The autumn coming soon is considered “wedding season” in Ukraine. And, as every wedding season, it has its own rules and traditions. Actually, Ukrainian wedding traditions are ancient, rooted in history and are not quite the West same. So, if you are one of those who are already dreaming about their wedding plans or if you are dating a gorgeous Ukrainian lady and thinking about your future intentions, further piece of information should be useful for you.
The traditional time to celebrate a wedding is considered to be August, September and October. In fact, one can marry at any time, but the very these months are associated with gathering harvest and variety of needed quantity of meat, fruit and vegetables for a rich wedding. The autumn weddings are believed to be fruitful, and couples of such wedding received blessings to prosperity and fertility. There are some months considering unfavorable for a wedding (for example, according to the ancient custom, May is considered the worst month for having a wedding). Some religious holidays, including Easter and Christmas, are also believed wrong-time for making weddings (as religious ceremonies).
The ancient marriage tradition that takes place not only in Ukraine, but also in many countries, concerns the bride’s father. He is considered to have the last right to approve or refuse the marriage offer. Today the modern bride’s fathers don’t make their decisions individually, they ask daughters whether ladies want to marry the very man or not. If the answer is “yes”, both future relatives should discuss all details of the wedding. But if the answer is “no”, traditionally unlucky man is given a pumpkin as a symbol of his failure. Why pumpkin? It is believed the most simple and usual foods, guests had never been treated the pumpkin. The most honorable food is considered to be fresh bread. So asking her father for her hand might be the worst nightmare:)
Paying a ransom for a bride is also an old tradition, rooted in the history, and of the central rites. In ancient times, the groom paid a ransom with money, gifts and weapons. Nowadays this rite is only a fun part of the Ukrainian wedding tradition. As the groom made his way to the bride’s room, the members of her family would challenge him. For example, they might have him solve a riddle, or answer some questions about his beloved – her tastes or habits. If he failed any of the challenges, he would have to pay a ransom. Usually fractional and minor coins, flowers, candies and sweets are satisfactory ransom. So the bride’s family wants to be sure that the groom is worthy his beloved lady. One should remember that it’s all a great joke and a part of joyful custom, nothing serious.