a honeymoon. Good luck to you, warmth and prosperity! Keep your hearth, plant trees, raise children, whom you will later be proud of just as we are proud of you! Together you will conquer peaks that are beyond the reach of a single traveler! May you live happily ever after!
Congratulations from the groom's mother in verse
On this solemn holiday
You need to wish for a lot:
Happiness, love, understanding in everything,
Live a good, interesting and friendly life!
The most important thing is that trouble
I always avoided your house,
So that you always have the main guest
There was family happiness!
Your advisor and your companion
May wisdom and fidelity always be there.
Trust, tenderness - all feelings are wonderful
May you never run out of them!
Let children grow up obedient, sensitive,
Let them not cause you troubles and troubles.
Let your year pass in minutes,
Your life goes on without worries!
Let never friends or acquaintances
Your home is not bypassed.
And most importantly - be in love,
Love each other with all your soul!
You will live together for a very long time until old age,
May everyone come to you again every year
Happiness, luck, family joys,
As they say: Advice and Love!
I want to wish you happiness
And congratulations on your responsible step.
So that you don’t see bad weather in your life,
May you be close to each other!
My heartfelt congratulations
I can’t put it into words.
I will hug you, my hearts,
I'll wrap my arms around you!
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 for long 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!
Congratulations to the young couple!
You gave each other your life,
And hearts were united forever,
Before Heaven, God and People!
O love! Take your children!
So that they always love each other,
Drink the cup of happiness to the end!
I'll pour myself some wine for a toast,
And I will say from both of us:
We are very happy for you - sincerely, completely!
I will multiply this happiness by six:
Matchmaker, matchmaker, my husband and I, young -
This is a whole family...
How can I not be happy today?
If the family has multiplied.
Let us drink to the health of the young people,
May our family multiply
Let them give birth to golden children,
Let's shout “Bitter!”, dear people!
The hearts of the young are knocking in unison,
Flowers and gifts, like a fairy tale, like a dream,
The bride is a princess, shining in flowers,
The groom is soaring in the skies with emotions!
And there are no more beautiful people on the whole earth,
You opened your souls to a dream today,
What did you strive for so much for not a day or two -
From now on there is only one road through life!
Live together - love and advice,
May the light of joy shine upon you along the way,
Your star is also burning in the sky of happiness,
And the pain and sorrow will go away forever!
We will tell you a simple truth,
Let us tell you the beginning of all beginnings:
Luck for two is twice as joyful,
And the sadness will be divided in two.
So become dearer to each other.
The hot light will warm you with love.
You just need to be able to divide and multiply,
Divide and multiply - that's the whole secret.
(name of the bride) we wish you patience,
(name of the groom) just love her alone!
For the young! For husband and wife!
It's a great day for you today!
You have connected two destinies
And at the registry office they signed it.
This is the first step in life!
In the family - to further years of happiness!
The fire of love lit the hearth,
So that there is light in the house, not darkness,
So that we can take part together.
In the construction of a nest of love,
So that children grow up in joy
And wherever you are along the way,
I felt drawn to come to my dear home.
Let your home be a full cup!
Keep love until your gray hairs,
May your union be unbreakable
And it has become stronger and more beautiful over the years!
Parting words from the groom's mother
An important day has come for me, which I had been waiting for and fearing so much - the marriage of my child. Here is my behest to you, son, on your wedding day: be a strong husband, let your wife feel like she is behind a stone wall. Be patient, son, because everyone has disagreements, do not hurt your beloved with a sharp word when the moment of anger comes. Be loving, do not forget to address your wife affectionately, then you will become the most happy husband. Try to be understanding, even if you see no reason for her fatigue or irritation - after all, the differences between a woman and a man are great.
Have fun while the wedding is buzzing, while congratulations from the guests interrupt one another. But when the celebration is over, start working hard, because you have become the head of the family. You will have to not only work hard to get money, son, but also constantly work on your relationships. If love is not cultivated like a flower, it will wither. Don’t be afraid of difficulties, boldly go towards life’s adversities, don’t be shy to ask for support from your beloved wife. From your wedding day, this girl will be your mother, sister and best friend, but don’t forget about your roots - about me and dad.
I wish you to become a worthy husband, just as you have always been a worthy son to your mother. Take care of your family, children, wife, and then you will be happy. Let your life become a real adventure that you and your wife will experience together until the very end. Happy wedding! Happiness!
