Junior Rasmussen
Armenian weddings are a joyous occasion, steeped in rich history and traditions. The ceremony itself typically lasts for around an hour, but the celebrations can continue until the early hours of the next morning. With anywhere from 200 to 500 guests in attendance, Armenian weddings are a grand affair, full of music, dancing, and unique rituals. From the engagement traditions to the pre-wedding festivities and the ceremony itself, there is much to uncover about Armenian wedding culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration of the ceremony | Approximately one hour |
| Location | Almost always a church |
| Number of guests | 200-500 |
| Dance | A large part of the culture; guests dance from the beginning to the end |
| Banquet | Lasts until 2:00 a.m. or longer |
| Traditions | The red and green ribbon ceremony, Blocking of the doorway, Khosk-Arnel or Khosk-Kap, Ransom for the bride, Hiding money in the bride's shoes, Recitation of poetic toasts, etc. |
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![The Knot Guide to Wedding Vows and Traditions [Revised Edition]: Readings, Rituals, Music, Dances, and Toasts](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81zk-i-TnpL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- Armenian wedding ceremonies are rooted in the customs and traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church
- The ceremony typically lasts for about an hour, followed by a celebration at the bride's house or a restaurant
- The bride's family blocks the doorway when the couple is exiting the bride's house and asks to be paid to let the bride leave
- The ceremony includes the couple saying I do and guests throwing coins at them to symbolise wealth and success
- The bride and groom break plates before entering their new home to cast off evil and bring prosperity
Armenian wedding ceremonies are rooted in the customs and traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church
Armenian wedding ceremonies are deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which is the main religious institution in the country. Armenia was the world's first Christian nation, and 93% of Armenians are part of the Armenian Apostolic Church. As such, most Armenian wedding ceremonies are dedicated to God and the church.
Traditionally, Armenian weddings followed conservative traditions and were often arranged. The weddings would take place in the bride's home or the church and would last for seven days and seven nights. Today, Armenian weddings are typically a one-day event but can last until the early hours of the next morning. The ceremony itself usually lasts for about an hour.
Armenian weddings include many religious and cultural traditions, such as the "asking of the hand," also known as Khosk-Kap. During this custom, the groom and his family visit the bride's home for a formal dinner, bringing gifts and flowers. Tea is served, but it is not to be drunk until the bride's family has agreed to the marriage. The oldest member of the groom's family then asks for the bride's hand in marriage on the groom's behalf. If the oldest family member from the bride's side accepts, the families drink the tea to seal the deal.
Another tradition is the blocking of the doorway, which is done by family members on the bride's side as the newly married couple is exiting the bride's house. Typically, a male family member from the bride's side will block the door with a sword and insist on getting paid to allow the bride to leave. The groom, the best man, or another family member from the groom's side will then pay the "bouncer."
Armenian weddings also include many symbolic elements. For example, the bride's brother will sneakily place money inside her shoes as a sign of good luck. The bride may also write the names of her bridesmaids on the sole of her shoes and cross them off as each bridesmaid gets married. During the ceremony, the priest will sing traditional Armenian songs and say prayers in Armenian before the couple says their vows.
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The ceremony typically lasts for about an hour, followed by a celebration at the bride's house or a restaurant
Armenian weddings are steeped in rich history and traditions, with many rituals and symbols that are unique to the culture. The wedding ceremony itself typically lasts for about an hour and is usually held in a church, an important aspect of Armenian society. The priest will sing traditional Armenian songs and say prayers in Armenian before the couple exchanges their vows and confirm their union by saying "I do".
Before the ceremony, the groom and his family visit the bride's home, bringing gifts such as flowers, chocolate, perfume, and the bride's wedding shoes. This is a joyous occasion with much fanfare, including dancing and performances by musicians. The bride's family also prepares her home with elaborate floral decorations and a catered buffet. During this time, the bride's brother may playfully demand a ransom for one of the bride's shoes, which the groom or his best man must pay before she can leave her family home.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests will celebrate at the bride's house or a restaurant. This celebration often continues until the early hours of the morning, with guests dancing, singing, and enjoying delicious food. It is customary for guests to dance their way into the banquet hall in pairs, cheering and encouraging everyone to join in. Another unique tradition is the dance called "Sabbath", where guests dance around the bride, placing money in her hands to symbolise abundance and prosperity in her new family life.
Armenian weddings are a joyous and exhausting affair, with many rituals and traditions that bring families and communities together in a spirit of celebration and love.
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The bride's family blocks the doorway when the couple is exiting the bride's house and asks to be paid to let the bride leave
Armenian weddings are steeped in tradition and ritual, with celebrations lasting from one day to seven days and seven nights. The ceremony itself usually takes place in a church and lasts for about an hour. However, the festivities often continue until the early hours of the next day, with guests dancing and celebrating until 2:00 am or later.
