Viykup (ransom)
This is a traditional game, played prior to the wedding. The groom comes to his bride’s house, where she is hiding. He brings gifts, money, and sweets, to give to everybody in her family, so they will help him find her. This is known as 'Viykup', and is a tradition in many other cultures around the world as well as in Russia.
Do Not Cross the Newlyweds’ Way!
Nobody should cross the path in front of the bride and groom on their way to church and back. In Russian villages they still believe that only sorcerers and ill-wishers “cut the path” of the newlyweds to harm them.
The Loaf of Bread
At the beginning of the wedding reception, the newly weds are presented with a loaf of bread ans salt by their in-laws. They both attempt to take a big bite from it (with no hands allowed!) at the same time. Whoever takes the bigger bite is said to be the leader of their family!
The Bitter Kiss
One of the most intriguing Russian wedding traditions takes place at the wedding reception. The bride and groom must kiss when the crowd begin to chant 'gorko'. In English, this word means 'bitter taste', and refers to the vodka that the newlyweds have to drink before kissing. The kiss must continue until the crowd stops chanting, so you can imagine this creates a lot of fun for all involved!
The Champagne Glass
At the wedding table of the bride and groom, friends and family put some coins in the champagne glasses of the newlyweds as a wish for their marriage to be blessed with abundance. After drinking the first glass the couple must throw them on the floor. It is considered good luck if the glasses break when they hit the ground.
Smashing the Plate
This tradition is well-known with Greek weddings, and it is also a tradition in Russian weddings. The bride and groom should drop a plate together, and break it into small pieces. They then take a step together, over the broken pieces, as a sign of them advancing towards their future happiness.
Shoes
It is bad omen if something happens to bride’s shoes during the wedding; in particular, if the heel breaks off. However, shoes can also harbour luck! There is a well-known custom in Russia to put money into the wedding shoes. Russian brides like to put a coin under their left heels as they believe it will bring them luck. In the traditional Russian wedding, however, it was the groom who put money into his boots. Before the wedding night the bride would take his boots off in token of her obedience and he would give her that money.
