Wedding traditions in Azerbaijan. Living traditions: how national weddings are held

Marriage from ancient times by all peoples was considered an extremely important event in the life of not only an individual, but also the society in which he lived, since the creation of a family was the key to procreation. Therefore, this act was furnished with many rituals and rituals, which were aimed at ensuring numerous offspring, prosperity and harmony in the family, were supposed to protect from various harmful forces, etc. Many of these actions, which have a very ancient origin and testify to the rich traditional culture of the ethnos, are reflected in the wedding rituals of the Azerbaijani people.

In addition, an Azerbaijani wedding is a musical and emotional show, which reflects high level folk art... A wide variety of dances, songs, games and entertainment, food and drinks, etc. at the traditional Azerbaijani wedding is a vivid evidence of this. The theatrical nature of the wedding ritual was also reminded by the presence of a large number of actors - characters. Matchmakers, groomsmen, bridesmaids, bride's mentor, wedding host, attendants and other participants were a necessary element of an Azerbaijani wedding.

The chain of customs and rituals left over from their ancestors does not allow Azerbaijani girls to meet with guys before marriage, to walk in companies where representatives of the stronger sex are present. For a long time, the groom chose his bride himself, and this tradition has survived to this day. Traditional Azerbaijani society strictly controls the family and family relationships and in every possible way prevents their unreasonable destruction. Along with this, it should be noted that there were, however, quite rarely, and divorces, which were also regulated by society.

Divorces occurred most often in cases of the absence of children. Even more rare were cases of gratuitous divorce. Moreover, if the initiator was a woman, then, leaving, she left everything that was presented to her by her husband. If the initiative came from the husband, then he had to pay his wife the assigned amount, which was recorded in marriage contract(kebin) - "mehr".

The origin, formation and existence of the family reflected in itself all the richness of the Azerbaijani traditional culture. It was in the wedding ceremony that ancient customs and rituals, songs and dances, games and entertainment were passed from generation to generation. Thus, the wedding was a kind of showcase of the achievements of folk art, material, spiritual and socionormative culture of the Azerbaijani people.

The wedding ceremony is an integral part of the moral world of Muslims. An Azerbaijani wedding is the embodiment of humility, modesty, but at the same time, such a celebration is distinguished by splendor, luxury and is replete with national traditions. Each of the rituals is associated with ancient religious beliefs and secret miracles; they bear the imprints of the centuries-old sedentary cultural and spiritual life of this people. Every Muslim tries to arrange his wedding so that it will be spoken about for a long time as a beautiful event in the life of Azerbaijanis. If you have ever seen beautiful flowers and red ribbons on cars have noticed a large number of elegant guests, could not take their eyes off the open-air dances and national entertainment, heard loud oriental music - then you were lucky to see an Azerbaijani wedding, the wedding of people who worship Islam.

It is noteworthy that, according to their national traditions, marriage does not require painting in the registry office on the wedding day and is valid immediately after the wedding.

By the way, only wealthy or noble Muslims go on their honeymoon, and “simple” newlyweds stay to enjoy the comfort of their new home. A young family is considered exemplary if a year after the wedding, they have an heir.

Wedding day: "Nikah". A beautiful snow-white dress, shoes like Cinderella's, a fluffy veil is a symbol of the innocence of an Azerbaijani woman, a red ribbon is traditionally wrapped around her for good luck thin waist, - this is how a charming bride looks on her wedding day, called "Nikah". Money in a beautiful satin fabric is tied to the hands (or wrists) of the newlywed: this promises a generous life. By tradition, researchers divide the entire wedding cycle into three periods: pre-wedding; the actual wedding celebration; the post-wedding period, when ceremonies are performed that mark the beginning living together spouses. The pre-wedding period, during which the choice of the main characters of the future celebration took place, in turn consists of several stages - the choice of a girl, preliminary conspiracy, matchmaking, engagement (betrothal - nishan), the ceremony of cutting the bride's wedding clothes, the rite of henna dyeing, etc. ., you can read about all this in detail in this article.

The beginning of the marriage ceremony was choice of the future bride... Until recently, the selection process was not complete without an intermediary - "arachi". Usually one of the relatives played this role. young man... The purpose of the mediation was to find out if the young man has any chances, what is the financial situation of the bride's family, her economic and purely human qualities. The functioning of the institution of mediation cannot be explained only by the closed way of life of women in the past, their seclusion in Azerbaijani society, which did not allow young people to decide their own destiny. The formation of a family was not only a significant personal event; but also in public life. That is why the composition of the people who took part in the marriage ceremony was very wide. Many rituals, gradually involving a large circle of people in the wedding ceremony, were a connecting element between the participants in the action, a kind of guarantor of the strength of the future family. Since marriage was of social importance, then society was directly involved in its conclusion. Thus, the behavior of a young man when choosing a life friend proceeded from the norm of the pre-wedding procedure as a matter closely related to the whole family. All this sum of conditions, apparently, made it necessary for the institution of mediation to function.

The age of the bride does not really matter, she can be married even at the age of 15, while the age of the groom is approximately the same.
Muslims welcome marriage. There are not so many restrictions in it:
- Muslim women do not have the right to tie their ties with a non-believer (this is out of the question !!!);
- a man can marry both a Christian and a Jew;
- Marriages with relatives in a straight line are prohibited;
- if a woman was married, she must be divorced.

Pre-notification (message).
The groom's relatives, after making inquiries, send a person close to them to the girl's house, who must tell them about their intention to come to the matchmaking. After receiving the preliminary consent by the mediators - the arachs, the next stage of the wedding ceremony began - a preliminary conspiracy, when the intention of the other party was communicated to the bride's family. Basically, the parents took part in the conspiracy, and in some cases it happened with the help of the same intermediaries.

Small matchmaking.
After the conspiracy took place and the consent of the parents for the arrival of matchmakers was obtained, the next stage of the wedding ceremony began - matchmaking (elchilik). Before sending matchmakers (elchi) to the bride's house, the father consulted with his family and friends to find out their opinion. Matchmakers were usually father, mother, the groom's maternal uncle - dayy, the groom's paternal uncle - amy, older brother and other close relatives. The composition of the matchmakers also included respected people of the village - aksakals, whose presence was supposed to provide a solid foundation for a marriage being concluded.

According to custom, the first to come to the girl's house are two women - the groom's mother with one of her close relatives. It is believed that a mother can understand a girl's heart. As soon as the women come to an agreement, the heads of the two families - the fathers - must meet. The groom's father comes to the bride's house with three respected people. With all their behavior, they let know about their intentions. "They don't go to matchmaking at night." "The tea, which is treated to matchmakers, is not drunk." The matchmaker, they say: "The girl's tree is a walnut tree, everyone can throw a stone", "A girl's load is a load of salt."
From the first time, the girl's father does not agree. “The bride's door is the Shah’s door. I have to consult with my daughter, her mother, close relatives, and then give you the final answer, ”he says.
When asked for the opinion of a girl, she is silent. They say silence is a sign of consent. However, no final consent has been given. Consent is given in a grand matchmaking. Because the main words should be said by the main people in the family.