One such tradition involves the bride's family blocking the doorway as the newlywed couple is exiting the bride's house. Typically, a male relative from the bride's side, such as her brother, cousin, or a younger male relative, assumes the role of the "bouncer" and demands payment to let the couple pass. This ritual is done in good humour, with the "bouncer" often holding a sword to block the doorway playfully. The amount of money demanded is not set, and it is up to the "bouncer" to decide when the offer is satisfactory.
The groom, the best man, or another member of the groom's family pays the "bouncer" to allow the couple to proceed. The first offer is usually a smaller amount, which the "bouncer" rejects, and the negotiation continues until an acceptable amount is reached. Sometimes, the groom's father or other family members step in with a higher offer to expedite the process.
This tradition symbolises the merging of the two families and is often personalised by each family to make it unique and memorable. It adds a playful element to the festivities and is a favourite tradition among Armenians, showcasing their cultural heritage and the importance they place on family and celebration.
Armenian weddings are also known for their vibrant and joyous atmosphere, with music, dancing, and elaborate decorations playing a significant role. The rituals leading up to the wedding day, such as the Khosk-Arnel or Khosk-Kap engagement tradition, also contribute to the overall celebration and unification of the two families.
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The ceremony includes the couple saying I do and guests throwing coins at them to symbolise wealth and success
Armenian weddings are steeped in tradition and customs, with celebrations lasting seven days and seven nights. Today, weddings are often condensed into a single day, but they can still be a lengthy affair, lasting until the early hours of the following day.
Armenian weddings are deeply rooted in the traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the oldest Christian churches and the country's main religious institution. The ceremony includes the couple saying "I do" and guests throwing coins, symbolising wealth and success. This is just one of the many rituals that make up an Armenian wedding.
Before the ceremony, the groom and his family visit the bride's home for a formal dinner, known as the Khosk-Arnel or Khosk-Kap. The oldest member of the groom's family asks for the bride's hand in marriage, and if accepted, the families drink tea to seal the decision. The bride's family prepares their home with elaborate decorations, rentals, and a catered buffet to welcome the groom and his extended family, who arrive with much fanfare and revelry, including dancing and musical performances.
On the wedding day, the bride's family helps her prepare for the ceremony. The bride's brother assists her with her shoes, while the maid of honour applies her perfume and veil. The bride is then brought into the living room by her father or maid of honour to see the groom for the first time that day, accompanied by dancing and performances. The families exchange gifts, and the best man offers a toast with cognac and chocolates.
The ceremony itself includes the couple saying "I do", followed by guests throwing coins to symbolise wealth and success. The red and green ribbon ceremony is another significant tradition, symbolising peace, life, and sacrifice. The bride and groom are crowned with a ribbon made of white, green, and red threads, colours that hold symbolic meaning in Armenian culture.
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The bride and groom break plates before entering their new home to cast off evil and bring prosperity
An Armenian wedding ceremony is a beautiful and intricate affair, filled with symbolic traditions and rituals that have been passed down through generations. One of these unique traditions is the plate-breaking custom, which holds great significance for the newlywed couple as they begin their life together. This ritual is usually performed right before the newlyweds enter their new home together and marks an important step in casting off evil spirits and inviting prosperity and good fortune.
The tradition of breaking plates is deeply rooted in Armenian culture and is believed to bring protection and blessings to the new couple. The act of breaking the plates symbolizes the breaking and releasing of any negative energy, evil eye, or bad luck that might follow them into their new life. It is a way to cleanse their path and ensure a fresh and positive start. The plates are usually made of ceramic or glass and are carefully chosen for this ritual.
During the ceremony, the bride and groom work together in unity, each holding a plate. They simultaneously smash their plates, symbolizing the breaking of any barriers or negative influences that could impact their marriage. The breaking of the plates is also believed to ward off any jealousy or ill-will directed towards the couple, ensuring that their home is filled with positive energy and love. This act of unity and collaboration sets the tone for their married life, emphasizing the importance of working together to overcome any challenges they may face.
The ritual is often accompanied by well-wishes and blessings from family and friends, who may offer words of congratulations and encouragement. It is believed that the louder the smashing of the plates, the more luck and prosperity it will bring to the couple. This tradition is a beautiful way to involve the community in celebrating the new marriage and seeking their support and blessings for the couple's future.
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Frequently asked questions
The ceremony typically lasts for around one hour.
After the ceremony, guests throw coins at the couple as a symbol of wealth and success. The couple then heads to the bride's house or a restaurant for a celebration.
Armenian weddings are a one-day event but can last until the early hours of the next day. It is not unusual for an Armenian wedding to last until 2:00 a.m. or longer.
Armenian wedding ceremonies are dedicated to God and the church. The priest sings traditional Armenian songs and says prayers in Armenian before the couple says their vows. The ceremony is followed by a joyous celebration with music, dancing, and a feast.
There are several pre-wedding traditions in Armenian culture, such as the "Khosk-Kap" or "Khosk-Arnel," where the groom's family visits the bride's home for a formal dinner and asks for the bride's hand in marriage. Another tradition is the blocking of the doorway by the bride's family members, who demand payment from the groom or his family before allowing the bride to leave her family's home.
