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LATVIA PAVILOSTAS VIDUSSKOLA, Pavilosta

Will your love last forever?

In Stameriena castle everything is peaceful and quiet, wooden floors do not ____doors are not

_________and no ________are heard, hovever in the castle parc grows a strange tree.

Vai tava mīlestība būs mūžīga?

Stāmerienas pilī viss ir kluss un mierīgs, dēļu grīdas nečīkst, durvis nevirinās un nav dzirdamas

nopūtas un vaidi, tomēr pils parkā aug dīvains koks......

Stāmerienas muiža

Mīlestības ozoli

Tas ir Mīlestības koks. Dvīņu jeb dubultozols. Nostāsts vēsta, ka pils dārznieks bijis iemīlējies

baronesē. Tomēr neviens nav ļāvis viņiem precēties. Dienā, kad baronesi izdeva pie vīra,

skumjais dārznieks stādījis pils priekšā koku, teikdams, ka tas zaļos tik ilgi, kamēr viņš mīlēs

baronesi. Koks joprojām zaļo un ir skaistāks un pārāks par visiem citiem kokiem. Par šo

mīlestības koku radies arī citāds nostāsts, ka cilvēks, kas spēs izlīst cauri ozola diviem

stumbriem, iegūs mīlestību, kas

nekad nebeigsies. Līdz šim gan tas

nevienam nav izdevies, lai arī ir

mēģināts. Varbūt tādēļ retajam

izdevies mīlestību nosargāt?

Kā cēlusies Gūtmaņala

142

Lībiešu virsaitis Ringolds jājis karā. Mājās viņš atstājis skaistu sievu, piekodinādams, lai tā

uzticīgi gaidot viņu pārnākam no kara.

Sagatavot izdrukai

Gūtmaņa ala

Sieva gaidījusi, gaidījusi un tomēr kļuvusi neuzticīga. Kad vīrs atgriezies, sieva visu rūgti

nožēlojusi un lūgusi piedošanu. Bet Ringolds nav piedevis. Viņš licis sievu dzīvu zemē ierakt. Tur

pazemē raud vēl tagad joprojām nožēlošanas asaras. Avotiņā pārvērtušās tās iztek zemes virsū.

Šis avotinš tecē

Castle Rundale

• Rundāles pils celtniecība neesot vedusies. Cik pa dienu uzcelts, tik pa nakti nogruvis. Viens no

muižniekiem ierosinājis, ka vajagot ziedot cilvēku. Izvēlējušies nabadzīgu zemnieku meitu, un,

lai būtu iemesls meiteni iemūrēt, apvainojuši viņu sagrēkošanā ar augstdzimušu princi. Kopš tā

laikā meitene staigājot pa pili baltā tērpā – Rietumu korpusā šķērsojot biljarda istabu, tālāk

dodoties uz ēdamzāli un tad uz pils Lielajām kāpnēm vai vestibili. Viņa meklējot muižnieku, lai

pierādītu savu nevainību.

• Rundāles pilī esot arī Melnā Dāma,kura parādās noteiktās vakara stundās un slīd cauri pils

gaiteņiem, augšup pa kāpnēm uz Zubova kabinetu. Stāsta, ka Melnā Dāma bijusi kāda

nabadzīga meitene. Šo meiteni bija iemīlējis Valerians Zubovs. Par Zubova mīlestību pret jauno

un skaisto meiteni uzzinājusi ķeizariene Katrīna. Viņa likusi saviem kalpiem Zubovam nocirst

galvu un pasniegt to zelta bļodā. Tas ticis arī izdarīts, bet meitene izgrūsta pa pils otrā stāva

logu. Meitene no kritiena nositusies. Viņa nav apglabāta kapos un kopš tā laika klīstot pa pili,

meklējot mieru.

• Melno Dāmu esot redzējuši pils restaurātori. Viņa parādījusies no kolonnas, neko nerunājot,

uzkāpusi pa trepēm, izgājusi cauri telpām un pēkšņi pazudusi.

143

Turaidas

1601. gada pavasarī Poļu-zviedru kara (1600-1629) laikā zviedru karapulki ieņēma Turaidas pili.

Pēc kaujas pils rakstvedis Greifs starp nogalinātajiem atrada dažas nedēļas vecu meitenīti.

Greifs aiznesa meitenīti mājās un apņēmās viņu izaudzināt. Bija maija mēnesis un meitenīti

nosauca par Maiju. Pagāja gadi un Maija izauga par daiļu jaunavu. Viņas skaistuma dēļ Maiju

dēvēja par Turaidas Rozi. Gaujas pretējā krastā — Siguldas pilī — dzīvoja viņas līgavainis —

dārznieks Viktors Heils. Vakaros viņi satikās pie Gūtmaņa alas. Tajā laikā pilī dienēja divi poļu

armijas dezertieri — Jakubovskis un Skudrics. Jakubovskis iekāroja Maiju un vēlējās viņu

precēt, taču meitene bildinājumu noraidīja. Tas Jakubovski tā saniknoja, ka viņš nolēma iegūt

meiteni ar varu. Viņš aizsūtīja Skudricu it kā Viktora uzdevumā pie Maijas, lai viņa atnāktu

ierastajā tikšanās vietā - bet neierastā laikā. Kad Maija atnāca un saprata, ka ir lamatās, viņa

nolēma labāk mirt, nekā tikt apkaunota. Tas bija laiks, kad cilvēki vēl ticēja burvestībām.

Meitenei ap kaklu bija sarkans zīda lakatiņš, ko bija dāvinājis viņas līgavainis, tādēļ viņa teica

Jakubovskim, ka šim lakatiņam piemīt burvju spējas — tā nēsātājs tiek pasargāts no zobena

cirtieniem, un aicināja to pārbaudīt. Jakubovskis sākumā vilcinājās, bet tad cirta no visa spēka

un meitene saļima pie viņa kājām. Jakubovskis nobijās un šausmu pārņemts par izdarīto

aizskrēja uz mežu un pakārās. Pievakarē Heils atrada Maiju alā nogalinātu un steidzās uz

Turaidu pēc palīdzības. Pie alas tika atrasts Viktora cirvītis asinīs. Tiesa notika Turaidas pilī un tā

lēma, ka slepkava ir Viktors un viņu notiesāja uz nāvi. Notikumu gaitu mainīja Skudrics, kurš

bija sekojis Jakubovskim un visu redzējis. Viņš tiesai pastāstīja, kas bija noticis īstenībā un

Viktors tika attaisnots, bet meitene apglabāta kapsētā pie Turaidas baznīcas. Viņas kapa vietu

var aplūkot pie Turaidas baznīcas, Turaidas pils apkārtnē, Turaidā, Siguldā.

Kokneses pilsdrupas.

Ceļot pili kaļķa sajaukšanai ūdens vietā esot lietots piens, ko vajadzēja piegādāt apkārtnes

zemniekiem. (2)

...

Kādā no Kokneses pils pagrabiem glabājas veca nauda, ko te savācis Velns. Viņš pats naudu

sargā, gulēdams uz lādes vai nu melna sunīša vai čūskas izskatā. (2)

...

Kokneses pilskunga meita reiz iemīlējusies pils dārzniekā. Kad pilskungs padzirdējis, ka meita

gribot precēties ar vienkāršu dārznieku, viņš meitu ieslēdzis pils augstākajā tornī. Kad dārznieks

nav gribējis atteikties no meitas rokas, pilskungs licis to nogalināt. Meita pa torņa logu to

redzējusi un nolēkusi zemē.

144

Vēlāk viņu daudzkārt redzējuši sēžam Pērses krastā un uz akmens sukājot matus. Ja kāds

pienācis tuvāk, meitene pazudusi. Ja kāds meiteni pamanījis un bēdzis, viņa skrējusi pakaļ veltā

cerībā, ka ieraudzījusi savu mīļoto dārznieku. (2)

Jaunpils pils

Jaunpils pils ir viena no senākajām bruņinieku pilīm. Apakšējo stāvu mūru biezums pārsniedz

divus metrus. Ir stāsti, ka šajās sienās iemūrēti arī cilvēki. Divi iemūrēti akmeņi pie pils torņa

izmantoti lai uz tiem sēdinātu tos, kas kaut ko noziegušies. Zem akmeņiem bija asi dzelkšņi -

kad noziedznieki vairs nenoturējās uz akmeņiem un nokrita, viņi tika smagi savainoti. Šādi

cilvēki tika iebaidīti, lai viņiem nebūtu vēlmes dumpoties. Savukārt pilī iekšā ir slepenas durvis,

kas ved uz pazemes ejām, kas iet uz baznīcu un uz Karātavu kalnu. 1905.gadā šīs ejas esot

aizvērtas un vairs nav atraktas.