Great matchmaking.
The groom's father invites close relatives to the house - his brothers, his wife's brothers and other relatives. Together they make a common matchmaking decision. Girls from the groom's side meet with the future bride and find out her opinion. Then her mother is told the matchmaking number. Domestic brides consult with her. Matchmakers come on the appointed day. If the girl's side does not agree, they are refused. If you agree, then they ask for time to think. After a while, the groom's relatives come to the girl's house again. This time the girl's relatives give their consent.
On the day of the great matchmaking, matchmakers come to the bride's house again. They are seated at the head of the table. The girl's relatives are also present, everyone except the mother of the bride and the bride herself - she is taken out of the house that day. The groom's father again asks the bride's relatives what their answer is. “May Allah bless them,” they answer. Those at the table say, "Amen." New relatives congratulate each other. The girl's sister brings tea. Lunch is sometimes served. After the matchmakers have left, the bride's sisters follow her, congratulate her and escort her home.

If the girl's side does not agree, they are refused. If you agree, then they say: "Let us think, consult, come to an agreement, today you are our guests."
After a while, the groom's relatives come to the girl's house for the second time. And again they warn in advance: "we are going to you." This time the girl's relatives give their consent. Close relatives and neighbors are invited in advance. Matchmakers are coming. They are seated at the head of the table. The girl's relatives also sit down. Both men and women are present here. Everyone except the mother of the bride. She enters the room, but does not sit down.
After some time, after general conversations, one of the groom's relatives brings the conversation to the main topic. Addressing the bride's relatives, he asks them: "Now, what do you say, what is your final decision?"
Usually the answer is given by one of the bride's uncles, after the words: “Well, since you opened our door; we have known each other for a long time, etc. ", he says:" May they be happy "or" May Allah bless them. "

Those at the table say, "Amen." New relatives congratulate each other. After the successful end of the negotiations on matchmaking, the parties (fathers) broke bread and salt, which was a symbol of the rapprochement between the two families. It should be noted that the choice of the bride was conditioned by a number of reasons, and one of the main ones was the position of her father and the family in general in society - moral qualities, property status, etc. In addition, great importance was attached to the economic abilities of the girl herself. For example, in regions where weaving was developed, great importance was attached to the ability to weave and knit. In cattle breeding zones, girls were valued for the skillful handling and care of pets; in horticultural areas, they had to know well the process of drying and preserving fruits, making various delicacies from them.

It should be noted that in some regions of Azerbaijan (Shirvan / Barcelona, ​​Garabag, Sheki), bride price was not practiced, but was content only with the conclusion of a marriage contract (kebin), which indicated the amount of money (mehr) that the husband had to give to his wife in case of divorce. the desire of the husband. The same custom existed among the Azerbaijanis of Borchaly, where many parents refused to receive a ransom-bashlyk. In some cases, the cost of the bashlyk included the costs of the wedding, and in Absheron, for example, they were paid separately. The period between the engagement and the wedding was different - from 2 months to 2 years. The betrothed girl remained in her father's house. This period was necessary to prepare for the wedding. Throughout this period, the groom's family regularly sent various gifts to the bride's house. So, for example, in the days of Gurban Bajramya (holiday of sacrifice), a ram was sent to the bride's house, having previously painted its back, horns, hooves with henna and tied a red ribbon around its neck. During the ripening period, fresh fruit was sent - nubahar. In Absheron, during the period of moving to summer cottages, gifts were sent to the bride - bagbashi8. In addition to fruits, these gifts also included national sweets.
After the end of the celebration and the departure of the guests, relatives gather around the bride. They are shown gifts, they congratulate the bride.

Return visit.
Approximately 2-3 months after the engagement, the trays are returned. For this, these trays are decorated. One tray is being prepared for the groom. Gifts for men are placed on the second tray: shirts, etc. The third tray is intended for women: here are perfumes, cuts, shawls and so on. The rest of the trays are filled with home-baked sweets. The groom's house is notified in advance. Here they prepare in advance to receive guests, call five or six close relatives, set the table.

From the side of the bride, five or six close relatives come - sisters, aunts, daughters-in-law and others. At the end, before leaving, one of the guests opens the trays and says what gifts are intended for which of the bride's relatives. The bride's mother thanks them. She distributes some of the sweets brought to her relatives and neighbors.

Pre-wedding conversation.
The groom's father informs the bride's parents: "On such and such a day, be at home, we will come to you for negotiations." Usually men agree on the wedding. On the side of the groom, the father, uncle, brother or other close relatives are present. The fathers of the bride's friend and the groom's friend also take part. The wedding day is set here. They agree who will lead the wedding, which musicians will play at it. The wedding expenses are covered by the groom's side. Sometimes the bride's parents refuse this. However, the groom's parents still try to help or can take on at least some expenses for the bride's wedding.
After the parties come to an agreement, they disagree with good wishes.

Holiday gifts.
Before the wedding, for each holiday, the bride is brought holiday gifts... Congratulations on the Novruz holiday are especially interesting and joyful. They come to the bride's house with gifts either in the evening on the last Tuesday or on the day of the holiday. They bring a dress, a scarf (some of them should be red), some kind of jewel and a lamb with horns painted with henna. In addition, baklava, shekerbura, gattama and other national sweets, nuts, persimmons and other fruits, as well as seeds (sprouted wheat grains) decorated with candles, baskets are brought on trays. Henna is brought to the bride and her hands, feet, hair are dyed with it. Dowry.
2-3 days before the wedding, the bride's dowry arrives at the groom's house. The dowry is brought by the bride's brothers, her cousins, the groom's friends. The groom's mother presents the bride's brother. Then the bride's sister and one or two close relatives put things in order, arrange a dowry, decorate the house. After that, red ribbons are tied to some of the bride's things. The mother-in-law gives them gifts

Brocade bicini.
A few days before the wedding, the ceremony of "brocade bichini" (cutting of clothes) took place, where women gathered from both sides had fun with songs, dances and refreshments. The dress was cut by the matchmaker of the bride or another woman who knows how to sew. In the same period, roles were distributed between the main, in addition to the bride and groom, the protagonists of the upcoming wedding. The bride's mentor - "yenge" was chosen from among the bride's relatives. Usually it was an elderly woman with life experience, not divorced, had children and enjoyed a good reputation in society. Together with her friends, she dressed her, painted her hands and feet with henna, accompanied the bride to the groom's house. The groom's friends - "sagdysh" (right-handed) and "soldier" (left-handed) were also important characters wedding ceremony... The first was to be a close relative, and the second was the same age, a close friend of the groom. Sagdysh, as an experienced and senior in age, gave advice to the groom regarding various aspects of his behavior at the wedding. The role of the soldier was not as clearly defined as that of the sagdysh. It should be noted that one of the elements of wedding ceremonies, known among many nations of the world, is the imitation of clashes between the relatives of the bride and groom at the moment the bride is taken to the groom's house. In a traditional Azerbaijani wedding, such actions as "gapy basma" or "gapy kesdi" took place, when the bride's relatives created the appearance of resistance to her extradition. “Iol qesdi” (blocking the road), when they were blocking the path of the motorcade with the bride, can also be attributed to the same category. The peculiarities of this complex include, apparently, the figure of the "soldier" as a protective and protective force in the presence of the groom.

Fetir preparation.
Within a few days, preparations for the wedding begin in the bride's house. In the morning, women are taken to bake felt (butter cakes). The girls help them. The groom's relatives come, led by his mother. They bring gifts to women. In the evening, a ram is slaughtered in the bride's house. Young people are making barbecue, preparing khash. The premises for the wedding are being prepared. Tables and chairs are arranged. The wedding room is decorated with carpets. Preparations are underway for tomorrow.

Bread making.
The bread for the wedding is baked in advance. 3 days before the wedding, close relatives gather at the house of the bride or groom. The dough is being prepared, it is cut, rolled out and baked lavash and yukha. The first baked bread is given to the mistress of the house - the mother of the groom or the bride. “May there always be prosperity in your home, may your bread be hot,” they say to her.