My beloved son and mine new daughter! Don’t look that I’m crying - it’s out of joy for you, my dear children. Your family was born today. Let this day be just the first of an endless number of happy days warmed by your love. Live together, enjoy every minute, try never to leave each other for more than a few hours. Face all adversities together, then they will turn into nothing. And happiness divided into two will increase tenfold. And most importantly - love and honor each other!
You know, dear children, the greatest happiness in our lives happened when our child was born. Since that time, we have not felt more vivid and reverent emotions: it was a unique moment that you will definitely experience. But today we felt something similar again, because our child is leaving us in new life. We want you to take care of each other as we have taken care of you all this time. Good luck to you!
Dear son! Today there is great joy in our family - my dad and I have a daughter. Your meeting is a gift from heaven, but now the main thing is to preserve feelings and fire in your hearts. Family is work, but it is rewarded. Love in the eyes of your soul mate, children's laughter, tears of pride from parents. Be happy, our dear children. Plant trees, raise wonderful children, strengthen your relationships! Your happiness is more valuable to us than all gifts! May there always be prosperity and harmony in your home, and may your love illuminate your path and be your best advisor! May you live happily ever after!
Dear son! I once read you a fairy tale about how a soldier shared a goose and managed not to offend anyone. He gave his head to the master, because it is the man who is the head of the family, and his neck to the lady, because the woman can always turn the situation in her favor. This is how responsibilities are distributed in the family. You, son, take care of your wife from sorrows and adversity, so that her eyes shine and her heart does not know pain and disappointment. You, daughter, lend your fragile shoulder to your spouse in difficult times, and he will move mountains for you! Live in peace and harmony, let your sincere love be your guide in family life. If you need help or advice, dad and I will always be there. May you live happily ever after!
Dear children! It is said that Adam and Eve were the first gardeners in Eden. Heaven was their garden, and it had to be tended to thrive. Likewise, your married life should become your paradise. Love each other, protect, cherish - then the garden will turn green and prosper. But let jealousy and resentment in, and the Garden of Eden will wither. May your union only become stronger over the years. You, like trees, will intertwine your roots and become one! May happiness, harmony and prosperity settle in your home, may there be good luck and prosperity in all matters. And over time, cheerful children's voices will ring. We will be happy to remember our youth and retrain as nannies! Happiness and goodness to you! Live in peace and harmony. Bitterly!
Son, today is your holiday,
In your family you have become the head.
Be patient and learn wisdom
Work hard, don't be lazy.
With all our hearts we wish,
You live in harmony and love.
Love your wife, pamper your children,
Don't be offended, don't be jealous.
Let there be only happiness in the house,
Let's say together "Bitter!"
Children grow up quickly and now they are ready to find their own personal happiness. A son's wedding day means, first of all, a new stage in the life of his parents. Perhaps the parents of the newlyweds are on the threshold of a happy period, when grandchildren appear, when it will finally be possible to devote more attention family and relaxation. And there will still be many happy events ahead!
There are not many large-scale and public events in our lives, and there are generally a limited number of such events as weddings. And it is quite reasonable to want this event and all its phases to be held at the highest level. A wedding is a separate step, separate emotions, separate obligations. Today, fewer and fewer couples want to get married traditionally, all rituals are becoming a thing of the past, and they are being replaced by weddings of a different kind. You can get married underwater and in the air, on black bikes or light green Cossacks with gypsies on the roof. The main thing is the idea. If a young couple does not want to have an eccentric show wedding, then there is only one option left - to turn to traditions.
Today we will talk about one important and fairly traditional procedure, which is called “meeting the newlyweds with bread and salt.” Regardless of what wedding format the newlyweds choose, parents and close relatives are always invited to the celebration. And it is the parents who meet the couple at the house with a loaf of bread. More and more often, the porch of the native monastery is happily replaced by the bright vaults of various cafes and restaurants. But one thing remains unchanged - bread and salt are served to the young by their parents.
How to greet the young with bread and salt?
For the entire procedure you will need:
- One loaf that you don’t have to cook yourself today. You can order such a wedding cake at any bakery or cafe.
- Salt shaker
- An embroidered towel on which bread will be presented to the young. Such towels can be easily found in the “Everything for a Wedding” department.