Cēsu pilsdrupas.

Zem Cēsu pils mūriem atrodoties pagrabi, kur esot noraktas visādas mantas. Vienā pagrabā

esot liela dzelzs lāde, kas pilna ar zelta un sudraba lietām, bet uz lādes tupot liels, melns suns

ar ugunīgām acīm un nelaižot nevienu sev klāt. No šiem pagrabiem ejot arī pazemes ejas. Reiz

kāds nebēdnieks nokāpis pagrabos apskatīties. Pēc ilgāka laika viņš iznācis ārā pa smilšakmens

alu, kas atrodas pils parkā. Pārdrošnieks iznesis lielu sidraba lukturi, bet pats palicis mēms un

nevarējis nekā izstāstīt. (3)

Jaunā Šlokenbekas un Durbes barona fon der Rekes dēls Matiass iemīlējis Šlokenbekas

dzirnavnieka meitu. Abi slepus tikušies uz Šlokenbekas dzirnavu dambja. Barons tomēr to

uzzinājis un bijis ļoti nikns. Tik nikns, ka paķēris bisi un auļojis uz ezermalu. Bijusi skaista

145

mēness nakts. Abi jaunieši sēdējuši uz dambja malas, kad ezera otrā krastā parādījies vecais

barons un gribējis meiteni nošaut. Lai nāve viņus neizšķirtu, abi saķērušies rokās un ielēkuši

ezerā.

Barons ļoti pārdzīvojis dēla bojāeju un licis uzcelt mazu piemiņas obelisku ar uzrakstu Matiass

1867. Šis piemineklis joprojām stāv iepretī dzirnavām, pašā ezera krastā. Jaunlaulātie bieži

atrod uz to ceļu un nelaimīgo mīlētāju piemiņai noliek ziedu pušķīti.

Noslīkusī jaunava Šlokenbekas muižā spokojoties. Viņu dēvē par Balto dāmu. (2)

19.gadsimta beigu pils īpašniekam Aleksandram fon Pistolkorsam un viņa sievai Eleonorai bija

divi dēli un meita. Brāļi Ēriks un Maksis bija draugi, kas kopā mācījās Bīriņu pagastskolā un

vēlāk - universitātē. Maksis devās uz Kaukāzu, kur 1911.gadā gāja bojā. Brāļa nāve satrieca līdz

tam jautro un sabiedrisko Ēriku, kurš krita depresijā.

Pateicoties radinieku rūpēm Ēriks pamazām atlaba. Ne mazums nopelnu tajā bija arī viņa

māsas Renātes kalponei - jaukai un sirsnīgai meitenei. Ēriks un kalpone iemīlēja viens otru.

Taču, kad Ēriks vecākiem paziņoja, ka vēlas precēties ar vienkāršu kalponi, viņa māte šādu

iespēju nevēlējās pieļaut. Viņa nolēma apkaunot meiteni, lai tā atstātu muižu un, noorganizējot

Ērika aizbraukšanu, atstāja viltotu Ērika vēstuli, kurā viņš it kā paziņo par savu aizbraukšanu un

precībām ar citu - savas kārtas meiteni.

Ērika māte nezināja, ka kalpone šai laikā jau gaidīja bērniņu. Kalpone neizturēja apkaunojumu

un pakārās.

Traģēdija aptumšoja Ērika prātu un 1912.gadā viņš pils parkā nošāvās.

Stāsta, ka nelaimīgās kalpones gars pilnmēness naktīs klīst pa pili.

Burtnieku pils

Reiz vecos laikos pie Burtnieku ezera bijusi valdnieka pils. Valdnieks ļaudis mocījis ar darbiem.

Bet te piepeši Burtnieku pils nogrimusi ezerā. Dievs parādījās valdniekam un sacīja: kad saule

noies vakaros un rītos uzleks, pa to laiku viņš varēs iziet no nogrimušās pils.

146

LITHUANIA

KAUNO M. TADO IVANAUSKO VIDURINĖ MOKYKLA, Kaunas

The Christening Traditions in Lithuania

Once the Christening was one of the most important family

celebration. When was it celebrated?

If the child was healthy, it was waited for a few days, until he/ she became stronger,

and then was carried to christen. If the child was in poor health, then one was christened as

soon as possible.

147

When the baby was born, people tried to christen him/ her as

soon as possible, so why was there such a rush?

Formerly, it was believed that the unchristened child was very

unsafe. Fairies can switch the human child with their one. Or, something

else bad might happen to such a child.

The choise of the Name. Who chose the name for a

child?

The Christening - it is the introduction of a new, just-born person

to the human community. During the christening he or she receives a

name that describes a lot of things.

How were godparents chosen?

The selection of godparents is very important. If ones are invited to become

godparents you mustn’t refuse without an important reason, because it is a very

significant event. It was believed that singles couldn’t be godparents, because the

child may never start a family. Therefore, the young godparents were invited

because then, the child would be more caring about a job. Or already married

people were invited but from different families. That is, one from the mother’s and

one from the father's side.

What are the responsibilities of godparents?

148

Often, the godmother of a goddaughter became the matron of honor,

and the godfather of his godson became a matchmaker. The godmother usually

made up T-shirts and embroidered them. She also bought the necklase with the

cross. Godfather gave money and all guests were favoured with sweets.

What was the rite of the Christening?

On leaving for the church, the mother of the baby whispered the name into the ear of

godparents. Until christening ceremony nobody said the child's name publicly.

After returning from the church, all ran to meet the godparents. The godfather offered sweets

and announced baby’s name loudly.

Then, the godmother gave the baby to his/ her mother and the godmother tried to

unswaddle him/ her immediately in order the baby would be quick. At that time the guests

were sitting at the table, and after a while, the child was shown to the guests.

149

The Christening traditions now…

Godparents are close relatives or family friends …

150

Godparents take care of the child's christening outfits and a

christening candle…

T

T

151

The godmother dresses up the child before the Christening

ceremony…

The Christening ceremony in the church…

152

Gifts for the Christening from

godparents...

A cross or a medallion.

A silver spoon with the record of the child's birth date,

time, weight and height.

After the Christening ceremony, the parents invite guests for

dinner...

153

During dinner all guests play games which are prepared by

parents and godparents…

The Christening

newspaper says the

information about the child,

the important dates in his/ her

life. There are records of the

christening name, godparents’

names, the christening date

and location. Funny

godparents’ promises are also

appended.

All guests write wishes for the child on the balloons. They are

released into the sky at the end of dinner.

154

The end...

155

Wedding in Lithuania

Lithuania newlyweds want to use the ancient feast of the wedding ritual items. Some of these

traditions have survived a traditional wedding celebration, but most are adapted to today's

needs and preferences.

156

The main characters are parents blessing,

parental consent with bread, salt and water,

the arrival of young and family

focus transfer.

157

In the past, parents were in the house and waited for the returns of the young. It was

a bad luck if parents would go together. These days parents take part in the wedding

ceremony.

Main wedding traditions are the following:

• The young woman is carried over the bridges, and one of them is suspended with a lock.

158

• Table redemption.

• Young dance (waltz).

• A young woman who is placed on the head scarf, and the young man surrounded by straw hat.

159

• Dropped a bouquet.

• Remove the cake (white).

• Young escorting sleeps in their living room.

160

For the second day of the wedding:

• bridal handling in the morning.

• symbolic objects to young housewife.

• matchmaker hanging.

…More about some Lithuanian wedding traditions…

Groom with his flock and matchmakers on arrival at the bride's house the bride is

often concealed. In the past they checked the bridegroom go-between with the bridesmaids

and bride's hands and tried to identify the bride.

161

Today, the groom are tied and he tries to find the flock of girls, and recognize his

bride.

Youngs usually go toward the altar together - it is their common sign of life journey.

162

However, before young came to the altar, separately, each with its own entourage -

the younger bridesmaids and matron of honor, groomsmen and the young. Matron of

the young lays a white towel or cloth and a piece of lead on the young. A piece

of linen or towel is left to the priest.

Waiting for the young guests in the courtyard: at the gate and the front door and

placed lights. They pluck out the red and white beets, and insert the candle inside.

Now is popular to meet young with the gate-to-door shed light candles, lamps or

ribbons.

163

Table sat requests from guests gifts to the young. Only received gifts from, they give

a way to the wedding party table .Usually dressed “bride" is a man, "young" – a woman. Their

appearance and manners of conduct parodic purpose - to lead the audience laugh.

Lithuania has traditional wedding cakes: karvojus and šakotis. Karvojus is baked for

special ceremonies and the decorations symbolized the bride's purity,wished wealth, fertility

and joy. Today not one, but several cakes are on the wedding table: a young, matron of honor

(karvojus), and sometimes – bridesmaids.

Karvojus – the cake of matron of honor:

164

Šakotis – a high branched hollow cake. One of the most

common desserts is prepared for a wedding.

On the newlyweds bed are laid new coated sheets and

a doll that means fruitful. The bag with in a loaf of bread says that

young life is rich. Young matron of honor escorted them to bed.

Today, the wedding celebration is celebrated two days.

165

Young also bring grain to the door and beat them , calling the metal pots, knocking

on the door to bridal.

In the wedding morning, the newlyweds and their

guests before wedding breakfast wash themselves with water

that matchmaker brings.

Matchmaker role in both

the old and the modern wedding

isone of the most important. He is

the head of the wedding.

166

Especially popular matchmaker "hanging"

custom. This performance, a go-between

for the accused and sentenced to hanglies.

The best way - to hide. Persons are

dressed like "Judges and Prosecutors“

Matchmaker hearing, announce his

"testament", which distributes all of its

assets., the judge asks the brutality and

mercy. Matchmaker always "hanging"

ends the traditional: it saves the bride.

Towards the end of a wedding

neighbors of newlyweds have brought a

number of older, unnecessary, broken farm

tools and old household items - a new start in

life.

This is the tradition of

today's wedding. Available free of

charge one or a few antiques -

candlesticks, serving tools, and so on.

167

The end…

168

POLAND

PUBLICZNA SZKOŁA PODSTAWOWA nr 2 im.H. Ch. Andersena, Radom

CHRISTENING IN POLAND

NOWADAYS AND IN THE PAST

169

CHRISTENING IN THE PAST

NEW BORN BABY’S CRADLE

170

IN THE PAST NEW BORN BABIES WERE

CHRISTENED.THEY WERE PUT IN ‘BECIK’

(PHOTO BELOW)

171

CHRISTENING

CLOTHES

CHURCH CEREMONY WITH A PRIEST,

PARENTS AND GODPARENTS.

172

GODFATHER LIGHTS A CANDLE WHICH

SYMBOLISES JESUS LIGHT

GODMOTHER PUTS A ROBE ON A

CHRISTENED CHILD WHICH SYMBOLISES

INNOCENCE

173

SOUVENIR SNAPSHOT

PRESENTS

174

WEDDING IN POLAND

NOWADAYS AND IN THE PAST

Engagement at the fiancee’s house. Fiance asks

fiancee’s parents for her hand. Fiance gives

fiancee a gold ring with a stone (symbolises

hapiness).

175

Bridesmaid helps the bride to get dressed;

Best man helps the bridegroom to get dressed.

Beautiful brides

176

The bride and the bridegroom’s parents bless

them at the bride’s house (holy water and cross)

177

The bride and the bridegroom usually go to the

church by a beautifully decorated car.

In the old times they used

to go on foot or in a horse drawn-carriages.

The

178

marriage ceremony. Priest conducts a church ceremony.

After the marriage vows the married couple give

themselves the rings (right hand , the ring finger)

When the ceremony is finished guests throw rice

or money at the married couple to bring them

happiness.

179

SLOVAKIA ZÁKLADNÁ ŠKOLA S MATERSKOU ŠKOLOU ŢELIARSKA 4, Košice

Christening

Pregnancy

The destiny of a man was determined at birth according to folk thinking. The closest

relatives tried to foresee the most important events in his life from different accompanying

signs and circumstances.

Therefore many practical activities were focused on a pregnant woman. They would

ensure the child’s happy arrival into the world, protect the health of mothers and take care

about child’s happy life.

The woman who was pregnant wasn’t allowed to go to the field on her own, to cross

the field, to look into the well, to whistle and so on.

When there was a red mark on the child´s skin, the origin had to be looked for from

the period of pregnancy. When a pregnant woman smelt a dish and could not taste it,

miscarriage would happen.

Nowadays pregnant women still keep some superstitions or prohibitions. But since

children are born in hospitals, most of the rituals, superstitions or prohibitions connected to

childbirth have passed away.

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The birth of the child

A midwife and a mother or the mother in law helped the young mother in labour. They

untied or unbound everything (hair, clothes) in the room that would help the child to come to

this world. When the husband was present, the pain would be divided between the married

couple.

When the child was born, the accoucheuse (midwife) made a cross on his forehead

and looked him over carefully. When the child looked dead she slapped him to wake him up.

After that she prepared a bath from pea leaves and stems and oat straw. If the child was red

after the bath he would live but if he was pale nothing would help him.

181

After birth they put the child on a sack of flour so he would be rich. They made a cross

on the forehead so he would be liked by everybody. They put different working tools into his

hand according to the type of job his parents wished for him: a prayer book to be pious and

wise, a pen to be able to write.

For a boy a maul to be able to work, an axe to be a good farmer or a whip to be able to

drive horses, for a girl a wooden spoon to be a good housekeeper or a needle to be able to

sew. In some villages till today when some children are born they call neighbours to drink

some alcoholic beverages or eat cakes.

The period of time in which the child was born was very important. For example it

would be unfortunate to be born at twelve o´ clock, whether at night or at noon. The child

born on Wednesday would be eloquent, born on Friday would be unfortunate, born on

Saturday and Sunday would be happy and rich. The worst day for birth was Great Friday, the

happiest and the luckiest day for birth was Christmas Eve. A child born in April would be foolish

and unstable, in May, when trees are in bloom, the child would soon turn grey. Increasing or

decreasing Moon helped to predict life expectancy.

182

There were many predictions connected to the child´s appearance at birth. The child

born with a tooth would have the ability to predict the future. Hairs on limbs meant richness,

long hair meant short life. When his fists were closed he would be miserly, when his fists were

open, he would be generous. When the child was born screaming, he would become a merry

man who liked singing. A child with eyebrows grown together would have an evil eye. The

seventh son would have excellent abilities to heal people and grow trees.

The baby’s first bath

Many traditions were bound to the baby’s first bath. So people put different items into

the bath and these items had properties which would enter the baby through the water. Very

often people put money to ensure wealth and enough money for the child for a life time. Then

they put holy water to the bath, for the baby not to be afraid or when it was a girl, they put

sugar to be sweet and honey to be loved.

They believed that where they poured the water from

the bath had an impact too. So if they poured this water in the

garden on a red rose, the child would be nice and red. In „Vyšná

Lesná'' if they poured this water under a tree, the child would

grow up like that tree.

After the bath they greased the child with fresh butter, smeared him with egg whites

and wrapped him into an old apron or into other old clothes, because old clothes fit better

than new ones. They made sure that the girl was wrapped up into male dress and the boy into

female dress. This was because the child would be liked by the opposite sex in the future.

After these rituals they put the child on the bed at the mother´s right hand. They didn't

want the child to be left handed. In times when beds were made of straw, if the child caught

some straw in his hand by chance, they said he would be rich and a good farmer.

The mid-wife continued giving daily baths to the infant until and including the day of christening. However, the child's ears were not washed for six weeks for fear of causing deafness. When the child was six weeks old, melted wax was placed into his or her navel. This was done to prevent any infection of the navel.

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Breast feeding

The child had his first breast feeding on the second day. He was fed firstly from the

right breast to avoid being left handed. When the mother didn’t have enough milk they gave

him diluted cow’s or goat’s milk. Mothers breast-fed their children traditionally up to one year.

When mothers wanted to wean their children, they wore clothes in which breasts

were not noticeable. Mothers used to put salt, hot pepper, black pepper or nettle on their

breast to wean children. A piece of bread wrapped in linen was given to the child to be sucked.

On the day of his weaning they put different things on the table. The one he grabbed first

would determine his future: book or pen meant he would study, money or bread meant he

would be rich, rosary meant he would become a priest or be religious, an egg meant he would

be round.

Other rituals

Until the child was christened, evil forces had power over him. The cradle was

sprinkled with holy water before the child was put into it. They covered the child´s face with a

diaper to protect him from bewitching. A red ribbon tied on the child´s wrist had the same

function (role). It was worn until the child went to school.