A significant place in the wedding rituals of Azerbaijanis was occupied by rituals associated with bread. In some areas, until recently, there was a custom according to which the bride, before leaving her father's house, made several circles around the bread placed in the middle of the room. This symbolized both the holiness of bread and its veneration, and the preservation of fertility and prosperity in the father's house. In addition, in some regions, the bride took bread with her to the groom's house, which also meant bringing fertility and prosperity. The ceremonial actions associated with bread were apparently also magical in nature, since they were also given protective ("from evil spirits") functions. The presence of bread as an important material attribute of the Azerbaijani traditional wedding was typical for almost all regions of the country. In the Guba-Khachmaz zone, the bride brought with her in 7 bags samples of various types of cereals, which were hung on the wall. This custom was associated both with the magical power attached to the number 7, and with the magical attitude towards cereals and bread. In the Milsko-Mugan zone, the wedding manager broke bread over the groom's head, wishing him prosperity and well-being; in Absheron, they broke bread over the bride's head at the entrance to the groom's house.

"Shah" of the bride.
Every girl has a close friend. At the wedding, a friend raises the shah. The preparation of shah was a widespread custom. "Shah" is wedding decoration made of wood, candles, a mirror, cloth, sweets and fruits are attached to it. To prepare it, you need skill. If the bride's friend is already married, the "shah" is brought from her husband's house. A table is laid in a friend's house, a "shah" is decorated. Young people gather here. They are celebrating and having fun. At about 9 o'clock in the evening, young people from the groom's house come here for "shah". The groom and his brother are also with them. Bonfires and torches are lit in the courtyard, people sing and dance here. Then they take the "shah" and with music, firing guns, go to the bride's house. They also have fun here.

Henna.
Girls gather around the bride in one of the rooms. One of the bride's relatives takes a bowl of pre-soaked henna and dances. Then he puts 2 bowls in front of one of the groom's relatives - one with henna, the other empty. A relative of the groom puts money in an empty bowl and takes some henna from the other. Then, taking a bowl of henna, dancing, he comes up to the bride, paints her arms, legs, hair. Then she brings henna to those present, they take henna, put money or gifts in another bowl. At this time, young people gather separately. One of the bride's relatives puts a two-tone tea in front of the groom and his friends. They drink tea and put money on the saucer. One of the girls brings them henna. They slightly stain the tips of the little fingers with henna.

Marriage registration.
Before the start of the wedding celebration, the wedding ceremony was held. For this purpose, two proxies (vekil) from both sides went to the mullah, who entered into the marriage act (kebin). This act included a list of things that the groom gave to the bride, as well as a list of her dowry. An obligatory part of the wedding was the inspection of the dowry (dzhehiz) by the groom's close relatives. Typically, the dowry consisted of bedding, the bride's personal belongings, and household items. Families with material wealth ordered embroidery masters (tambour and gold embroidery) up to 100 different items for a dowry. In Lahich, where copper processing was developed, the dowry included up to 60 pieces of ornamented copper bowls, bowls, etc. Some items of the dowry passed from generation to generation. In the Guba zone, girls k marriageable age had as dowry three or four carpets self-made... The dowry was prepared in such a way that everyday and festive clothing would be sufficient for several years. In some cases, when examining the dowry, a list of things was drawn up, which was sealed with the signatures of those present and kept by the bride's parents. The Azerbaijani traditional wedding was distinguished by a wide variety of dances, songs and entertainment. This ceremony was attended by representatives from both sides. There was one witness on each side. The bride and groom were often present. Molla was given 3 rubles of money and a head of sugar for this. The sugar head weighed 8 kg. After the establishment of Soviet power in Azerbaijan since 1920, marriage registration is carried out by state bodies.

Seeing off the bride.
One of the most ancient Azerbaijani melodies is Vagzaly. To the sound of her, people from the groom's house come for the bride. They dance and sing: Came for the velvet
Came for silk
We are the men of the groom
They came for the bride.

The door to the room where the bride is sitting is locked. It is opened after receiving a gift. Before leaving home, the bride receives the blessing of her father and mother. The bride's brother-in-law ties the waist with a red scarf. A veil is thrown over the bride's head. A large fire is kindled in the courtyard, the bride is circled around it 3 times so that the house she enters into is bright and its hearth is always hot. A stone is thrown after the bride so that the house she goes to is always strong. Water is thrown after the bride so that it is easy and light for her. As soon as the bride approaches the threshold of her new home, a plate is placed under her feet so that she breaks it. She is seated near the door, a boy is given in her arms, so that her first-born is a boy. In the courtyard, a sacrificial ram is slaughtered under the bride's feet. A drop of his blood is smeared on the forehead and on the bride's dress so that she quickly gets used to her new home and makes friends with new relatives. The groom's mother strokes the bride's head so that there is friendliness and mutual respect in the house. Coins, sweets, rice, wheat are poured onto the bride's head so that there is prosperity and abundance. A mirror decorated with a red ribbon is carried in front of the bride. To the right and left side brides go girlfriends, they carry glasses with candles and rice. Rice - to abundance. In the house, the groom is escorted to a decorated room set aside for her. They wish her happiness, good luck, children. Three days after the wedding, the bride's mother, along with close relatives, come to visit her.

When one of the groom's closest relatives took the bride out of her father's house, her close friends blocked the way, asking for a reward. The road to the wedding cortege was blocked more than once along its entire route. This was mainly done by young people who demanded a certain, sometimes purely symbolic, ransom. In the groom's house, the bride was showered with sweets, coins, grain (wheat or rice), a metal object was placed under her feet at the doorstep of the house - a symbol of firmness and fidelity, which was associated with the cult of iron. Younger brother the groom or one of his cousins ​​girded the bride's waist three times. This ancient rite used the magical power of the belt. A 2-3-year-old boy was put on the bride's lap with the wishes of giving birth to the first-born boy. For the same purpose, a hat was put on her head.

Wedding at the bride's house.
From eleven o'clock to half past eleven in the morning, the sounds of zurna were heard, which spread throughout the village. The wedding began. Again the youth gather to serve at the wedding. Guests come, eat, drink, have fun. Some of them bring trays with gifts, some give money. Before serving the treat, one of the groom's relatives comes and puts money on one of the cauldrons with the treat. After that, the pots are opened, their contents are presented to the guests. At the wedding, young people compete in strength. The winner has the right to invite any of those present to dance. The invitee cannot leave, refuse to dance. The winner must be treated with respect.
The groom's relatives raise the bride to dance, and they themselves dance with her. Then, by four or five o'clock, they return to themselves. After the guests leave the groom's house, the fun continues in the bride's house. In the evening, young people go after the "shah".

The groom's wedding.
The day after the bride's wedding, the wedding begins at the groom's house. Early in the morning they prepare the wedding premises, decorate it, and then prepare to go to fetch the bride. The transport on which they go to fetch the bride is decorated. By eleven o'clock - half-past eleven they are going to fetch the bride. According to custom, neither the mother nor the father of the groom go to fetch the bride. Those who came for the bride gather at her door, everyone except the groom.

The message is sent to the mother of the bride. She comes, gives a gift to the driver and the groom. After that, the groom goes out and joins his relatives. Music is playing in the courtyard, everyone is dancing. Young girls and women gather around the bride. The bride's brother-in-law ties her waist with a red ribbon. He ties and opens the ribbon 2 times, ties it 3 times. The brother says to the bride: “Go, let your fate be successful. When you come to visit, I will buy you a present. " Then he puts the money in the palm of the bride and ties it with a handkerchief.

