Bath ritual and breaking a loaf: wedding rites of the Komi people at the RUSSIA EXPO
Guests of the RUSSIA EXPO saw a colorful matchmaking and wedding feast of the Komi people. The wedding was held in the Komi language, and all visitors to the ceremony took part in festive dances. A couple from Syktyvkar: Assol Istomina and Sergey Misharin got married at VDNH that day.
The bride’s gathering is started by mourners — in the old days in Komi they used to say that a bride should wet seven handkerchiefs with her tears before leaving her parents' house.
They also showed the bath ritual — the godmother and her friends took the bride to the bath and with the help of songs and dances drove away demons, protected the girl from sorcery and accusations, so that no one would bring quarrels to the new family. After the bride was given a part of the traditional headdress — a fur bandage — and the bride price began.
The guests also learned about symbolic rituals in preparation for the wedding: the bride’s work at the spinning wheel, the groom’s demonstration of hunting skills, the breaking of the loaf, and traditional riddles.
The Head of the Komi Republic Vladimir Uyba congratulated the newlyweds on the conclusion of marriage.
"Dear Sergey and Assol! Today a miracle happened — a new family was born before the eyes of the whole country. It is a huge responsibility, because the whole country witnessed your union! We all wish you to live happily, long and respect and love each other! On the eve of the 2024 Year of the Family, we do not just congratulate you — today you are giving many young people a reason to create a family!" — said the head of the region.
Deputy Director General of the ANO «Directorate of the Exhibition of Achievements "Russia"» Anastasia Zvyagina joined the good wishes: "The wedding is unusually beautiful, bright and colorful! I wish your life to be the same! And I wish you to always be so confident in each other, just as you answered "yes" today. Happy holiday! Love each other, look in the same direction, be happy!".
Earlier, the exposition also hosted a wedding according to Chuvash traditions, a Bashkir wedding ceremony, a Chukchi wedding, and a wedding according to Cossack traditions.