- Glasses or shot glasses (depending on what will be drunk) and alcohol.
Manipulations of parents, bride and groom during a meeting with bread and salt:
- Young people are obliged to bow to their parents and listen to everything that has been prepared for them
- A welcome speech will be required from parents. This should be a beautiful mixture of congratulations and parting words for family life. As a rule, all preparations are left to the parents, including greeting. And here better for the bride and the groom should have some control over the parents’ creativity. Firstly, there should not be too protracted and too emotional speeches, icons and hand-wringing. Welcoming children into family is certainly exciting, but too much drama will only get in the way. If parents get worried and can’t be found right away, it’s better to have some supplies in your pocket. Similar “parental appeals” in prose and poetry can be found on the Internet and various congratulatory brochures that are sold at any newsstand.
- Next, the newlyweds must break off part of the bread, salt it and feed each other. Here you can also add feeding each other with honey - this is sometimes done, honey here symbolizes a sweet and pleasant married life.
- After the “meal” the youth and older generation drink a glass of champagne. You don’t have to finish your drink, but pour it over your shoulder – that’s also a tradition.
- Some people break glasses for good luck, but this is not necessary.
- After everything, the groom carries the bride in his arms into the house (restaurant).
Parents' parting speech
Still, it would be more correct to take care of the parent’s introductory speech in advance. Therefore, we present the following especially for parents who know in advance that they will be very excited. A little cheat sheet never hurts.
If you, dear parents, dare to speak in poetry, then we wish you good luck. The most important thing is to choose short poems so as not to forget anything during the ceremony. It is best if they are simple in terms of vocabulary and easy to remember.
Perhaps these small poetic parting words will help you prepare your speech. They can always be supplemented or shortened, or written specifically for a particular couple, add their names or indicate character traits character of the newlyweds. You can speak on behalf of everything and “in roles”, as in school. It all depends on how the parents’ speech will look in general composition.
We 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.
Mother of the bride:
Me to you, my dear son-in-law,
I had to give my daughter away.
Don't hurt her
And help her with everything!
You are now one family,
And I will be calm
If my daughter is with you
He will find his own home!
May you have a sweet time together
And the road of life is smooth!
Groom's mother:
I welcome my daughter into the house,
Paired with my dear son.
Peace to you, and love is 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.
You can also use prose. This will simplify a lot for you, because if you make a mistake, you can always pick up “your own” the right words, and not frantically remember poetic lines.
- Dear children! Congratulations on your legal marriage. We wish you happiness, health, long years 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.
- Dear children! Congratulations, you are now family. And now we will check who will be the master of the house. Don't be shy, break some bread and feed each other. Let not only your ears enjoy it. After all, you won’t be satisfied with congratulations alone. Help yourself and treat others.
- My dear children, you have tasted a piece of the loaf. We 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 a small piece of food. Let the distribution of your first loaf be the beginning of your hospitality.
There is another option for the most shy and worried parents - this is a toastmaster. At some wedding ceremonies, it is the toastmaster who can save the parents at the most crucial moment. Therefore, you don’t have to worry too much; such an assistant will beat the embarrassment and help you get out of an uncomfortable situation. No matter how the newlyweds are met, the holiday will still be a success, and this is the most important thing!
A wedding is a magnificent celebration, rich in a variety of customs and beliefs. One of the favorite ancient wedding rituals that has survived to this day is the meeting of the newlyweds with a loaf of bread. What words need to be spoken at this moment? How to organize it? And what is the essence of the ritual? Let's look at it below.
Origins of the ritual
This tradition dates back to ancient times. According to legend, after the painting ceremony, the newlyweds were greeted by their parents. On their hands was an embroidered towel with a loaf. The latter, according to custom, was always placed at the head of the banquet table.
Then they cut it into pieces and at the end of the celebration all the guests had to try it. Moreover, the group eating of this bread took place in strict order. A piece of itself big size was intended for the newlyweds, then parents and close relatives took it, the bottom of the bread was given to a group of musicians, since it contained coins, and the remaining parts of the pie were given to the children and remaining guests.
This is what concerned the traditional Slavic wedding. Modern script greeting young people with a loaf of bread became easier and was reduced to a minimum.
What do you need to know when greeting newlyweds with a loaf of bread?