All relatives kiss the bride, say goodbye to her. Finally, they give way to the father of the bride. In a few words, the father admonishes his daughter, wishes her happiness and kisses her on the forehead. The bride's mother also blesses her.

The bride's sister says loudly: "Let's take our bride away." At this time, the child from the bride's house runs and quickly closes the doors. The groom and his friend must give money to open the door. The groom and his friend lead the bride out of the room.
The groom's relatives are dancing in the yard. The bride is put into the car. Then one of the young men - the groom's relatives, brings the "shah" and lifts him up. Candles and lamps are lit. A mirror is being held in front of the bride.

Finally they set off. Torches are lit, rifles are fired, etc. on the way, cars overtake each other, but no one overtakes the car with the bride.
On the way, the wedding cortege stops. Someone grabs one of the bride's shoes and drives forward quickly. Ahead of everyone, he shows the shoe to his father-in-law and mother-in-law, saying: "Give me a mushtulug (a gift for good news), your bride is coming." The mother-in-law gives him a gift.

The wedding cortege arrives, everyone leaves. The mother-in-law gives a gift to the driver. A sacrificial ram is slaughtered in front of the bride. The mother-in-law applies a drop of blood to the forehead of the bride and groom. Then the newlyweds step over the sacrificial ram. They take the first of the pre-baked felt, crumble it, mix it with coins, rice, sugar, sweets and give it to the groom. He sprinkles it on the bride's head. Then the bride is taken to the room. The bride does not sit down. The mother-in-law gives her a gift or promises to buy a gift. After that, everyone sits down.

Wedding fun is going on in the yard. In the evening at six o'clock, half-past five, guests come from the bride's house to the groom's wedding. Anyone who wishes can come, except for the father and mother of the bride. They leave in an hour or two. After that, the young people gather for the groom's "shah". They come to the house of the groom's "boyfriend". Only young people are involved here. They are having fun. Finally, taking the "shah" of the groom, they return to the wedding. The groom and the bride open both "shahs". Everything that is on both "shahs" goes to them. All sweets and fruits are distributed to relatives and neighbors.

After this ceremony, the groom and his friends returned to the house again, where he was all wedding days, until the arrival of the bride. The ceremony of moving the bride to her husband's house began with her dressing up and saying goodbye to her father's house, parents and relatives. All these actions were accompanied by the performance of special ritual songs. One of the acts of parting with the father's house was kissing the hearth as a symbol of the father's house and walking around the tendir three times as a symbol of fire and prosperity. The bride was taken to the groom's house on a horse or phaeton (sometimes on a cart), accompanied by "yenge", girlfriends, close relatives and neighbors. A mirror, a burning lamp and candles were carried in front of the wedding train. It should be noted that the material attributes of the Azerbaijani traditional wedding had a great meaning. In this regard, particular importance was attached to the presence of a mirror throughout the wedding ceremony. Usually, burning candles were installed around the mirror, which in the aggregate was supposed to demonstrate "crushing power" against harmful forces.

Wedding day.
Usually weddings in the countryside lasted 3 days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It began in the evening of the first day.
Musicians and ashugs played and sang at the wedding. Those interested could order a favorite melody for the dance, for this they turned to the toybashi.

Especially for the wedding, they chose "toy bei" or "toy bashi" (the head of the wedding - toastmaster) from among respected, middle-aged men. His responsibilities included regulating the organization of the celebration, observing the sequence of rituals, and preventing disorder. The day before the bride was sent to the groom's house, close friends and yenge were busy with her toilet. This was a kind of preparation of the girl for the transition to a new state of a married woman. One of the important ceremonies in this series was “henna yakhty” (henna application). This ceremony was a real holiday and took place very solemnly in the bride's house. On this day, she said goodbye to her friends, relatives, and her girlhood. At the same time, henna was applied to the bride's palms and feet. This rite was typical not only for the Azerbaijani wedding rituals, but also for the peoples of Western and Central Asia.

The meaning of "henna yakhta" was to give magical meaning to henna as a remedy for the evil eye and a guard against harmful forces. The wedding itself - that consisted of an artistic part (music, dances, songs) and a feast in the groom's house. The beginning of the wedding was announced by the call of the musicians (drum and zurna), for which they climbed to the roof of the house. Usually a traditional wedding lasted three days, in some cases, for wealthy families, 7 days. Each wedding day had its own name and purpose. So, for example, in some regions of Azerbaijan, the first day was known as "el bozbashi", the second day - "yuha ponu" (lavash day), the third day - "magar", etc. One of the researchers noted that in the town of Salyan "Weddings for the rich sometimes even last up to one week or more, and for the poor for two days." On the basis of Absheron materials, another author wrote that the rich men had a wedding for 7 days and 7 nights and could not do without sazandars (saz performers), zurnachi (national brass music performers) and dancers ”10.

A wedding was held either in the spring, during the Novruz Bayram celebration, or in early autumn, and was timed to coincide with the end of the harvest, the end of agricultural work, when, in accordance with the income received, it was possible to determine the costs of the wedding. Weddings were not arranged during Maharram (for the Shiites, the month of mourning for the murdered Imam Husein) and Ramadan (the period of Muslim fasting - orujlug), as well as during the religious holidays Qurban Bajrami and Movlud (the prophet's birthday).

For this, groups of musicians of 3-6 people were invited. In addition to a certain fee, the musicians also received Sabbath money (which the audience gave to the dancers), as well as bakhshish (reward) in the form of a tray with sweets and small gifts... Music, dances and songs accompanied the wedding ceremony until its end, that is, until the bride moved to her husband's house. Until recently, the wedding ceremony of Azerbaijanis was full of various collective games and entertainment (horse races, national wrestling, etc.). This was largely due to the social nature of the wedding, which was a celebration for a large circle of people, and in the village for all villagers. The wedding was the only place where each participant could show their abilities.

Young people prepared for horse races, wrestling and other competitions in advance and looked forward to their start. The winners of these competitions were held in high esteem in the village and were generously gifted by the organizers of the wedding. Various collective games took a special place on the wedding days. Such games as “sur papah”, “bahar bend”, “papah oyunu” (playing with a hat), “piala ve oh” (bowl and arrow), “herdek gachirma” (stealing the curtain), etc. were very popular. and specific regional differences. For example, in the Guba-Khachmaz zone, there were such collective games as "syutlu sumuk" (performers - men), "toy melek", "keklik" (performers - women). The popular games were "Kesa-gyalin", "Yalli" (round dance), "Lezgi mala", described in detail in the literature. At Absheron weddings such games and entertainments as "shahseven", "tyrna", "khan-khan", "meykhana" and others were widespread. On the last day of the wedding, another important ceremony was performed - "beat durdu" (the groom stood up) ... Its essence consisted in the fact that the groom, dressed in a new wedding suit, was brought to the “toyhana” (the place where the wedding took place), there they collected money in his honor, presented him with valuable material for clothing.

At this time, the musicians performed special songs of praise in honor of the groom. This ceremony required a branch decorated with sweets and ribbons, to the end of which a fried chicken was tied. The money collected during this ceremony remained for the groom, and he distributed the fabric among the poor. At the same time, there were regional differences. For example, in the village of Ilisu (Gakh region) money and cloth were distributed to unmarried young people, while in the Nakhchivan zone the groom's relatives collected money among themselves as a sign of help, which was called diz dayagy (knee support).

