The Latvian people have always been strong, smart, resourceful, diligent and rich in traditions . Conduct i.e. weddings are the most sung honors, therefore also the richest in traditions.

But what is it like now, when the world is changing and there is a revaluation of values and getting to know oneself, transforming consciousness condition on a whole new level? Changes in life beliefs and circumstances affect the culture of wedding celebration: personal experience and interests have an impact on decades of inherited traditions , making some of them less relevant; but some still continues to live in the wedding celebration, bringing a great added value - one of the most important moments of life draw family strength from your roots. Everything is already in each of you, and it is the inner voice that tells ahead of what your wedding day should be like.

If we consider observance of traditions as gratitude to our roots and strengthening of the family, I would like to highlight exactly those traditions that still perform their wonderful function today and emerge like a thread from the primordial source:

Parents' blessing (salmon bread)

A tradition that allows parents to wish their children all the best at the beginning of a new journey, and also to give some valuable insights that could help children build their family life. This old tradition provided that parents before entering the place of celebration there a tray with wholemeal bread, a salt container and two water bottles, because once upon a time salt was an expensive product and bread symbolized prosperity. Therefore, in such a context, the philosophical thought was prosperity and abundance. Nowadays, the young couple can serve everything as imagination allows, for example, strawberries with whipped cream and a sparkling drink that symbolizes a beautiful, a luxurious, sparkling life; or a soft, pale marigold, symbolizing a light and easy married life, and liquid honey in a container to dip this bread in, so that it sticks well; berries - so that every day for a "fire", and sparkling drink to make life sparkle!

Three candles (lighting the family hearth)

Fire is a symbol of the sun and light. It has tremendous power. It not only illuminates, but also warms. Hence this tradition is about always being warm, bright and full of love in the new family. This ritual is performed at the table, before for dinner. There are several ways to perform this tradition:

1. Three candles are lit only by the young couple, standing up facing the guests and joining hands together. Manager with the opening speech emphasizes that young people light their family hearth for happiness, friendship and love. I want to weld that here it is worth thinking about the height of the candles, so that they do not cover you, and about the visual image of the matchbox.
2. Three candles are lit by parents, ushers and the young couple. All actions are similar to those described above, only my suggestion to make this ritual seem harmonious is to think about the ignition process, both parents and ushers would be on the side of the new couple facing the guests.
3. Three candles are lit only by parents. In advance, prepare two identical longer candles and a third different one - fatter or another color. At the beginning, each mother lights her own candle and with the candles both of them simultaneously light the third one, which symbolizes the hearth of the new family - at this moment the blessing of the family is also transferred.

Words of thanks to parents/carers

In this tradition, I would like to highlight the importance of ushers - they are people close to the new couple who bring the couple into marriage in life and throughout life is like integral support of spouses. Therefore this tradition , where the young couple will tell their roots - parents and carriers , tend to be combined with one more tradition - mixing .

Shuffle

Michoshan is a change of status when the clock strikes midnight, and the bride with grooms become husband and wife. It is a ritual during which the bride gets rid of the veil by taking it off and the groom lights the fire - his family's hearth. Latvian traditional mixing is performed by folklore groups , but it is possible to perform mixing in a stylized form, adapting it exactly to the wishes of the new couple. For example, there is a powerful ritual “ Brides strengthening ”, in which the bride receives strength and emotional support here and now from her loved ones, from to his guests, entering in honor of his wife. Guests are asked to create a tunnel. The groom stands at the end and the guests get it given task - to convey your emotions to the bride in a way you like, - either with a hug or with a whisper or by patting ribs. The bride is asked to close her eyes so that she does not notice the order in which the guests have lined up, and to trust, because in married life it is important for a wife to rely on her husband. Accompanied by soft music, the bride slowly takes her steps through this tunnel of guests, receiving energetic reinforcement and security, because they know that their husband is waiting at the end. Then that's it removed the veil , the groom's pin, and the rest of the trimmings were done actions.

Traditions that serve as tests for the young couple

Incorporating some element of divination and interpretation by the host or hosts of the evening:

• gate,
• beating clay pots,
• counting coins in peas,
• plate tearing,
• throwing a bouquet / garter,
• first spin of the cake.

Traditions that serve to reveal the social part and maintain fun:

• the first dance of the newlyweds,
• job sharing,
• bride stealing.

Following traditions or outright rejecting them and creating your own individual traditions is solely yours decision. There are no right or wrong options. Only yours exists, and the voice of your heart will tell you that.

It is also the best guideline to follow when planning your wedding day and consulting with your wedding director or carriers.

Author of the article: LIDIJA TERLANOVA-DREISKA / YOU WEDDING AGENCY

Photo: INTA LANKOVSKA

Read also: LATVIAN WEDDING RITUALS