So, the modern greeting is carried out upon completion of the painting. If previously a loaf of salt was only in the hands of the bride’s mother, today both mother-in-law and mother-in-law can perform this ritual.
The second important component is drawing up a plan for welcoming the young couple after the painting ceremony. Those wishing to participate in the event should be organized into a kind of living wall in two rows. This will create a kind of corridor for a young family.
Then they should be given rice or wheat, metal coins, sweets and rose petals. All this will be useful for showering the young couple. According to tradition, it is generally accepted that those invited in this way help to make the future family life of the young people sweet, well-fed and rich.
The main roles in this action, of course, are assigned to parents. There are three variations of this scenario:
- Only the mother of the bride holds the pie.
- The pie is held by the mother of the bride, and the mother-in-law only needs to support.
- The groom's mother is entrusted with holding the loaf, and his mother-in-law is entrusted with supporting him.
Fathers should hold a tray with glasses for the newlyweds and a bottle of champagne. Among other things, parents are supposed to say parting words when meeting the newlyweds with a loaf.
The greeting of the young couple is usually held on the threshold of the banquet room where the celebration itself will take place. This is where parents will hold a towel and a loaf of bread in their hands. When the young couple gets out of the car, two people from among those invited should come closer to the parents and spread another towel on the ground. The rest of the invitees should form a living corridor and begin presenting the young spouses with the sprinkles described above. At the end of this corridor, mothers with a loaf of bread and fathers with champagne and a towel lying on the ground should be located.
One of the mothers has to say heartfelt speech, greeting the young couple with a loaf of bread, and at the end of it, invite the young couple to stand on the towel. This ritual symbolizes the joint path of the young couple, which they still have to go through in the future. It is believed that whoever touches the canvas first will become the head of the family.
Then the newlyweds step over the towel and go to the mother holding the pie. They listen to the beautiful ones congratulatory words and break off pieces of the pie. Then they feed it to each other or present it to guests. Upon completion of this action, the young spouses enter the banquet room, followed by their parents and remaining guests.
Words for meeting newlyweds with a loaf of bread at a wedding
The words of greeting to a young couple can be in different variations, but their essence remains the same. For example, the mother of the bride may say: “We welcome you, our beloved newlyweds! It's nice to see you healthy and happy! On this delightful and special day for you, we would like to present you with a fragrant and crispy loaf of bread!”
Then it’s the turn of the groom’s mother. Her words: “We give you this wonderful pie with great joy! Break it and let everyone take a piece!”
Upon completion of these speeches, a spectacular tasting of the pie begins. A young couple breaks pieces, salts them and eats them. And at the same time, the mother of the bride enters with the words: “How wonderful you are with us! Let this loaf be the first meal you have together after painting! She will give you health and give you all the charm of family life!”
The groom’s mother joins in the words: “So I have a daughter-in-law! I will love her like my own daughter! And my son has a wife, whom he is now obliged to protect until the end of his days!”
Mother of the bride: “Love and honor each other! Let your home always have a warm and cozy atmosphere, and let the sonorous laughter of children be heard!”
The groom's mother supports these words. Next, the loaf is presented to one of the bridesmaids or the witness: “And this delicious loaf will bless you and give you family happiness!”, Then it is placed at the head of the table opposite the place of the newlyweds.
Video on the topic of the article
It's no secret that the majority wedding customs came to us from Europe and America, but native Slavic traditions are still valued: the wedding loaf, with which the groom’s parents greet the young when welcoming a new family into their home.
The tradition of baking a wedding loaf
Baking a lush loaf is the oldest wedding tradition: it came to us from the pagan times of worship of the elements, because the loaf is shaped like the sun. Our ancestors had a whole ritual associated with baking, because according to tradition, a wedding loaf is the most a strong talisman family happiness:
- The dough was kneaded in a special way: for it it was necessary to collect water from seven wells, and flour from the same number of bags;
- Kneading the dough was only allowed married woman living in abundance and raising healthy, happy children;
- The loaf was getting ready huge size as much as could fit in the oven;
- A healthy man sent the workpiece into the oven - this procedure was a symbol of conception;
- This whole procedure was carried out in the groom's house on the eve or on the wedding day.
