Ukraine is the country that is rich with traditions. And the wedding is one of the occasions that is full of them! This article will reveal several most widespread that may surprise you.

At the wedding, people tend to drink lots of vodka. And when they do this, they usually exclaim “gor’ko!” that means “bitter.” After this exclamations, the newly weds should kiss. Why do they do and say this? Long time ago, the bride was holding the tray with small cup of vodka. Each guest was taking one cup, drank it and was saying “bitter” to let others know that he drank vodka, not water. And then he would put money on tray that allowed to kiss the bride. If he didn’t put money, he couldn’t kiss and could only watch others doing this. From this appeared the modern tradition.

Another interesting tradition is connected with embroidered towel “rushnik.” A girl was to create it herself, and also to make one for each guest. Nowadays, ladies who love traditions make (or buy) oe rushnik, each bread from it to let their family life be great, and then tie it up. Because until this rushnik is tied, their marriage will be firm and happy. And then they store this rushnik somewhere for all their life.

One more tradition is taking the bridal veil off the bride’s head. Previously, this was to be done by the grooms’ mother, but nowadays this is done by the groom himself. After this veil was taken off, the bride’s braids were unwind, and this process was called “unwinding.” This meant that the woman is no longer free and is now a wife and is the mistress of her new home. A kerchief was put on her head, and she was dancing with her friends covering their heads with her veil to give them the relay of marriage.

And, of course, the best tradition of the whole marriage is the first night. In Ukraine, it was very important for the girl to be pure, and if she was, she was highly honored for this and respected by her husband and his family. That’s why nowadays Ukrainian women still try to save themselves for their future husbands and are very serious in relations.