Traditional Russian wedding rituals await guests and participants of the wedding festival at the National Centre RUSSIA

Traditional Russian wedding rituals will be reflected in the costumes of the participants of the II All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts," which will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA from July 8 to 10. In addition, guests of the festival will be able to learn more about these customs through an extensive educational programme featuring lectures and public talks. In the lead-up to this major event, we look back at five traditional blessings given to newlyweds for a happy life together under the protection of their ancestors.

The blessing of the maiden’s braid

Before the wedding, the bride’s mother or the senior woman in the family would perform a ritual by slowly combing the girl’s hair three times. In complete silence, the women would whisper words of blessing — wishes for a happy marriage, patience and good health. The final unbraiding of the maiden’s hair and the plaiting of a wedding braid symbolised her readiness to transition into the status of a married woman.

Porridge for happiness

One of the main culinary symbols of a wedding was millet porridge, prepared with special care: its appearance was believed to predict the future of the young couple. Loose, golden porridge promised prosperity, while burnt porridge was seen as a sign of future challenges. The ritual dish was first served to the groom, the bride and the bride’s mother, symbolising the passing on of family wisdom.

A man’s talisman — the wedding belt

The groom’s belt, tied in a cross across his waist, was believed to carry protective power. Each stitch in its pattern held encoded wishes for strength, health, and responsibility for his future family. This talisman was kept in the young couple’s home as one of the main family heirlooms and passed down from father to son through generations.

Three circles of family happiness

After the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds would walk three times around the hearth or table, hand in hand. This sacred circle symbolised unity, while the fire of the hearth represented the warmth of the family home. In some regions, it was believed that the number of circles walked foretold the number of children the couple would have.

Noisy farewells to evil spirits

Loud shouts and clapping after the ceremony were more than just celebration. Our ancestors believed that these sharp sounds created an invisible shield that drove away envy, the evil eye and other misfortunes. The eldest relatives would shout the loudest, "charging" the couple with the strength of their kin.

The II All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts" will be dedicated to the Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity. At the National Centre RUSSIA, more than 200 couples from across the country will marry at the same time. A highlight of the wedding ceremonies will be the authentic costumes of the newlyweds, representing the wedding traditions of Russia’s diverse peoples. The festive programme will also feature a procession, fashion shows, lectures, tastings and other events showcasing wedding culture across the regions.