Michošana is a change of status – becoming a married couple from a bride and groom. Traditional mixing in different ways variations include rituals such as sitting on parents' laps, putting on aube for the new wife, folk song singing. If it doesn't work, you don't have to give up the ritual; instead, shuffling can be organized in an unusual format.

In harmony with newlyweds

Although adherents of traditional values might object to this, nowadays the michos, which are official parts of the evening conclusion , can be made according to your wishes. It can be both traditions of the folklore group accompanied by , both an attractive or a peaceful ritual that is in harmony with the nature of the couple.

To be or not to be mixed - it must be decided by the couple themselves. In the more usual version, this ritual of honor is undertaken by make conductors . But they can also be friends who know the couple well.

Shuffle time

Wedding organizer Inga Bērziņa from BANNTÉ EVENTS : "More and more rarely couples chooses a traditional wedding ceremony . Mostly, they want the moment taken care of ushers and arrange some romantic activity . For the last two years I propose to hold the celebration at 11 p.m., so that the official part will be concluded around midnight and the cake will be served, if it is planned at this moment."

During the mentioned time, the guests are not too tired and can fully focus on the beautiful moment. Also, if you feel it as a sacred ritual , it is not compatible with the consumption of alcohol, which can be left for the night party. It won't be either one has to worry about drunken guests who might find the rituals boring.

An interesting fact - the michosana ritual should start around 22.00 or 23.00 is the trend of recent years.

This is earlier than usual. Old Latvians did not wait for the night. Celebrated for several days and a procession started on time to be able to finish the work the next morning and then continue the celebration.

Modernized ritual of mixing

Although mixing couples is sometimes mentioned among the rituals that they do not want to experience at their weddings, wedding leader Arvis Zēmanis , whose folklore traditions have close, says:

"Competition is something I highly value, it's a fantastic event."

He likes to lead the procession himself, which frees the conductors from the serious task and allows them to enjoy the event. Arvis has created a michosana ritual that includes elements of michosana traditions , highlighting the modern values, for example, without invoking Ausekli and Usiņa, the symbolic meaning of which not everyone knows, but emphasizing what really relevant for modern people.

Wedding photographer:  KLYDES LIELBIKSIS / Wedding service providers

Unconventional mixing ideas:

• The double solitude of the newlyweds in a specially prepared place with the performance of musicians and the couple for favorite songs ;
• Fireworks , light show or other performance;
• Thanking parents and guests for coming, gifting and short speech ;
• Coronation of the couple , presenting them with a gift that symbolizes the beginning of a new life;
• Evening manager individually organized activity;
• Sand cinema ;
• Traditional Michošan folk songs Choose any other instead of "Ligodama river carried" a romantic and sweet or meaningful song for a couple.

Photo: CLYDE LIELBSIS

Author of the article: IEVA KRASTIņA

Read also: LATVIAN TRADITION AR ADDED VALUE

The following will help organize the procession: