Deborah Chan
Serbian Orthodox weddings are rich in tradition and symbolism. The ceremony typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour and includes several rituals such as the exchange of rings, the lighting of candles, and the crowning of the bride and groom. The wedding ceremony is steeped in religious significance, with prayers and blessings offered by a priest. The couple's hands are joined to symbolise their unity, and they are crowned as king and queen of their household. The ceremony is preceded by customs such as the buying of the bride and the exchange of invitations using a wooden bottle called a Buklia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ceremony duration | 45-60 minutes |
| Ceremony location | Serbian Orthodox Church |
| Ceremony participants | Bride, groom, priest, best man (Kum), wedding party, sponsor, witnesses |
| Ceremony requirements | Rings, candles, scarf, crowns, buklia, sashes |
| Ceremony rituals | Ring exchange, candle lighting, joining of hands, crowning, coin/candy toss, lifting of a young child |
| Ceremony preparations | Premarital meeting with priest, presentation of necessary documents, confirmation of baptism, no prior marriages or ecclesiastical divorce |
| Ceremony restrictions | No celebration during fasting seasons or major feast days, no marriage between Orthodox Christian and non-Christian |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The ceremony lasts 45 minutes to an hour
A Serbian Orthodox wedding ceremony lasts 45 minutes to an hour. The ceremony is steeped in tradition and symbolism, with rituals that are unique to the couple's families and origins, as well as those that are commonly practised in Serbian Orthodox weddings.
The ceremony begins with the blessing of the rings, which are then exchanged three times between the couple by the priest or the best man (Kum). This is done to symbolise that the weakness of one will be compensated by the other, and three times to represent the Holy Trinity. The couple then receives lit candles from the priest, which they hold in their left hands, symbolising their spiritual willingness to receive God's blessings.
The couple's right hands are then joined by the priest with a white garment, and they remain tied for the rest of the service to symbolise "oneness". The priest then places crowns on the couple's heads while they face the altar, signifying glory and honour.
After the ceremony, guests exit the church and wait for the couple outside. The best man (Kum) then tosses coins and candy, which children try to collect, symbolising financial prosperity and a sweet life. The bride then seeks out the youngest child and lifts them up three times, symbolising good luck with childbearing.
The Serbian Orthodox wedding ceremony is a beautiful mix of modern and traditional elements, with profound symbolism woven throughout. While there may be variations depending on the couple's origins and family traditions, the ceremony is generally structured and follows the Orthodox Christian teachings regarding marriage.
A Catholic Wedding: Half-Mass Duration Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The couple must be baptised
A Serbian Orthodox wedding ceremony is approximately 45 to 60 minutes long. The ceremony is steeped in tradition and symbolism, and one of the requirements for the couple to be married in the Serbian Orthodox Church is that they must be baptised.
The Serbian Orthodox Church requires that at least one of the couple be baptised and an active member of the Church for at least a year before the wedding. The couple should be pledging Stewards for the year of their marriage and regularly attend services. The priest will confirm that the couple has been baptised "in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit". If one spouse is not Orthodox, they must be a Christian from another confession, such as Roman Catholic or Protestant, and baptised in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The non-Orthodox spouse must sign an affirmation that any children born in the marriage will be baptised in the Orthodox Church. This is because the marriage bond is considered a sacrament, and a pledge of love not only to each other but also to Christ. Therefore, a wedding between an Orthodox Christian and a non-Christian cannot be celebrated in the Church.
The wedding ceremony itself is a mix of modern and traditional customs, with profound symbolism. The ceremony begins with the blessing of the rings, which are then exchanged three times between the couple's fingers by the priest or the best man (Kum). This signifies that the weakness of one will be compensated by the other, and the number three represents the Holy Trinity.
Other Serbian Orthodox Wedding Traditions
Other traditions include the "buying of the bride", which is now a playful ritual where the groom's brother or cousin negotiates with the bride's family and friends. The bride's house will be decorated with a floral arch, and the couple will be welcomed by cousins and uncles carrying a Buklia, a round wooden bottle filled with homemade brandy or rakija, which was once used as a formal invitation. After the ceremony, the best man will toss coins and candy, and the bride will lift a young child three times to symbolise good luck with childbearing.
A Hmong Wedding: A Day-Long Celebration and More
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The wedding can't take place during fasting seasons
Serbian Orthodox weddings are a beautiful mix of modern and traditional customs and rituals. The ceremony typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour and includes several symbolic traditions. However, it is important to note that the wedding cannot take place during fasting seasons.
The Serbian Orthodox Church follows specific fasting rules, and weddings are not allowed to be celebrated during these designated periods. These fasting seasons include the Great Lent, Apostles' Fast, Dormition Fast, and Nativity Fast, among others. Each fast has its own set of rules regarding the consumption of certain foods and beverages. For example, during Great Lent, the longest and strictest fasting season, there are specific restrictions on meat, animal products, eggs, dairy, wine, and oil.
The Apostles' Fast is more lenient, with fish, oil, and wine permitted on certain days. The Dormition Fast follows similar rules to Great Lent, while the early part of the Nativity Fast aligns with the Apostles' Fast, with fish no longer consumed during the latter part of the fast. In addition to these fasting seasons, there are also weekly fasts on Wednesdays and Fridays, where married couples are expected to abstain from sexual relations.
The restrictions during fasting seasons are important to consider when planning a Serbian Orthodox wedding. Couples must schedule their wedding date accordingly, ensuring it does not conflict with these designated periods. By adhering to these fasting rules, the ceremony can be conducted meaningfully within the Church.
In addition to the fasting seasons, there are other considerations for a Serbian Orthodox wedding. The ceremony includes rituals such as the exchange of rings, the crowning of the bride and groom, and the ceremonial walk. The bride and groom are also expected to be baptized "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" and provide necessary documentation.
Writing Thank You Notes: Post-Wedding Etiquette Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The bride is 'bought' before the ceremony
In Serbian Orthodox weddings, there is a custom of "buying the bride" that takes place before the ceremony. Historically, until 1846, the groom's family would have to pay large sums of money or gold to the bride's family. Today, this custom is performed for fun and to calm the jitters. It is a playful negotiation that occurs at the bride's house before the church ceremony. The groom's brother or cousin bargains with the bride's siblings, usually in front of family and friends, over the price of the bride. This often turns into a humorous battle, with both sides arguing over the amount to be paid. Sometimes, the bride's family even introduces fake brides to make the game more entertaining. Once a deal is reached, the bride emerges, and the groom's brother or cousin stays by her side to "protect" her until the wedding ceremony.
This custom is a beloved tradition that adds to the excitement and joy of the wedding day. It is a unique and lighthearted way to involve both families and create lasting memories. While the actual purchase of the bride is no longer a serious transaction, it serves as a fun ritual that brings everyone together.
The "buying the bride" custom is not the only tradition that takes place before a Serbian Orthodox wedding ceremony. There are also important preparatory steps that the couple must take. For example, the couple must schedule a meeting with the Cathedral Dean at least a month before the wedding to set the date and ensure that all necessary documents are in order. The priest will confirm that the couple meets the requirements for an Orthodox marriage, including being baptised "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit", not being closely related, and having no more than a 15-year age difference.
Additionally, the Serbian Orthodox wedding ceremony itself is filled with symbolic rituals. The ceremony begins with the blessing and exchange of rings, which are placed on the right hand, considered the "hand of honour". The priest or the best man (known as the "'Kum'") exchanges the rings three times between the couple's fingers, symbolising how they will complement and support each other in marriage. After the ring exchange, the couple receives lit candles from the priest, representing their spiritual willingness to receive God's blessings.
Overall, the "buying the bride" custom is a fun and lighthearted tradition that takes place before the more solemn and symbolic Serbian Orthodox wedding ceremony. It is a unique way to involve family and friends in the celebration and create lasting memories for the couple and their loved ones.
The Perfect Reception Wedding Duration for Happy Guests
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The couple wears crowns
The couple wearing crowns is an integral part of the Serbian Orthodox wedding ceremony. The crown-wearing ritual symbolises the bride and groom's status as the king and queen of their household. The crowns represent glory and honour, and in the context of a wedding, they symbolise the royalty of marriage. The couple's crowns are exchanged by the sponsor, who is a practicing Orthodox Christian. The sponsor acts as a witness on behalf of the church and pledges to guide and support the marriage.
The crown-wearing ritual takes place during the Service of Crowning, which is the second part of the wedding service. The first part is the Betrothal or the Service of the Promise, where the couple pledges their mutual faithfulness and the church blesses their union. The Service of Crowning summarises, in words, images and symbols, the Orthodox Christian teachings about marriage.
The crowns are placed on the couple's heads by the priest while they face the altar. The couple also holds lit candles in their left hands, symbolising their spiritual willingness to receive God's blessings. Their right hands are joined with a white garment, symbolising their oneness, and they remain tied together for the rest of the service.
At the end of the service, the crowns are removed, and a prayer is said, asking God to receive these crowns in His Kingdom. The removal of the crowns signifies that the reality of the Kingdom the couple has entered into has only begun and is not yet completely fulfilled.
The Serbian Orthodox wedding ceremony lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The ceremony is steeped in symbolism and tradition, with rituals performed three times to represent the Holy Trinity.
Choosing the Right Time for Your Wedding Photography
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A Serbian Orthodox wedding ceremony is approximately 45-60 minutes long.
The couple must schedule a meeting with the Cathedral Dean to set the date of the wedding. Weddings may not be celebrated during the fasting season or on major feast days. All necessary documents must be presented, and the couple must attend premarital counselling at least a month before the wedding.
The first part of the wedding ceremony is the betrothal or the "Service of the Promise," where the couple pledges their mutual faithfulness and the church first prays for them.
The rings are exchanged between the couple's fingers three times to signify that they will compensate for each other's weaknesses. The candles symbolise the couple's spiritual willingness to receive God's blessings.
The Kum, or best man, participates in the exchange of rings and may also be in charge of tossing coins and candy to the guests after the ceremony to wish the couple financial prosperity and a sweet life.