Until the child was christened he couldn’t stay alone, because witches would exchange

him. For an exchanged child was considered each mentally or physically disabled child. The

mother had to treat this child gently, because the witch would treat her child likewise.

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Nappies were made from old shirts, for girls from man´s shirts, for boys from woman´s

shirts. It was not allowed to dry washed nappies out in the wind, because the child would not

sleep well. It was not allowed to wash 10-13-week-old girls´ nappies in the stream (brook),

because they would be mature too soon.

In the past many children died within one year, so many superstitions were kept to

protect the child´s health especially in his first year.

Salt and iron put into the cradle would protect from witchcraft (magic), a red ribbon on

the wrist would protect from bewitching.

After sunset people were not allowed to take anything out of the house because the

child would not sleep well.

When the mother crossed water with her child for the first time, she threw a piece of

bread into the water to ensure healthy sleep for her child.

It was not allowed for the child to see himself in the mirror or to cut his hair within the

first year, because he would not learn to speak. Later cutaway hair was thrown on fire.

It was not allowed to cut the child´s nails within the first year, because he would be a

thief. The mother used to bite off her child´s nails.

When the child´s teeth started to grow, bread crust or bacon skin was given to him

to chew.

Many boys born in one year meant war; many children born in one year meant a rich

year. The number of illegitimate childbirths predicted the number of youth deaths.

Christening

In the past godparents were always friends of the married couple, but today they can

be brothers and sisters. Also a person that was single and over eighteen could accept being a

godfather. One wasn’t allowed to refuse an offer to become a godfather because „grass would

not grow for seven years“. Only pregnant women were allowed to refuse becoming

godmothers.

In the past christening was on the nearest Sunday from the child´s birth. If the child was very

weak, parents christened him as soon as possible. The godmother dressed the child before

christening. Girls were dressed in pink and boys in blue.

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Money was put into a pillowcase by the godmother.

The godmother carried the child to church to be christened.

Parents weren´t at the christening. The firstborn was named after the

mother or father.

Godparents brought a long candle and an embroidered shirt

with the child´s name, date of birth and date of christening on it.

The priest christened the child with holy water that he poured

on the child´s head. The candle was lighted at christening.

When the godmother and the midwife came home from the church, they said “We

took away a pagan and have brought back a Christian.” and then put the child on the floor. The

father had to pick him up and accept him as a member of the family.

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Christening party

After the christening there was a christening party in the parents´ house. A feast was

held after the christening and gifts were given to the child.

The firstborn´s christening party was the richest.

Guests brought gifts for the child. Traditional presents were money, clothes, later

earrings or necklace.

During the party the midwife collected money from the guests for a bonnet or for a

pram.

Some superstitions were bound to the christening party, too. When the collected

money was quickly counted, the child would speak early. Unfinished drinks predicted that the

child would become an orphan. If someone spilt a drink by accident, it meant an early next

pregnancy for the mother and also next christening. The next child´s sex was predicted

according to the first male or female singing at the party.

Nowadays a christening party is an event for the closest relatives where gifts are given

to the child. And when the child is one year old, the godparents are expected to visit.

“Vádzka” - going to church or purification

After giving birth to the child the mother stayed in bed for a week. If she stayed longer, people would say she was lazy.

The mother was not even at the christening. During the christening party she stayed behind a corner sheet, because evil forces had power over her.

Lying-in took usually six weeks. The mother had to stay indoors, behind the corner sheet and watch her child in order that the child not to be exchanged by a witch. She had only certain duties. The godmother´s visits were frequent; she brought light meals for the mother behind the corner sheet.

After six weeks of lying-in the mother went to church. She wore a piece of clothing inside out, a piece of garlic and bread hidden in her clothes to be protected from the evil eye. Before she left home, embers, a glass of water or an egg was put on the threshold to overstep it and she stepped over them.

The priest made some special rituals to purge the mother, so she could go back to her daily duties. After church if she met a woman, her next child would be a girl, if a man, it would be a boy.

If a mother had more girls one after another and she wanted a boy, she had to put different things into the girl’s bath, for example her husband´s hat and a rooster cock.

When she came home, she had to sit on a bucket of water to have enough milk. After going to church women returned back to their duties, often to the field.

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Wedding

Weddings in Slovakia, just like anywhere else, vary from region to region. In traditional

community, wedding was a very important event preceded by thorough preparations. People

slaughtered pigs, baked cakes and cleaned their houses.

The wedding could be only in a certain time - during the carnival or after or before

harvesting, also after finishing autumn works, in Lent and Advent weddings were restricted.

Wedding days were Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday was a day of fast. If the wedding was on

Thursday, it had to finish by midnight, as Friday was a strict day of fast. No wedding could be

on Saturday because of not to be sleepy or drunk at worship on Sunday.

Before wedding

Intermediation and matchmaking of the wedding

Matchmaking of children’s wedding was always a business of a mother or of a female

part of a family. Mother, her friends and female family members were looking for a good bride

for her son. It was the best if the both of young couple came from families of about the same

level of prosperity.

After that, the mother and the son’s godmother did a little research in the house of his

future spouse. Then the talks between the future bride’s in-law and groom’s parents started.

At first girl’s parents were not completely willing to let their daughter to marry. They argued

that she was too young or so, but after all they asked her whether she wanted to marry. But,

this question, when the agreement was already set, was just a formality and was a practical

form of command.

After the agreement, the girl with her family came to see the house and the farmyard

of her future spouse and his parents. The term of the wedding was settled immediately or

later. Most weddings were in the winter, so that the preparation would not interrupt the

agricultural work on fields and around the farmyard.

Engagement

The engagement was done at the house of the bride. It was connected with feast and

the first exchange of presents. The “starejší” (mostly the godfather) talked about the marriage

and cited the Bible. Then the girl gave a scarf to his future groom, they shook their hands and

finally exchanged the wedding rings. This was a symbol of the end of their freedom.

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Banns

On the following Saturday they met the priest to sign the intent of the marriage

so that the banns could be announced on three Sundays. Both Godfathers were

required to attend this meeting.

On the following day, Sunday, at High Mass and after the homily, the first ban

was read and the date of the wedding was announced. After the names were read,

people were asked if there was any reason why these people couldn´t marry.

On the third ban the bride had to wear new clothes at church.

Preparations for the wedding

The preparations were the most intensive in the last week before the wedding. These

preparations were connected with many magic rituals and do’s and don’ts in order to improve

the future life of the couple.

On Thursday, which was supposed to be a lucky day, women, none of them could be a

widow, came to the house of the bride and put some talismans into the eiderdowns. For

example, pigeon’s feather for love and faithfulness, some herbs, piece of sugar should protect

the couple against the spells and sorcery; coins should bring money and wealth. The

eiderdowns should not be banged, so that husband would not beat his wife and at the end of

the whole process they sat a little boy on the eiderdowns, that the girl would bear a son.

On Friday, nothing except baking was done, because Friday was considered as a day of

bad luck.

On Sunday afternoon, the bridesmaids came to the bride’s house and prepared her for

the ceremony. They made a headband for the bride and three corsages. The nicest one was for

the groom and the other two for the groomsmen. They also made button holes for family and

friends who would be gathering at the bride's home on the wedding day.

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Later bridesmaids started to invite the guests. The guests, as they came, brought

presents for example food and groceries for the wedding feast, wheat and grain for the bride.

The bride with bridesmaids sang a leave-taking song and danced.

Similar ceremony was held at the groom’s house.

Wedding day

Bride’s clothing

The bride was dressed by bridesmaids and the bride’s godmother. The dressing was

also connected with superstitions and magic rituals - the reversed under-skirt, bread, garlic,

and parsley – all these things should protect the bride against bewitching and spells.

The bride was mostly in white and had black boots (if the groom was rich enough

because he bought boots for the bride) or shoes. She had three to seven petticoats. The top

skirt was from brocade and silk with rose pattern. The apron was white with flower pattern.

The bride wore a camisole with short sleeves (finished with a collar, pleated on shoulders) and

a bodice with elbow length sleeves on the top of the camisole. In winter she wore a blouse. On

the neck she had a necklace of beads called “pacerky“.

Typical for the bride were her clothes and unique things – a headband or a wreath

which were the symbols of virginity. Veils were firstly used in the 19th century.

Bridesmaids wore white kerchiefs in winter. They had embroidered white

handkerchiefs in their hand or a prayer book.

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192

Groom´s clothing

On Monday morning, the groom’s godmother brought him a new shirt, a corsage,

cakes and distilled spirit.