The decoration of the wedding loaf was not given much importance - most often it was viburnum branches or braids. Symbolic decorations are a pair of doves or swans, bunches of viburnum or grapes, roses and ears of wheat. These images or figures denote family happiness, prosperity, fidelity and the imminent appearance of offspring. All this should come to the newlyweds’ house after the presentation of the loaf at the wedding. Available to you on our website.
Who, when and how to greet the newlyweds with a loaf of bread?
To properly present a loaf at a celebration, a towel is needed. A towel is an embroidered towel that was used for wedding ceremonies in Slavic culture. Its edges should be embroidered with images of birds: roosters, peacocks or falcons. Previously, the towel was used during matchmaking, and at bachelorette parties and weddings. The hands of the newlyweds were tied with it, and the bride stood on it when she arrived at the groom’s house.
Nowadays the towel is used for serving and presenting a loaf at a wedding, and afterwards for storing leftover bread.
Traditionally, the newlyweds are greeted with a loaf of bread at the groom's house; now, more and more often, this happens in front of the restaurant entrance, since weddings are no longer celebrated at home. Who holds the loaf at a wedding? Of course, the mother and father of the groom, who support the baking on the towel from both sides. Although only the mother can hold it, and the father in this case holds the icon.
How to serve a loaf of bread at a wedding and what to say at the same time is usually decided by the groom's parents, and the host can also lead the process: he can prepare a welcoming speech in advance, but usually the mother and father of the groom themselves know how they want to congratulate the newlyweds.
When serving, you also need to stock up on a small container for salt, which is placed on top of the baked goods or served free hand the one who holds the loaf.
Who will be the boss in the family?
The meeting with the loaf at the wedding begins with a congratulatory speech made by the groom's parents: they urge the newlyweds to take care of their happiness and always seek advice from their elders. Also, the groom’s mother usually declares the newly-made wife the mistress of the newlyweds’ house, accepts her into the family and even names her as her daughter. After this, the host or the parents themselves invite the young people to try the treat and find out who will be the boss in the house.
The salt shaker is needed both for the custom of greeting with bread and salt, and for an interesting ritual. The bride and groom take turns breaking off a piece of the loaf, after which they salt it and feed it to their loved one. At the same time, the presenter or parents call for salt with all their hearts, so that from now on they will never salt each other with anything in their lives. According to another tradition, the loaf is bitten off without using hands: whoever bites off the most will be the master of the house.
To make the guests and the newlyweds laugh, the presenter or parents can say this: “Now we see whoever broke off more is more... greedy!” Don’t forget that the traditions of how to serve a loaf of bread at a wedding and what to say at the same time can always be changed a little to maintain a cheerful mood.
After the owner has been determined in the family, the meeting with the loaf at the wedding is considered over, and all guests are invited to the table. It is also an ancient tradition to start a festive banquet with a loaf of bread. The one who holds the loaf at the wedding passes it on godfather or the bride. According to tradition, the loaf at a wedding is divided by the godfathers of the newlyweds among all the guests, who have the opportunity to bite off a little happiness of the newlyweds and for themselves. If someone from the guest's family is not present at the holiday, then part of the piece was brought home for them.
Who is treated to a loaf of bread after the newlyweds meet?
According to Slavic customs, guests do not have the right to refuse a loaf - because in this case they will show disrespect for the young people. In some families, it was customary to conditionally divide the loaf into three parts: the top for the young, the middle part for guests, and the bottom for musicians: coins were put into it for good luck, decorations of the loaf in the form of birds or braids were given to unmarried girls.
What to do with the wedding loaf is decided differently in each family. For example, some families do not offer a loaf of bread to guests, but wrap it in a towel and eat it at home, so as not to lose family happiness. There is also a tradition of taking the remaining portion to the church as a donation.
Since a wedding loaf is a symbol of happiness, guests or newlyweds can dry a small piece as an amulet. Previously, travelers took such a talisman with them on the road to protect them from possible troubles. So, there are a lot of options for what to do with the wedding loaf after the newlyweds meet, so each family chooses the most suitable scenario for itself.
wonderful Slavic tradition: a loaf for a wedding, how to serve it and what to say to the parents and the host, each family determines in its own way, but it is certainly worth honoring the customs of our ancestors, especially if they bring good luck and happiness to the new family. Nowadays there are no problems - modern bakers will be able to realize almost any of your ideas!