Women from the groom's side bring sweets, fruits, nuts and gifts for the whole family of the chosen one. All this is laid out on large chic "Honcha" trays and tied with beautiful red ribbons, since red for Azerbaijanis is a symbol of happiness, joy and good luck. It is very important to carry out a ritual from the evil eye: the mother-in-law burns the Azerbaijani potion "Uzari" over the heads of her son and daughter-in-law, while reading a prayer.

Two things deserve attention on the festive table of young people: the "Guzgyu" mirror, decorated according to national traditions, is a symbol of a clean and sunny life in the future; a candle - "lamp", which symbolizes the innocence of the bride (it burns during the first wedding night, and after the girl becomes a woman, this light goes out).

A feature of the feast is that for wedding table men sit separately from women, but only young ones together. Traditionally, near the groom is his good friend, and a girlfriend next to the bride. But none of them practically speaks to each other.

It is worth paying attention to such an outlandish feature: throughout the day, the bride does not eat anything and does not look her future husband in the eyes, and this speaks of her modesty.

The most striking, colorful and impressive at an Azerbaijani wedding is the “Shavash” custom, which is accompanied by the throwing of money during the dances of young people to the performance of the ritual songs “Vagzali”.

During the celebration, a wedding cake is cut, on which the names of the young are beautifully written. The bride and groom treat each other with a tasty morsel as a sign of mutual concern and wash it down with champagne, holding their hands cross.
Very symbolic and significant is the moment when they carefully draw "Hennoy" on the bride's hands the name of the groom, and on his - the name of the newlywed.

It is interesting that the newly minted husband and wife are the first to leave the celebration.
Before entering the house, another specific ceremony awaits the young: a ram is slaughtered at the bride's feet. This is a manifestation of joy in connection with the appearance of a daughter-in-law in the family hearth.

On the second day, the guests danced, had fun, played folk games. They performed old folk melodies.
On the third day, the wedding continued. A ceremony of "praise" was arranged for the bride, or the groom at his wedding. A table filled with sweets is set up in the wedding room. A mirror is also placed on it. In the center, the groom sits at a table, to the left and right of him are the friends accompanying him at the wedding. The groom's mother gives gifts to friends. If the groom was late for this ceremony, anyone could take his place, receive a gift and get up, giving the groom his place.
Then the bride or groom is called to dance. They say that if the groom or the bride dance at their wedding, there will be prosperity, prosperity.

The wedding night.
She is beautiful, gentle, sweet, innocent, graceful, like an angel, all in white. He is brave, proud, strong and irresistible. Luxurious satin bed, the smell of champagne and flowers, the room is lit by a small candle - "lamp". By morning this light goes out ... That's all ... They are now husband and wife. It is very important to observe the ceremony of "showing" the sheet after the wedding night in order to confirm the innocence of the newlywed. The newly minted "woman". The morning after the wedding, sweet flour porridge is prepared for the young wife in butter. Relatives gather again, the main dish on the table is traditional pilaf. This is how the bride's "purity" is celebrated.

After the wedding night (zifaf hejesi), the bride's mother provided the newlyweds with various kinds of dishes for three days. In Absheron, this custom (close relatives also took part in it) was known as "ser takhta". After a certain period of time (3-7 days), during which the bride did not appear in the house, a celebration was held at the son-in-law - "uze chykhdy". On this day, the bride went out to the assembled parents and relatives of her husband and took off her face cover (duvag).

Those present presented her with various gifts. All this was accompanied by food, round dances and songs. The post-wedding ceremony ended with a visit by the newlyweds to the house of the wife's father. During this meeting, the young were presented with expensive things or livestock (depending on the well-being of the parents).

This ritual was one of the most important in the post-wedding rituals among Azerbaijanis and was associated with the removal from the son-in-law of the custom of "avoiding" the wife's parents and relatives. At the same time, it should be noted that this custom persisted for a young wife for a long time. V new family she was forbidden to talk to her father-in-law, mother-in-law, her husband's older brothers, to talk with her husband in front of strangers, to call him by name, to visit her parents without her husband's permission.

The exit of the bride.
For a while, the newlywed does not leave her room with her father-in-law, she tries not to catch his eye. On the 10-15th day after the wedding, the mother-in-law sets the table and calls all family members. Everyone sits down at the table, except for the bride. The father-in-law calls the bride and the very ideas follow her. He then gives her a gift and tells her that she is the dearest member of the family.

Visit to the bride.
2-3 months after the wedding, the message comes from the bride's house: "On such and such a day we will come to visit the bride." In the groom's house, they prepare in advance and invite several guests. The bride's mother with several close relatives comes to the groom's house. At the end of the visit, the bride's mother gives gifts to the bride and groom.

The bride's first visit to her parents.
The daughter has the right to visit her parents' house for the first time only 40 days after the wedding. The bride's mother invites her daughter and son-in-law to visit. Guests are summoned, the table is laid, a big celebration is arranged. Both women and men come from the groom's house. The bride's mother gives gifts to the newlyweds. The bride stays in her parents' house. After 2-3 days, her husband comes for her.

Visits to relatives.
Then close relatives, both from the side of the groom and from the side of the bride, invite them to visit. The invitee gives gifts to the newlyweds. In general, according to custom, if the newlyweds step into someone's house for the first time, they should be presented with a gift.

First grandson.
A young family is considered exemplary if a year after the wedding, they have an heir. The addition of newlyweds to the family is welcomed with joy. The mother of the bride prepares the bed for the first grandson. As soon as the grandson (or granddaughter) is born, she begins to bother, prepares a dowry, a silk bed, buys a cradle. All this is decorated with red ribbons. They come to visit their grandson 40 days after his birth. They give him gifts, put money in the cradle.

All countries sacredly honor the traditions and customs of their ancestors in many areas of life. Of particular interest in this regard is the wedding ceremony, which has its own characteristics in each country. Azerbaijan, where they approach the creation of a family extremely responsibly, is no exception. An Azerbaijani wedding is preceded by a lot of preparation, including many ritual actions.

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Features of choosing a bride

A wedding ceremony in Azerbaijan consists of many solemn rituals, ancient rituals that are held both before and after the wedding. In terms of scope, a wedding in this country is characterized by breadth and splendor. As elsewhere, in Azerbaijan, modernity imposes features on the mores that have acquired a freer character.

But traditions demand that a young Azerbaijani woman be distinguished by her modest behavior. Girls most often communicate only with girlfriends, avoiding the company of young people.

The priority in choosing the future bride belongs to the man. But the opinion of the parents is strictly taken into account, the future groom must obtain their consent to an alliance with the girl of his choice. Young people follow the opinion of their parents and never object to them. Parental disapproval often changes a guy's plans.

Appearance and the attractiveness of a girl always plays a big role. The young man shows the girl to his parents, after which his family asks about the girl and her family. If the boy's parents find something that does not suit them, they immediately tell him about it. If the girl suits the parents in everything, then one of the relatives is instructed to collect more detailed information. Can act as a matchmaker elder sister groom, his aunt, grandmother.

Gathering information, the matchmaker pays great attention to the material condition of the girl's family finding out whether the future husband will be able to provide his wife with the appropriate conditions family life... The social position in the society of her family is also important, whether she enjoys respect and authority. Considered and personal qualities the bride. Traditional Azerbaijani upbringing requires a girl to respect her parents and all relatives, and take a caring attitude towards the younger members of the family.

The following qualities of the future bride are being clarified:

• modesty and social behavior;
• economic ability;
• culinary skills;
• her state of health;
• educational level.

The girl's age is not particularly important. Traditions in Azerbaijan allow a girl to be married after reaching the age of 14.