Men wore black shoes and socks. They wore a white shirt, black trousers and a jacket.

They always wore a tie or a bow tie. On the head the groom had a black hat with a branch of

rosemary.

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“Odpytavanie“

When the bride was ready, she kneeled on a scarf and “starejší“ – Best man thanked

parents for bringing her up and being here for her, he told the bride to keep obeying her

parents and to ask them for a blessing. Her parents made the sign of a cross on her forehead

and kissed her. This didn’t go without tears.

The leave taking at the groom’s house looked the same. Then the groom with his suite

went to the bride’s house and “starejší“ asked for her. When he was accepted, the groom with

his suite and the bride with her suite went to church.

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Before the marriage ceremony

The groom (accompanied by his family and friends) went to the bride’s house to pick

her up before the ceremony.

First in the procession was the groom with his groomsmen with sticks in hands. They

sang. Next in order were the single men, married men, single and married women. Somebody

played the accordion as they walked to the bride's home.

Meanwhile a crowd gathered outside of the bride's home to view who was with whom

and how everyone was dressed. These on-lookers, too, were hosted outside of the home by

the women. The bride and her group waited outside the house for the arrival of the groom's

procession. Upon arrival only the groom, his Godfather and the groomsmen went inside. The

youngest bridesmaid gave the corsages to the groom, the two groomsmen and pinned the

buttonholes on the members of the wedding party.

Then the procession went to church. They all left for the chapel singing. The marriage

was performed in a small chapel a short distance from the church. The groom and the young

single men lead the procession. Next the bride came followed by the others. The godparents

were the last in the procession.

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Parents of the bride and groom did not attend the marriage ceremony held in the chapel.

Priest conducted a church ceremony. After the wedding vows the married couple

exchanged rings. The wedding ring was put on the right hand’s ring finger (now it is the left

hand).

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After the marriage ceremony

After the marriage ceremony the married couple received the wishes for a prosperous

life. The godmothers gave out cakes to children who gathered near the chapel.

Then the guests returned to the bride’s house. There were humorous wedding

customs before entering the house.

Arriving at the bride's home the group stepped aside and allowed the bride and the

groom to enter the home first as husband and wife. The bride's mother gave them a teaspoon

of honey - the symbol of sweet married life.

When all the people were seated they prayed. Meals were served by the Best men.

Wedding dinner traditionally starts with chicken noodle soup, where the newlyweds had only

one plate and one spoon and they had to feed each other. This symbolised sharing their life.

At about 5 pm the bride left to go to her husband's home. After this the mother

greeted her new daughter-in-law and son and invited them inside. Sometimes the mother-in-

law greeted them with some humour. She said: "Come in my daughter-in-law. You will not be

required to do any work around here - only what I command you to do!" Again a teaspoon of

honey was given to the new couple. It was customary for the bride to bring gifts for the

groom's family. The mother received a head scarf, the father received a shirt and also other

members of the family received small gifts.

Act of removing the headband and “bonneting”

Before the dawn, bridesmaids and bride’s godmother took the bride into the pantry.

The Best men removed the bride’s headband, put it up on a stick or sword and showed it to

the wedding guests. Then “starejší“ brought the groom in. The groom and the bride went to

bed and all the guests went to sleep.

On the third day of wedding the most important act was promoted – the act of

bonneting the bride. In the morning the guests met at the house of the newlyweds to have rich

breakfast.

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After breakfast, the “main” bridesmaid and young girls from the village (not the

bridesmaids) made the bride a new hairdo and put a bonnet on her head. Now she became a

woman and they sang to her:

"From (the name of the town or village) the wind

blows,

Already our bridal group is blown,

Today a bride, tomorrow a woman,

This evening she will be capped."

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The bride had to sit on a wooden bucket full of water, this should bring her fertility and

she should bear a son in one year.

Then the Best men took the bride among the wedding guests. Now, she was a young

woman. After that she started to dance with the guests – the bride went from one hand to

another.

In the afternoon the guests were welcomed by the young husband and wife. The Best

man with a plate stood next to the couple. Every guest had to congratulate the newlyweds and

put some money on the plate. The couple’s payback was a feast with music and dance.

At the end of the wedding “starejší” thanked parents for the rich feast, guests for

presence and presents and gave everyone a piece of special wedding cake called “radostník“.

Dowry

There were two kinds of dowry - the first was called “vybava“. Each girl started

preparing it as soon as she was old enough to hold a needle. She had to make clothes and

household textiles for herself and her future family, since once she married and the kids

started coming there wouldn't be much time for that until they grew up.

The dowry was carried in a big procession from the bride's home to her new home and

everyone in the village had a chance to see her work. The groomsmen and bridesmaids came

to help and safeguard the moving. The young men arranged for a carriage and pretty team of

horses. The carriage was decorated with ribbons.

The customary trousseau received from the bride's mother consisted of the following:

a chest with three drawers containing her folk dress, clothes, footwear and lingerie. Also 1 or 2

eiderdowns, 4 pillows, 1-8 sheets and 2 – 4 blankets.

The party played the accordion and they all sang as they left the bride's former home.

The bride waited at her new home for the carriage and would show the unloaders where the

items should be placed. This finalized the wedding customs.

The other dowry was called “veno“ - this was a settlement given by the family of the

bride. It was usually a property, maybe some cattle or a horse.

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Today´s midnight ceremony and the bridal dance

An old Slovak tradition is that during the wedding ceremony and the following feast the bride is wearing a headband or wreath called “parta” on her head as a symbol of her purity and virginity.

Becoming a young wife, just after the midnight, she has to take the wreath or today more commonly the veil off. There is a great ceremony where women sing traditional songs while taking the veil off the bride’s head.

In some regions, the tradition is that the Best man tries to persuade the bride to let him take her veil off. With a wooden spoon in hand he dances around the bride and asks for three times: „I am asking you for the first time – will you allow to take the wreath off or I will cut off your head?“ Twice the bride replies “cut off the head“ but for the third time she answers „take off the wreath“. After the wreath (or veil) is off, it is replaced with a beautiful hand-made handkerchief which symbolises the bride’s becoming a woman. Then the bride leaves the reception and changes clothes, often a traditional folklore costume or a red dress. She has a bonnet on her head.

When she returns to the room with the Best man, everybody in the room dances a special dance called “redovy“ with her. Guests give some money to the pot to dance with the bride. As first the Best man dances, then godparents, parents, siblings, parent-in-law and then other guests. The last person who dances with the bride is the groom. During the dance a special song called “Redovy is starting” is sung.

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Other old traditions and rituals

”The purifying bath“

”The purifying bath“ was taken before the bride and the groom dressed up. It had to wash

away all impure and protect them from evil in their next life.

Dressing

The wedding veil would protect the bride from the evil looks of strangers. It always

would be something red in the bride’s clothes to protect her from bewitching and magic.

The bride wore an underskirt inside out in order not to be affected by the evil eye.

When the bride was dressed up, she had to stand at one place; she was not allowed to move.

Small coins were secretly given into the bride’s boots to ensure her richness in

marriage. Dried thyme was put under the headband to give birth to healthy children.

When the bride went to her wedding, she had to put some cloves of garlic and some

pieces of parsley into her boots to chase away the evil ghost. Apparently witches hated these

smells.

Wedding tree

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An evergreen tree or a linden was prepared the last day before wedding. This wedding

tree was decorated by ribbons. There were three golden apples decorated by rosemary and

golden flax on the tree. This tree was a sign that the bride was having her wedding. The tree

had to be destroyed after the wedding ceremony because from then the bride became a wife.

Sometimes the tree was burnt at the yard. As it was burning, groomsmen were singing

the song called “The linden was burning ...“

Carrying over the threshold

The role of the groom is to carry the bride over the threshold of the house to trick evil

spirits that lurk under the threshold and guard the house.

Another meaning is symbolic - it means the start of a new life.

Leaving the house

When the bride left the house people sang sad songs, the bride beamed with her

parents and the groom had to pay for the bride to his parents-in-law.

Traditions were kept there like the bride’s walking around the table, the bride’s escape

or the bride’s hiding.

Arriving at the new house

According to folk thinking spirits seated in the fire, stove, on the table, in the threshold

and in the corners of the house. That is why the bride did various ceremonial acts in these

places. For example: she walked around the table, touched the stove and threw various things

into all corners of the room. The bride showed several acts that had to prove her skills, for

example picking up a broom.

The mother-in-law gave a spoonful honey or sugar to the couple to ensure their happy

life. They poured water out of the house to ensure fertility and easy childbirth.

