The bride ransom ceremony is part of the traditional Russian wedding ceremony. Redemption of the bride was carried out in Russia from about the XIII-XIV century. It is important to note that in different settlements this rite was carried out in different ways: there were wedding songs, trials for the groom. But at the same time, there was always a certain sequence of events and permanent actors.
Traditionally, the bride’s ransom ceremony was carried out in the form of a festive performance, for which they carefully prepared.
Groom, boyfriend and friends of the groom made up the so-called "wedding train".
Usually spent several buybacks.
The very first ransom was at the entrance to the village or at the entrance to the bride's house. The villagers blocked the road and demanded a ransom from the groom for the fare. Most often the friend of the groom paid off. But sometimes the groom also had to pay. So, for example, a test of the heroic strength of the groom was quite widespread. It was carried out using a log, which blocked the road to the bride's house. The groom had to cut the log, and while he was doing this, jokes and ridicule were coming from all directions. They criticized his strength, and dexterity, and skill. But when the log was defeated, the groom was offered water to wash, and a luxuriously embroidered towel to wipe himself.
Second part wedding ceremony the bride ransom was carried out at the house of the future wife. Usually, when the groom arrived at the house narrowed, he had to buy back the gates and doors that were blocked by the neighbors and relatives of the bride. At the same time, they did not forget to give sweets to the kids who surrounded the bride's house.
Also traditionally experienced the mind of the groom. This test was carried out by a relative of the bride (usually grandfather), who would ask the groom various riddles. When the groom could not answer, he was helped by a friend and kind people who had to pay back for help.
When the groom, who passed the test, got into the house, new tasks awaited him. Firstly, it was necessary to give bridesmaids gifts. Secondly, I had to look for where the bride was hiding, or to choose her sweetheart from several brides offered to choose from. In the role of "additional" brides, neighbors, relatives and even old women could be offered. Therefore, I had to carefully examine each, noting growth, posture, shoes and other signs.
After tests in the ransom ceremony, the bride was invited to the table where the bride was already sitting. But the place near her was already taken by some man. Had to pay him. Then, guests were invited to the table.
In the tradition of modern weddings, the ransom ceremony of the bride came a few years ago. Now the obligation to prepare the ransom lies with the bridesmaids. It all depends on their imagination. They come up wedding contests, riddles make up the rite script.
From the groom during the rite they expect not so much a demonstration of strength and mind, as the ability to get out of a difficult situation with the help of humor and jokes, resourcefulness and good mood.
Sometimes even today the bride’s ransom ceremony is carried out in the old Russian manner using poems and songs. But such a ceremony is difficult enough to prepare, if only because you have to memorize a lot. And besides, novelty and, as a result, interest in the rite are lost. Therefore, we can advise you to conduct a bride ransom ceremony in a joking manner in the form of contests, tasks and riddles for the groom.
