Ukrainian culture is rich in beautiful customs and traditions. Many of them are related to love, marriage and family life. One of these traditions became the topic of our today's article. In it, we will tell you how matchmaking takes place in Ukraine, how to fit these customs into the modern context, and what outfit to choose for such an occasion.

HOW DOES THE MATCHMAKING CEREMONY TAKE PLACE IN UKRAINE?

The traditional matchmaking ceremony requires the mandatory participation of older relatives and other family members. By custom, a boy and a girl confessed their feelings to each other, but did not take serious steps without the approval of their parents. Talking about their love in the family circle, they expected approval from their father and mother. It was very difficult to get it right away - in most cases, matchmaking was preceded by a thorough study of the fortunes, customs and habits of another family.

If the parents gave their consent, Ukrainian matchmaking began. The boy's family sent elders to the girl's family. They were either parents themselves, or other older relatives, for example, grandfathers or uncles. They visited with gifts, but never spoke directly about the purpose of their visit. The real matchmaking was preceded by a real performance, during which the elders praised the boy and made it clear that he would be just the perfect match for the girl.

In different regions of Ukraine, there are various ancient rites related to matchmaking:

in Galicia, elders came with bread and salt. The girl's parents arranged "reviews" — they showed her beauty and economic skills;
in Polissia, courtship rites were very beautiful and theatrical. The elders gave a whole speech, recalling the history of the families, their ties to their native village or city, as well as the personal qualities of the future brides;
in the central part of Ukraine, elders brought embroidered towels. They carefully inspected the household and the bride's dowry. If everything suited them, bread and vodka were served on this towel;
From Transcarpathia, the "mogoricha" tradition came to us, which today often accompanies matchmaking in Ukraine. The bride's family put wine or vodka on the table. In order to keep up with them, the groom "bought" his future wife, boasting of his wealth;
in Bukovyna, elders came to the girl's house with music. The wealthier the family was, the bigger the orchestra was.

MAIN STAGES OF UKRAINIAN MATCHMAKING

A real Ukrainian matchmaking is not only a beautiful and colorful wedding custom, but also a very serious formalized process. The traditional path to a family consists of the following stages:

Conspiracies. In most cases, after talking with the children, the parents from the two families met secretly. This allowed them to agree on all the details — from the date of the future wedding to the size of the dowry and the division of property in family life.
Arrival of in-laws or elders. Matchmakers have already announced the boy's intentions officially - usually very loud and bright, to the whole village or town. And here it is worth saying that not every courtship ceremony in Ukraine ended in success. If the bride's parents did not like something, for example, they considered the suitor not rich enough, they simply did not let the elders in the door. This usually meant a long feud between the families.
Symbolic speeches. Each region of Ukraine has its own courtship rites and marriage traditions. Depending on the location, matchmakers could say that they were "looking for an oak leaf", "catching goldfish" or "having money for goods". The girl's parents also responded in a ritualistic, symbolic way. The whole village often gathered to watch the matchmaking of famous rich families.
Gift exchange. If everything went well, matchmaking in Ukraine was confirmed by mutual gifts. Most often they were handkerchiefs or towels. But there could also be other symbols — loaves of bread, wreaths, or even household items.
Blessing. At the last stage, parents blessed the young and read prayers. This emphasized that marriage was not only arranged on earth, but also in heaven.
Treat. Almost every courtship ceremony in Ukraine ended with lunch or dinner. Festive dishes and strong drinks were put on the table.

MATCHMAKING IN UKRAINE: THE ROLE OF MATCHMAKERS IN WEDDING TRADITIONS

Matchmakers or elders played a key role in Ukrainian matchmaking. They were mediators who connected two families and acted as guarantors of agreements. Adhering to traditions, they created a festive atmosphere and emphasized the connection of families with deep folk culture.

In order to emphasize family values, matchmakers were usually chosen to be older men in the family - father, grandfather, uncle, etc. But when it came to uniting two wealthy families, it wasn't enough. Therefore, respectable members of the community, for example, the village headman, often took part in matchmaking in Ukraine.

TRADITIONAL DRESS FOR MATCHMAKING CEREMONY IN UKRAINE

The classic image of the bride necessarily included an embroidered dress with complex patterns, embroidered with bright threads. A colored belt and hair ribbons were added to it, which symbolized wealth, well-being and protection from evil forces. The girls also wove wreaths of flowers, which were a sign of innocence and humility. In the central and Polissia, special attention was paid to corals or other decorations that emphasized the status and beauty of the bride.

Of course, matchmaking in Ukraine also involved the participation of the groom — he came after obtaining formal consent. Often, the groom simply waited at the door until the elders called him, because everything was agreed in advance. For such an occasion, parubkas wore festive embroidered dresses with patterns of their family or their region. Men girded themselves with belts or fringes, which emphasized their strength and ability to protect their future wife. In the cold season, brides could wear zhupans or capes.

Telling everything about matchmaking and related folk traditions, we cannot ignore the matchmakers. They wore embroidered clothes, but not as bright as the bridegroom's, so as not to overshadow his beauty and strength. When going to matchmaking, elders often wore towels and shawls around their necks, which symbolized household prosperity and were used in the blessing ritual.

MODERN INTERPRETATIONS OF UKRAINIAN COURTSHIP RITES

Today, Ukrainian culture is experiencing its renaissance — the revival of folk signs, traditions, and rituals. Of course, they change and transform somewhat, becoming more modern and relevant.

Today, matchmaking ceremonies are often held as a symbolic meeting of families. The parents of the groom act as elders, who make symbolic speeches. Having received the desired answers, they sit down at the table and begin the celebration. Ceremonial speeches have become more concise and light, but still retain elements of humor and benevolence that set the festive mood. Some couples choose a modern outfit with national elements, such as embroidered dresses or shirts, adding modern accessories to traditional clothes.

Modern matchmaking in Ukraine also often involves friends who become symbolic elders. The groom's friends can act as "scouts" who learn about the seriousness of the girl's intentions and help avoid public shame. Modern matchmaking can include new symbolic rituals, such as the exchange of bracelets, flowers or even personal vows, adding individuality to the ceremony. Some couples adapt part of the ceremony to their preferences: instead of a feast, there can be a small buffet or even a photo session in nature or in a historical place. Modern interpretations leave room for creativity, while honoring Ukrainian traditions and customs.