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Bedding the newlyweds

Witnesses had to be present during the ceremony. They put the newlyweds into their

bed. They usually did it in the groom’s house.

Sometimes godmother put an axe under the newlyweds´ bed, bread and dry rosemary

into the bed or a piece of iron under their feet in order not to have bad dreams. When the

wedding bed was prepared, the eiderdown was smeared with drops of honey and money was

given under the pillow. Also a sack of grain was put under the pillow in order not to live in

poverty.

The Best man accompanied the couple to their wedding bed. The married couple ate

certain food, for example corn, scrambled eggs, sweets or wine before they were put down on

the wedding bed.

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Other new habits

Sweeping of the broken plate and carrying the bride over the threshold

The tradition is that a plate is broken, the bride with the groom are supposed to sweep

it up. This symbolises their cooperation and working together as a couple. Guests try to kick

the bits of broken plate around and make the cleaning up more difficult.

Some Slovaks believe that the bride has to be extra careful, as the number of broken pieces

left over will be the number of children her husband will have with another woman!

After the broken plate was cleaned up, the groom carried the bride over the threshold

to her place at the table.

Common soup eating

Newlywed’s common soup eating from one plate at the feast symbolizes their cooperation.

The second meaning, which is perhaps more significant, is a common symbol of equal sharing joys and problems in life.

Before the wedding the noodles made of a hundred eggs were prepared by women.

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Kidnapping the bride or stealing a shoe

Another tradition is “kidnapping“ the bride

from the party (but it was not in the past). Male guests from the bridal party often take the bride to a close-by town or to the disco from the place of the wedding. The groom has to look for her. Then he has to pay for her release.

Other times only her shoe gets stolen and the groom must pay for it – with money or alcohol.

Kissing

At any point during the wedding feast, the wedding guests traditionally bang their glasses or plates with the cutlery and continue until the bride and the groom stand up and kiss.

This may be repeated several times during the wedding feast.

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SPAIN C.E.I.P. JÚPITER, San José de La Rinconada, Seville

THE RITE OF CATHOLIC BAPTISM

A Catholic Baptism have origins stepped in history.

For the Catholic baptism is the first of seven sacraments (baptism,

confirmation, eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders and

marriage). This sacrament is intended to liberate human beings from the

original sin inherited from Adam and Eve to disobey God by eating the

forbidden fruit. After the baptism, human beings become Christians from

the Catholic Church. This person´s sacrament initiates to the Catholic

Faith into membership an makes him or her a member of the church.

HISTORY OF CATHOLIC BAPTISM

In the year 416, the Roman Empire made compulsory Infant Baptism. For

Roman Catholic tradition centuries taught that if a baby died without being

baptized, they would go to a place called limbo. However, in April of 2007,

Pope Benedict reversed this teaching on limbo. He also declared that the

church would not revert to St. Augustine´s teaching that who died without

being infants baptized go to hell. Instead the Pope created a new doctrine:

baptized infants go to heaven or not.

GODPARENTS

The rite of Catholic Baptism is more than a big celebration and party with

cakes and party favours. In the catholic tradition, Baptism makes take away

the sins and one child of God´s children and a member of the Catholic

Church.

In preparation for the Baptism service, Catholics parents take classes an

selected sponsors known as godparents. During the rite of Baptism,

godparents take part in the ceremony by holding the child and making

promises for the child´s spiritual growth.

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Godparents are expected to watch over the child´s religious well being and

development throughout life. With that in mind, when your child selecting

godparents for it is wise to choose a person of:

Deep faith

Prayer

Spirituality

An active catholic.

TRADITIONAL DRESS

Traditionally babies wear white decorative christening gowns. Many times

christening outfits are passed down from one generation to the next.

It is customary to wear white child and sponsors are responsible for

dressing before the ceremony, place a scapular or medal of the Virgin in

the child's neck as a symbol of consecrated to the Virgin. The sponsors

hold a candle will be lit white during the ceremony (the candle can be

decorated and even engraved with the name).

During the ceremony of baptism, when the priest pours holy water on the

child's head is covered with a white cloth, symbolizing the purity acquired

through the sacrament. You can give the priest a shell with which pour holy

water on the child's head.

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THE RITE OF BAPTISM

The rite of Catholic Baptism can be broken into four stages with each

different taking place in parts of the church.

Each stage symbolizes a part of the process of the child´s initiation into

the Church.

WHERE WHAT HOW OR WHY

In the entry way of the

church building

The questioning It takes place outside

the church symbolizing

the child is not that

yet a member of the

church.

Entry way The exsufflation The priest breathes

into the child´s face

three times recalling

the spirit breath of

God.

Entry way The sign of the cross Priest traces the Sign

of the Cross with his

thumb on the baby´s

forehead and the chest

Entry way The imposition of

hands

Priest places hand on

the baby´s head and

prays for the kindling

of Faith.

Entry way The imposition of salt Priest puts a few grains

of salt on the baby´s

mouth as a symbol of

wisdom.

Admission into the

church building

The exorcism The priest makes the

Sign of the Cross over

the child three times

and prays for the

exorcise of the unclean

spirit in the name of

the Trinity.

Admission The Sign of the Cross This time the priest

traces the Sign on the

candidate´s forehead

as a symbol of

protection of the mind

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from the Devil´s

violation.

Admission The imposition of

hands

Again, the priest lays

his hands on the

child´s head.

Admission Admission in the

church building

End of historical places

the priest´s stole on

the baby´s head,

symbolizing his priestly

authority, and he

admits the baby into

the church building.

In the nave The solemn exorcism Now inside the church,

the priest prays for

the once again exorcise

unclean spirits.

In the nave The renunciation of

Satan

Take a oath renouncing

godparents for the

child Satan.

In the nave The anointing Priest anoints the baby

with oil on the heart

and between the

shoulders tracing a

small cross. This

represents the oil of

salvation in Jesus

Christ.

At the font The profession of faith The priest replaces his

violet stole with a

white one.

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At the font Baptism Godparents carry the

baby to the font

together. The

godmother holds the

baby while the

godfather places his

right hand on the

baby´s shoulder. The

priest pour water three

times consecrated over

the baby´s forehead,

baptizing in the name

of the Father, Son and

Holy Spirit.

At the font The anointing with

Chrism

Anointing with a

consecrated oil

At the font The white linen clothe A white linen clothe

symbolizes purity which

of the baby´s soul is

cleaned, is placed on

the child´s head.

At the font The lighted candle The priest gives a

candle to the

godparents

At the font Last words of good will.

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SPANISH WEDDING TRADITIONS

A wedding is a religious or civil ceremony, by which celebrates the

beginning of marriage . Generally a wedding is a rite that formalizes the

union of two people to a foreign authority that regulates and governs the

procedure, which generates contractual commitments between the parties.

The ceremony consists of several parts, which vary depending on the ritual,

the most common are: submission to authority (priest, judge, mayor, etc.)

express manifestation of the bride and groom to constitute the contractual

relationship and the exchange of rings .

Exchange of rings between the couple.

There are many traditions that suggest what to do at each stage of a

wedding, from its organization, dress, and the celebration to honeymoon .

Although today are changing many of these customs, being followed in many

cases only a few.

In the case of marriages between same sex , in force in several countries,

these practices must adapt to the situation, and let the tradition very

different roles to be played by the bride and groom.

"Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue or

used." In the superstitious Middle Ages said that the wedding was good

luck to use:

something old, to symbolize the connection of the bride with her

past and represented the continuity of their marriage (used to be a

jewel in the family);

something borrowed, referring to the belief that happiness could

bring a friend using something to be happy. It symbolized the

friendship provided the loan for happiness (used to be a gem or just

a tissue);

something new, because it produced best hope for a future;

something blue , and represented that color fidelity of the spouses .

In superstitious peoples although the couple live together, the night

before the wedding have to pass each one in your home or the home

of their parents.

Throwing rice after the church ceremony represented the seed, the

offspring.

The groom should not see the bride and her dress before the ceremony.

The groom should wear properly tie on, as if carried crooked means that it

would be unfaithful to his girlfriend .

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The colour of the wedding dress is a tradition

White is the popular association, but originally the white bride's

dress was a symbol of economic power and social status, since to

obtain a white dress with the typical features of wedding dress, ie

lot of material, quality, and demases ornaments, worth a lot and

therefore was not readily available.

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The tradition that the bride used touched on her wedding day comes

because in antiquity it was customary for the women wore a garland of

flowers.

Originally, the bride wore the veil as a symbol of youth. Catholic brides use

it as a symbol of purity. Because of this, sometimes the bride is chosen by

two layers to get to the altar veiled and the unveiled the groom when he is

given by her father or an immediate family if the deceased (such as a

grandparent).

The flowers represent emotions and merits, carry a message of fertility,

flowering and generosity. The superstition says that traps the lucky bride's

bouquet will be lucky and be the next to marry.

The carpet red is placed in the church at the entrance of the procession,

represents honour and respect.

The gifts are given to the bride and groom are usually designed to

facilitate new entry into the marital life, reason why it is common to give

away household items.

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Today it has become popular creating wedding gift lists in order to

facilitate the guests and the couple selection of gifts, which to some

extent ensures that the couple will receive gifts that really will be useful .

The Wedding March is a traditional hymn played when the bride to enter

the altar or place of the ceremony.

For Catholic marriages, it is often a course requirement to participate in

marriage. These courses are led by priests and Catholic married couples

who work together as volunteers to guide the bride and groom - through a

regular meeting, in some cases the weekends, by evaluating the relationship

of the couple toward marriage and the commitments.

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SPANISH

WEDDING

TRADITIONS C.E.I.P. NUESTRA SEÑORA DE AURORA, Alcabón

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Weddings are big affairs in Spain and you're likely to find the whole extended family and the entire village turn out to celebrate. Expect at least 200 guests at traditional weddings. Some of the customs are similar, such as throwing rice, but others are less familiar.

In line with most social events in Spain, most Spanish weddings start late (often the ceremony won't start until 7 p.m.) and finish very, very late (or early, depending on how you look at it).

The use of the mantilla as an everyday accessory goes back to the XVII century, but the custom has been lost and the mantilla is now sometimes worn by older generations as part of a costume or in religious ceremonies. However, the mantilla is making a comeback in modern times as part of a young bride’s wedding attire: brides who want a traditional wedding are opting to wear the traditional lace mantilla instead of a wedding veil. The

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mantilla is exceptionally long and can trail several feet behind her wedding gown.

A traditional wedding custom consisted in the groom presenting the bride with 13 coins known as unity coins which represent his commitment to support her. However, times have changed and today’s brides and grooms exchange the coins as a symbol of the wealth and finances they will evenly share.

In Spain, the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand.

Spanish weddings do not include bridesmaids or groomsmen. The couple stands together at the altar with no one else in attendance. There is no Best Man or Maid of Honor. Also, the groom's mother accompanies him down the aisle. Bridesmaids are not a traditional part of Spanish weddings, but with Hollywood’s influence, they are becoming so. At the reception, the head table is traditionally set for 6: the bride, the groom and their parents. There are also no speeches.

Spanish weddings can be quite noisy with plenty of loud firecrackers going off once the happy couple emerges from the church. Rice is still traditionally used, along with flower petals.

During the wedding feast/reception, the bride and groom circulate from table to table carrying a basket with small wedding favors, that they personally hand out to each guest. The men will be offered a cigar or a mini-bottle of wine and the women a little present - usually something which looks and smells nice. This may be the time in which guests also “hand back” the preferred wedding gift: money… in envelopes. Some couples also send out the number of a bank account along with the invitation.

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The custom of cutting the groom's tie into pieces and then auctioning it off for good luck is still actively practiced today by the groom’s closest friends.

Days after the wedding, the newlyweds present theirMarriage certificate- for a civil wedding or their marriage book - for a religious church wedding in order to receive their Family Book where their children’s birth will be recorded, hence the name, “Family Book”.

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TURKEY ORHANGAZI ILKÖĞRETIM OKULU, Istanbul

WEDDING TRADITION

Marriage

Marriage is an association that existed since the earliest times and has great importance on

human life and society. Marriage as a term is a continuous union of a man and a woman as husband

and wife under all kinds of conditions of life. It is the foundation of the family which in turn is the

cornerstone of society and carries universal importance. The marriage act has certain rules and

patterns that change around the world, shaped by different cultures and entailing traditions and

customs that define a particular society.

Marriage ceremonies incorporate a number of preparations and phases leading up to the actual act.

These stages include religious and even superstitious practices. At each phase, the

implementation of a variety of common practices, customs and traditions have become obligatory, almost like rules and principles that govern this ritual act. Each and every society, in

compliance with certain rules and practices conforming to their culture, has developed its own

particular ways of executing this event. Here we will try to elaborate on different phases of

marriage, complete with distinct and rich customs in every region, province and even village in

Turkey, by making an attempt to generalize them along main features and aspects.

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Different kinds of Marriage: In the past, marriage among relatives, such as cousins, was common in Turkey. Today such kind of marriage is not practiced that much any more due to impact of urbanization.

Another kind of marriage is that in the case of death of a brother, where the widowed sister-in

law is wed with a single or widower brother-in law (Levirat). This is done in order to keep the

inheritance of the deceased in the family and for the children’s welfare. Similarly, it is also

possible that a sister gets married to a deceased sister’s husband (Sororat). However, this rural

tradition too is disappearing fast.

Another type of marriage is “taygeldi” marriage. In this marriage, the children from previous

marriages of a widow and widower, who get married, may get married as well. In the past,

particularly in rural areas, men would “snatch” or kidnap a girl that they wanted to marry, but were

not allowed to for one reason or the other, mostly due to objection by families. It also happened

that a girl and boy run away in mutual agreement to overcome family objection to their matrimony.

In some regions, there is also a type of “snatching” called “oturakalma”, where a girl goes to the

home of the man that she loves and settles there, many times at the objection of her own family.

Another type of marriage which was often practiced in the past is “beÅ¿ik kertme”. While children

were yet in their cradle, they were promised or “engaged” to each other by their families. In the

past, the rejection of marriage by the girl or boy once they reach marrying age, would be regarded

as dishonor to the family and even could cause bloody family feuds. This type of arranged marriage

is almost extinct today. Another kind of marriage arrangement or custom in Turkey is marriage of “iç güveysi”. In this

marriage, a man settles in the home where his wife lives. Usually in case of inability to pay a

dowry for the bride or the absence of a son on the part of the bride’s family leads to this kind of

arrangement. In another type of marriage called “Berder” or “deÄ¿iÅ¿-tokuÅ¿, deÄ¿iÅ¿ik” ( exchange,

changing) two families may marry their daughter and son to another family’s son and daughter.

Such kind of marriages releases the two families of an old custom to pay a dowry to the bride’s

family, since they “even” out. A note on Baslik – dowry – is in place. This is an old custom that has nearly ceased to exist in the

vast majority of Turkish society and is confined only to very underdeveloped regions. According to Turkish traditions marriage between “milk” siblings is not possible. Children who

are breastfed by a woman (a custom that was not uncommon in Turkey, when a mother could not

breastfeed due to illness or other reasons, especially in rural areas, but has nearly ceased today)

other than their mother become her “milk” children and they are not supposed to marry their

“milk” siblings.

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In some regions marriage with more than one wife at the same time (polygamy), while outlawed and

punishable by law, is still practiced and it was more prevalent in the past when a wife could not

bear children or she became ill or invalid.

Age of Marriage: There is wide variation in marriage age today, with lower limits set by law. Today, men usually are

expected to marry after they complete their mandatory military service, in some more

traditional areas right before. General marriage ages are around 22 for men and around 20 for

women, with 5-6 years variation upward. Today, more youngsters go to college, which pushes up

their marriage age mostly until after graduation. Older siblings are usually expected to get married

before younger siblings, particularly if they are of the same gender. Pressures to marry at a

younger Although age of marriage varies according to regions today in areas where

traditions are observed. In the general procedures of marriage, the groom to be and this family usually take the lead in

initiating the steps leading up to marriage, while the courted girl’s family remains passive. The

first step toward marriage is expected of the man and his family.

Act of go-between (Görücülük), To Ask a Girl’s Hand in Marriage:

In the traditional setting, the courtship process leading up to a marriage begins with seeing and

looking for a girl. Families who want to marry their sons begin looking out for girls, starting with

their relatives, neighbours and close friends. They get willing assistance in this “search” from their

relatives, neighbours and friends.

In larger cities of Turkey, where cultural changes have been more rapid, it is now most common

that people meet up personally and develop a relationship directly. However, “Görücülük” has

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been still the main type of interaction enabling marriages is more traditional communities and

rural areas.

“Görücülük” is the act of go-between of several women of a family or friends of a man who wants

to get married, who pay special visit to the home of the girl who they see as a potential fit to the

man, to examine the girl closely and reveal their intentions. This procedure is called “seeing a girl,

to send women to see a girl, woman sent out to inquire about a prospective bride” (“kız bakma”,

“görücü çıkma”, “dünür gezme” in Turkish). After their affirmative judgment about the girl, time is

granted to the prospective bride’s family both to get more information about the prospective

groom and his family and to make a decision. As the result of affirmative agreement by both

families to pursue this first acquaintance further, the task of the go- betweeners (gorucus) comes

to end. Inasmuch as the fact that the work of seeing prospective bride is done by women, they do

remain engaged in the process of asking for the girl's hand.

In the process of asking for the girl’s hand in marriage, care is taken to include among those who

will visit the prospective bride’s family such respectful persons who could not be refused by the

bride’s family, together with close relatives of the prospective bridegroom’s family. It is not

uncommon that several such visits are paid to a family or girl who’s reluctant to agree to this

marriage for one reason or the other.

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Agreement to Marry:

Agreement to marry (söz kesimi) follows the process of asking the prospective bride’s hand in

marriage. Both families who reached an agreement by way of “Dünürcülük” (women sent out to

inquire about a prospective bride) agree on marriage before crowded guests, which is called “Söz

Kesme” (agreement to marry). Engagement is completed by attaching a ring and an embroidered

kerchief bought by the prospective bridegroom’s family. In some regions “Söz kesimi” is also called

small engagement ceremony. Sweet dessert (aÄ¿ız tatlılıÄ¿ı) brought by prospective

bridegroom’s family is distributed to guests immediately after agreement by both parties to marry

their children. Even today in some regions the prospective bridegroom is not present at the time

of this ceremony. According to the attitude of the prospective bride’s father the bridegroom who

is present in the bride’s home and the prospective bride both kiss the hands of the elder guests.

Thus, the ceremony held for agreement to marry is completed.

Engagement

The step after the ceremony for agreement to marry is engagement. The engagement ceremony is

held in the bride’s home and the costs of the ceremony in some regions are borne by the

bridegroom’s family, but many times by the bride’s family.

After designating the date for engagement ceremony an invitation called “invitation to

neighbors” is made. Guests who gather together on the day of engagement in the bridegroom’s

home go to the bride’s home. In the traditional sections of the community, women and men sit

separated in the bride’s home, and after having lunch, jewelry called “takı” is given to the bride who

is dressed in special engagement dress given to her by her mother-in law and relatives of the

bridegroom. In some areas the bridegroom does not come to the bride’s home. In this case

engagement ring is worn by the bride via a woman coming from the bridegroom’s home. In an

engagement ceremony where the bridegroom is present rings worn by the bride and bridegroom are

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placed by an old man on ring fingers of their right hand with accompaniment of standard words

and wishes. In many engagement ceremonies today, the ceremonies become more elaborate and modern,

where wedding halls are rented and men and women sit together, music, mostly live, is played and the

engagement is celebrated by family and friends of the prospective bride and groom.

No definite rule is imposed for the length of the engagement. Rather it depends upon agreement by

both sides. While it is considered natural that engaged couples may meet each other in more

modern communities, in traditional, rural communities, such meetings are allowed only through

the permission of the parents and usually a family members accompanies the couple. Breaking off an

engagement is considered a serious matter and is frowned upon in traditional circles. If the party

who broke off the engagement is the girl, all jewelry that she received must be returned to the

former fiancé. If the man broke off the engagement, usually his former fiancée keeps the

presents.

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Wedding:

Let’s note at the onset that the following information on wedding ceremonies pertains to older, rural

and conservative traditions in Turkey. Weddings today in the cities and more modern circles are

much more like western style weddings, with a wedding banquet or reception uniting family and

friends of the couple. Also, all marriages require a civil ceremony conducted and

recorded by a municipal officer to become legally effective. In many

ceremony precedes the civil ceremony by a few days.

cases, the religious

In the traditional setting, wedding ceremonies generally start on Tuesday and end on Thursday, or

start on Friday and end on Sunday. Wedding expenses are met by the bridegroom’s family. Regional

variances aside, traditional weddings are marked by the following passages: Planting of a wedding

flag, an entertaining gathering for the women of the couple’s families on the night before the

wedding day, characterized by the coloring of parts of the hands and feet with Henna (Kına

Gecesi), fetching the bride, and the bride’s veil.

Before the wedding, as is done in the course of the engagement ceremony, formal invitations are

distributed and family, friends and neighbors are invited to the wedding. While the bride’s

family tries to complete preparations for the trousseau, the bridegroom’s family tries to

complete gifts for the bride to be presented to her before, during and after the wedding. A

wedding flag is planted by men coming from the noon prayer and friends of bridegroom at the

bridegroom’s home. In some regions, apples, onions, mirrors, etc. are placed on top of the flag.

Thus the wedding is officially underway.

Kına Gecesi:

A traditional version and perhaps precursor of the bachelorette party, the night before the wedding

is set aside for the bride to spent her last night at her family’s home in the company of women of all

ages who are close to the couple’s family. This ceremony get its name “Kına Gecesi”

– Henna Night – from the fact that the usually the hands of the bride is adorned with Henna. The

bridegroom’s female relatives too attend this event and are hosted in the bride’s home.

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Usually dry henna brought by the bridegroom’s family is broken to pieces in a silver or cupper vessel by a woman whose father and mother is still alive, and not experienced otherwise separation. After preparing the bride, a veil ornamented with red flake is placed over her head, and she is brought amidst the guests accompanied by songs and hymns about henna. Hands and feet of the bride are dyed with henna. The bridegroom’s side is under the obligation to put money in the hand of the bride. Dying ceremony of henna is different according to regions. The henna so dyed has such names and types as “iplik kınası” (henna for yarn), “sıvama” (smearing), “kuÅ¿gözü” (bird eye). This ceremony, which itself can be a sad occasion, where relatives of the bride, particularly her mother lament the departure of the daughter from her parent’s home, is followed by joyous celebration, song and dance. After the guests leave, it is not unusual for the closest friends of the bride to remain with her until the next morning, spending their last “single” hours together. In some regions, a similar ceremony is held for the bridegroom by his friends at his home.

Feching the Bride (Gelin Alma): The next day is the day of “Gelin Alma” (to fetch the bride), “kız alma” (to fetch girl),

“gelin götürme” (to carry the bride), etc. Everybody is invited to this ceremonial procession

from the home of the bride to the home of the groom. Guests go to fetch the bride on foot if

not far, or by cars if too far to go. In some regions the bridegroom has not been allowed to

accompany the bridal procession. The procession is followed by drums and pipes. In some

regions the bride is prepared by elderly women (yenge) who help and attend to the bride. But

generally today the preparations for the bride are done at a beauty salon. Then she joins the

procession on her way to the groom’s home. Before leaving her home, a “Maidenhood Belt”

(Bekaret kuÅ¿aÄ¿ı), mostly a red ribbon, is tied around the Bride’s waist by her brother or a

close relative and then the bride says good-by to those who stay at home. To lighten things up,

the doorway is sometimes blocked by a male relative of the bride or a younger brother sits on

the wooden chest that carries the bride’s dowry, as to not allowing the bride to leave. A tip by

the groom’s family solves this final hurdle, and the bride leaves her parent’s home. After traveling around the village, accompanied by drums and pipes, the wedding procession arrives at the home of the groom. The bride and procession is met by the Mother-in law at the front door, who welcomes the bride with a gift. Then the groom takes her by the arm and leads her inside the house. After a while the groom is taken out by his friends until later in the night. While away, he is shaved, bathed and dressed and taken to the mosque for the late night prayer (Yatsı Namazı) and then he is returned home. The religious marriage ceremony is performed for the bride and the groom who had returned to home accompanied by the hodja (preacher) of the local mosque. After the ceremony is performed, the bride and groom are allowed to enter the nuptial chamber.

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Nuptial Chamber (Gerdek)

An elder woman in the nuptial chamber asks the couple to hold each other’s hand. The groom

performs his ritual prayer, and then opens the bride’s face after giving her a present to see her

unveiled face. They eat the meal offered by the bride’s family.

In traditional communities virginity is extremely important and proof of it is sought by

the groom’s family. This proof is usually the bed linen where the marriage was consummated.

An absence of blood on the linen can be cause for great shame for both families and may be

reason for the bride to be sent back to her parent’s home. Let’s note, however, that this too is

a very outdated procedure and not widely practiced today.

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The End...

(by now!!)