There are some limiting points:

• a Muslim woman cannot marry a Gentile, while a Muslim man can marry both a Christian and a Jew;
• marriages with blood relatives in a straight line are categorically unacceptable.

After observing all the points and approval by the parents, the girls send one relative to the family to find out the opinion of her parents. It is her father who must approve this union. After receiving the father's approval, the matchmaking ceremony begins.

How is the matchmaking going?

In Azerbaijan, matchmaking also has its own specifics: it consists of two stages - matchmaking, small and large. Small matchmaking begins with a conversation between the boy's father and his entire family. Everyone expresses their opinion, which is listened to. And only after that matchmakers are sent to the bride's family.

As a rule, the mother and three relatives of the groom (adult sisters, aunts, grandmother) participate in small matchmaking. After a joint decision has been made by the women of both families, the fathers of the families meet to continue the matchmaking. The father of a young man must be accompanied by three men: either relatives, or people respected by all. The father expresses to the father of the young girl his son's desire to marry her.

Following tradition, the bride's father at first refuses, citing the fact that it is important to find out the opinion of the daughter herself. As a sign of consent, the girl is silent. This is where the small matchmaking ends, and the matchmakers say goodbye.

The second stage - big matchmaking - begins with the discussion of the Azerbaijani wedding by the groom's family. Women from the groom's family visit the girl in order to find out her wishes for a future wedding. After that, a date is set for the visit of the matchmakers.

Re-matchmaking takes place solemnly and festively in the presence of guests. Matchmakers are put in the most honorable place and generously treated with a variety of dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine.

The bride cannot be present at the big matchmaking, she is at this time with her mother, who takes her to her friends. The returning mother of the girl remains silent during the matchmaking, thus expressing her concern for the future of her daughter.

The girl's relatives have leisurely conversations with matchmakers. The ceremony takes place in a warm atmosphere and at first extraneous topics are discussed: urban or rural events, news, weather. And only after that the main question about the consent to the wedding is asked. The father of the Azerbaijani woman blesses the young, and one of the sisters is in a hurry to tell the good news to the bride, who can return home only after the matchmakers have left.

Parents congratulate their daughter, who, according to custom, should cry - this portends a happy family life.

Then the engagement rite is carried out, and also twice. The small betrothal is carried out in the bride's house. The groom's confidant puts a ring on the bride's finger, and a scarf on her head. After that, he eats half of the sweet treat presented to him, and takes the rest to the groom.

After the groom's messengers leave, the bride has a bachelorette party: they set the table with all kinds of sweet dishes that symbolize a happy life and prosperity in the family.

After some time, the second betrothal takes place. It is widely celebrated with the invitation not only of relatives, but also of friends and neighbors. The groom's relatives present gifts to the bride. Then both families discuss the size of the ransom and the terms of the agreement, which stipulates the amount of monetary compensation in case of a possible divorce.

Modern life slightly changed the requirements for the rules for creating a family. In Russia, at present, international marriage unions, including those of an Azeri and a Russian, have become a common reality. Such a marriage is possible if the groom's relatives do not object to the Russian-Azerbaijani wedding.

If after the wedding such a family moves to the husband's homeland, then the Russian wife will have to get used to and accept all the traditions of Azerbaijan.

Wedding ceremony traditions

From the engagement to the wedding, it usually takes several months to get ready for it. There are customs to conduct other equally interesting rituals at this time. Long before the wedding, the men of the two families set the date for the wedding and determine such important points as the menu, musical accompaniment, and the number of guests.

During the preparation for the wedding, the groom's family gives the bride various gifts: beautiful fabric, decorative dresses, scarves of various colors, ornaments.

On the eve of the celebration, a dowry is transported to the groom's house. This is done by any of her male relatives (brother, uncle), whom the groom's mother always presents with a gift.

The beginning of the Azerbaijani wedding takes place at the bride's house. Loud music announces the beginning of the holiday. Gradually, the house is filled with guests who give gifts, and before sitting down at the table to treat themselves, each of the guests must pay by dropping money into the cauldron.

National wedding songs and music are played throughout the day. Only the groom's relatives dance with the bride. The holiday lasts a long time, and in the evening the groom's family goes home to prepare the celebration at their home.

The groom goes to fetch the bride. Upon the arrival of the groom, the ceremony of seeing off the bride is held. In exchange for a gift, the parents give the groom's representatives the key to the room where the bride is staying. Having blessed their daughter, the parents cover her head with a veil, tie a red ribbon around her waist and take her out of the house.

A fire has already been lit near the house, around which the bride is circled 3 times so that light and warmth always accompany her in her husband's house. Other ritual actions are also carried out:

• pebbles are thrown after her so that her house has reliable walls;
• so that the young are not overcome by sadness and melancholy, water is poured under her feet;
• so that the firstborn in the family was a son, the girl is allowed to hold the boy in her arms;

the blood of a slaughtered lamb is applied to the dress and smeared on the forehead of the bride to make it easier for her to enter a new family and establish good relations;

to make life rich, rice, sweets, small sweets are poured on the bride's head.

After these rituals, the bride is taken to the groom to go to his house, and the girlfriends and guests hinder, demanding ransom.

As the wedding procession approaches the groom's house, the bride takes off her shoe. This is how she warns of her arrival. On the threshold of the groom's house, she kicks the plate lying there.

The mother-in-law must pat her daughter-in-law on the head so that they have an agreement. The celebration continues at the groom's house.

Outfits

Every young couple wants to look the most beautiful on their wedding day. Therefore, they pay great attention to their outfits, which they choose for a long time and carefully.

Groom

In the old days, the problem of choosing what to wear for a wedding was not a problem for the groom. It has always been the national wedding dress. Nowadays, young people choose clothes in a European style - usually a three-piece suit.

The costume can be either traditionally black or light colors.

A bow tie instead of a tie and a boutonniere in the buttonhole give a more solemn look. Sometimes the groom puts on a skullcap.

Bride

Azerbaijani brides can still dress in a national bright red outfit or choose a dress of any other color. The dress should look modest, but beautiful and luxurious. It is sewn from expensive and refined fabrics, decorated with embroidery, lace and other decorative elements.

There are a number of features that are followed when choosing a dress:

it should be modest in cut, have long sleeves and a closed chest;

the bride's attire must have something red.

The wedding decoration of the bride is characterized by the brightness of the dress and makeup, the splendor of the hairstyle. Mandatory element is a lace veil, often brides wear a crown, earrings, necklaces, pendants as decoration.

Currently, Azerbaijani women increasingly prefer modern Wedding Dresses white... It is decorated with stones, golden threads. Paying tribute to tradition White dress be sure to girdle with a red belt or ribbon.

Before the wedding, the bride's hands are decorated with intricate henna patterns.

Guests

Since close and distant relatives of the two families meet at the wedding, everyone tries to look as good and elegant as possible. Older men tend to stick to formal suits. Young people can afford a more democratic and free style.

Women try to dress smartly and festively, while girls prefer bright outfits. But everyone must observe the main rule: you cannot surpass the wedding dress of the bride with your outfit.

What is served on the festive table?

Azerbaijani weddings are celebrated on a grand scale, and festive tables are bursting with treats that are not only tasty, but also aesthetically decorated.

The menu is distinguished by a variety of meat dishes from beef, various poultry, but preference is given to lamb: kyufta-bozbash, dolma, lula-kebab, shawarma and, of course, shashlik.

For centuries, all over the world, one of the most significant events in the life of people is marriage. This event symbolizes the transition of a man and a woman to a new stage of life and the continuation of the family. Azerbaijan was no exception, a country in which, even today, marriage is taken no less seriously than hundreds of years ago.
If we talk in a nutshell about an Azerbaijani wedding, then this is a real extravaganza, a luxurious and rich holiday associated with dozens of different customs and national rituals, which are partially reproduced even today. And the families of the bride and groom, as well as all relatives, close friends and even neighbors, still take part in the preparation of wedding events.

Choosing a future bride

Marriage is considered the greatest happiness for Azerbaijani girls, so they are taught from childhood that they need to be modest and chaste. To avoid unnecessary dangers in the form of kissing in the moonlight and walking by the hand with their first love, daughters are raised in severity, forcing them to communicate only with girls and avoid any contact with men. Even today, when problems with communication due to the Internet simply do not exist, in Azerbaijan a man chooses his bride on his own, since young girls do not communicate with strangers and even have practically no contact with the groom before the wedding.

Having chosen a worthy candidate, the young man does not consult with his parents, but immediately asks for their permission and blessings. Most families support their children. If they are against the bride, the guy is most often forced to change his mind, because the authority of the parents is beyond doubt.

The next step is called the "message." The groom is looking for a reliable mediator who must obtain information about the appearance, health, education and personal qualities of the chosen one, material and social status, as well as the reputation of her family in society. In addition, the matchmaker must find out whether this groom is suitable for the chosen girl, since for a man who cannot provide his future wife at least the same standard of living, the parents will not give up their daughter and refuse the matchmakers. But the age of an Azerbaijani girl is rarely taken into account. For Muslims, a 14-15-year-old girl is considered a full-fledged bride.

If at this stage everything goes well for the groom, his family sends a matchmaker to the parents of their chosen one in order to inform them of the young man's intentions and, with the consent of the latter, to stipulate the date for which the official matchmaking will be scheduled.

Matchmaking

Azerbaijani matchmaking is divided into two parts:

• Small matchmaking.
• Great matchmaking.

At the stage of small matchmaking, the boy's father discusses the issue of his son's marriage with relatives, and each judgment of the relatives is assessed. Having decided this in their own circle, the guy's family dispatches matchmakers to the girl's parents. First, women come to visit: the boy's mother and aunt, his older sister or grandmother, since Azerbaijanis are sure that only the mother will be able to understand what the bride's heart will say.

The women discuss the details, and then it is time for the fathers of the families to meet. The boy's father and three other relatives or men revered in this settlement come to the bride's house to once again declare the desire of the groom. But her parents do not give an answer right away, but say that they need to find out about their girl's intentions. If she agrees, then she should be modestly silent and not answer questions about the future wedding. Matchmakers leave and await an official decision, which will be announced at the next stage.

After that, the groom's parents invite the relatives again to talk about the wedding. At the same time, the women go to the bride to make her suggestions for the celebration and decide with them when the big matchmaking will take place.

Not only the groom's messengers, but also the bride's relatives are invited to the ceremony of the last part of the matchmaking. However, the newlywed and her mother are not present at the celebration, they leave the house at this time so as not to hear the conversations of men. Representatives of the stronger sex first discuss local news, as well as other things that are far from the purpose of the visit. And at the very end, the main question is asked, whether the parents will give their beautiful daughter to their son or not. If the girl's family has decided that the guy is not suitable for her, they refuse, softening their decision as much as possible. If the relatives and the bride agree, then they also do not speak about this directly, but ask for time to make a decision, which means that the matchmakers will need to come again.

For the second visit of the matchmakers, the table is again set and guests are invited. The bride's mother is already allowed to the feast, but she cannot be told anything, she must listen and keep an eye on the matchmakers. After conversations on everyday topics, matchmakers again ask a sacred question, asking what the bride's father will say. As a rule, the parent no longer refuses, but gives his consent, saying: "May Allah bless the young!"

Finally, the matchmakers are brought strong tea, fruits and baked sweets, and the bride's sister runs to congratulate her relative on the matchmaking, since she has been with her friend all this time. Only after the guests have gone home, the girl will be able to return home, where everyone congratulates her on her early marriage, rejoices and cries.

Betrothal Small and Large

Engagement in Azerbaijan is also carried out in several stages.

After the consent to the wedding has been obtained from the girl's family, a small betrothal takes place lasting a month. So, the close relatives of a young man comes to the bride's house, where his chosen one is sitting surrounded by unmarried girlfriends. One of the matchmakers approaches her, puts on a ring and a scarf, and also chooses a sweet and bites off a small piece of it, and carries the rest to the groom as a gift from his betrothed. After they leave, a table is set in the newlywed's house for the guests present, bridesmaids and the bride herself, and after the feast, a magnificent bachelorette party begins.

It is interesting that sweets are present during all the ceremonies and stages of the Azerbaijani wedding. In the culture of this people, they mean fertility, wealth and abundance. What more could you wish for a young family?

Previously, a bachelorette party was no less interesting than the engagement itself, and an obligatory ceremony was held there. During it, the bride had to go up to each unmarried girlfriend and put her hand on her head, holding the girl while she tries on her ring. It was believed that the young woman, to whom it would suit the first, would soon play her own wedding. Also, the girlfriends took a couple of sweets from the table in order to put them under the pillow at night and see their betrothed in a dream.

The second part, the great Azerbaijani betrothal, is organized in a few months. This real holiday, for which both families are carefully preparing. The decoration of the festive table is trusted by the bride's relatives, although often many products, such as sweets, flour, meat and wine, are purchased by the groom's relatives. Not only close relatives, but also distant relatives, as well as close neighbors are invited to the holiday, since not so much the personal relationships of the young people are of great importance, but the fact how the wedding will be considered in the immediate community.

Previously, the presence of respected people at all stages of the festival was considered necessary condition organizing special events, because according to legends, the shown respect for them will make the marriage extremely strong. In addition, those present could put in a word for the young family in front of the community members.

All relatives and friends of the groom during the big betrothal gave gifts to the bride, as a guarantee of her future happy and rich life. At the same time, it was forbidden to present shoes, since the future mother-in-law brought the girl's shoes.

The presents were put in chests with a sling of scarlet ribbons, and small souvenirs were put on trays made of copper and decorated with bedspreads made of expensive fabric specially prepared for the celebration. Honcha, the so-called trays that were passed down from generation to generation or were made to order. They were an obligatory attribute of many Azerbaijani wedding ceremonies. Sometimes they do not forget to use khoncha even today, paying tribute to traditions.

Some families hired musicians to accompany the gifts with music and songs. Usually, the Azerbaijani bride was brought:

• Sweets.
• Household items that were used to decorate the home of the young.
• Bracelets, earrings, rings and other jewelry.
• Cuts of diaper.
• Colored bedspreads and scarves.

As a rule, the newlywed did not use such gifts before the wedding, but folded them up so that they would form part of her dowry.

Then the girl was again presented with a ring, which played the role of an engagement ring, after which all the relatives sat at the table to discuss the issues of the wedding and the redemption of the young woman. Its amount depended on a number of factors: the girl's financial situation, her moral qualities, society's attitude to the family. Usually the money from the ransom was used to pay wedding expenses and buy a dowry. In addition, an agreement was signed guaranteeing the girl financial compensation in case of divorce. Well, after the end of the ceremony, the family congratulated the future bride and amicably considered the gifts.

A certain amount of time had to elapse between the big betrothal and the wedding. In some cases, it was about months, and sometimes even years. The girl lived with her parents, but the groom's family did not leave her without participation and material support, sending clothes, home accessories, jewelry, sweets and fruits. It was not only the groom's family that had to show generosity - the bride's relatives also had to send gifts to their future relatives on the already familiar copper trays. The first tray was intended for the groom himself, on the second they put presents for the male half of his family, and on the third one laid out presents for all the women at home. The rest of the trays were filled with sweets and fruits.

On the day of the offering of these gifts, the groom's family set the table for a small family meal. During it, the matchmaker had to tell who this or that tray was intended for, and the mother of the future husband had to thank her and the girl's family for the gifts.

Pre-wedding chores

Azerbaijani wedding is big holiday, connecting not only the lives of two people, but two families who become relatives. Therefore, all relatives, without exception, participate in the celebrations. The list of required activities includes a conversation appointed by the boy's father. During it, the relatives of both young people negotiate the wedding day, choosing the most favorable date, decide on the ceremony, the number of guests, the menu of the festive table, music and calculate the financial costs associated with organizing the wedding.

As a rule, all the expenses are borne by the boy's family, but often, wanting to demonstrate their fortune, the bride's relatives place the financial burden on their shoulders. The conversation ends with the agreement of both parties on all issues, and then the future relatives, wishing each other all the best, disperse.

Wedding gifts and dowry

The groom and his family give gifts to the bride for a long period, right up to the wedding celebration. In addition, there is a tradition to present her with a dress, accessories in national style, a red scarf, henna for one of the holidays, as well as bring a young lamb with painted horns, which is slaughtered to treat guests. Then the girl's legs and arms are painted with henna, asking Allah to give her a happy family life.

Before the wedding itself, the bride's dowry is transported to her future home, while the mother-in-law must give a present to the carrier. And then the young girlfriends come to visit, who clean and decorate the room of the newlyweds, prepare their marriage bed and lay out the dowry in its places, for which they also receive small gifts.

Brocade Bicini ceremony

Translated from the Azerbaijani language, the word combination "brocade bichini" means the cut of clothes, although a slightly different context is used in this rite. This ritual is performed before the wedding by adult women, whose task is to choose a good mentor for the bride. Her role is to bring the girl to a new house, wash, paint her legs and curls, put on an outfit, and also talk about the responsibilities of a young wife. The mentor is chosen elderly woman who has experience in dealing with children and has a reputation as a wise and decent wife and mother.

Making bread

As in many other cultures, bread has always been valued in Azerbaijan, which is a symbol of wealth, prosperity and abundance. Without fail, the bride, before leaving her father's house, goes around freshly baked bread three times so that her relatives live happily when she is no longer with them. To protect her future family from the shaitan and give her abundance, the girl must take the bread baked by her mother.

It used to be necessary to bake bread for the wedding, a couple of days before the ceremony. It was cooked in one of the houses, and then they left, having thanked the hostess for allowing him to bake lavash in her house.

Mahr (ransom)

Makhrom refers to money and material values ​​that are diligently set aside and must, according to the law, become the property of the wife in the event of a divorce or the death of her husband. Thus, the girl will be able to secure a future for herself and her children.

If the woman herself decides to leave her husband, then she has no right to take even part of the common property, as well as the gifts presented for the wedding. In this case, the children remain with the abandoned husband.

Seeing off the bride

Seeing off is an ancient and highly revered tradition in Azerbaijan. At first, the guests from the side of the future husband walk in the house of the bride, who is waiting for their arrival indoors and does not even come out to say hello. After the invitees give the parents a generous present, they finally bless their daughter, gird her with a red sash, throw a veil over her face and lead to the courtyard, where they are circled three times around the kindled ritual fire. Then they throw a stone after her so that the father's house does not fall apart without her, and they pour water under her feet, believing that this way the girl will not cry about the abandoned roof.

Near the new house, the bride must break the prepared plate and take the boy in her arms in order to give birth to her first-born son. In her honor, the guests slaughter a young ram, whose blood they smear on the girl's forehead and outfit. Such a ritual should help her become part of a new family, and during it, the mother-in-law strokes the girl's hair, as a sign of mutual respect. Then the betrothed is sprinkled with rice and small sweets, taken to the room cleaned by her friends, where she will receive congratulations. During each action, the bridesmaids should be spinning under the feet of those present in order to get for the newlywed small gift as a ransom.

"Shah" bride

Without fail, a friend makes a shah for the bride with her own hands - a decoration made of wood, to which a fragment of a mirror, pieces of a candle, fabric, fruits and sweets are added. When the shah is ready, the girlfriend's parents set the table in anticipation. young groom with his unmarried friends. He takes the jewelry and takes it to his bride, and on the way the friends shoot guns, have fun and sing. The bride must wear the shah at the wedding so that her future family can live in abundance.

Azerbaijani dances at weddings

During an Azerbaijani wedding, musicians are invoked to play traditional musical instruments. During the events, invited guests periodically begin to dance fiery folk dances and sing. This is part of the celebration, without which the wedding is considered incomplete.

Post-wedding traditions

Most of the Azerbaijani traditions cover the period after the wedding. So, for example, the first wedding night ends with the arrival of the relatives of the young, who want to inspect the sheet, which serves as proof of the innocence and honesty of the young wife. If virginity is proven, everyone goes to eat pilaf, and the young remain in their chambers. They spend three days there, getting to know each other and trying to conceive an heir. During this period, the mother of the young wife has the right to come to her house and bring various dishes to the newlyweds to strengthen their strength.

The exit of the bride

Once in her husband's house, the newlywed should not see her father-in-law for two weeks. Therefore, on the day of their meeting, the mother-in-law lays a small table with national food, and the father-in-law personally calls his new daughter to the table and presents her with a small souvenir. So the daughter-in-law officially becomes part of the new Azerbaijani family.

Post-wedding visits

After the end of the wedding celebrations and the first days of grinding, a number of mandatory visits are carried out:

• The arrival of a mother to a married daughter. Some time after the wedding, the mother-in-law with relatives comes to her daughter's house. By their arrival, the newlyweds set the table and receive gifts from the wife's relatives who have come.
• A trip to the bride's parents. Forty days after the first wedding night, the young wife must visit his father's nest with her husband. Tables are set there, and after the festivities, the wife stays with her parents for a couple of days, after which her young husband takes her home. Now she is allowed to come to her parents' home at any time.
• Visiting relatives. In the post-wedding period, young people are actively invited by relatives from both sides to present gifts to the new family. Of course, such a visit is a must.

Azerbaijani wedding is a bright and unforgettable event held in accordance with ancient customs and ancient rituals. Such a holiday definitely arouses the interest and admiration of everyone who has the honor to attend.

The conclusion of marriage, the creation of a family in all countries since ancient times was considered the most important event in a person's life, because it marked the transition to a new status and the imminent birth of offspring. Azerbaijan is not an exception, and the attitude towards marriage is serious here. An Azerbaijani wedding is a huge celebration. Before it begins, during and after the celebration, many rituals, ceremonies are carried out, customs are taken into account. In the process of organizing and holding the celebration, a large number of people take part - from close relatives to neighbors.

Choosing a future bride

From childhood, Azerbaijani girls are taught to be modest, they spend a lot of time with their friends, avoid male companies. Even now, when young people have become more free in choosing a soul mate, it is mainly a man who makes it, because not all Azerbaijani brides are in close contact with grooms before the wedding. After choosing a girl, the groom asks for permission from the parents. As a rule, they support their son, but their refusal often becomes a reason for the young man to change his mind.

Then comes the stage of the so-called message. How it happens: for a start, a man chooses an intermediary - a close relative, she is engaged in finding out the financial situation of the girl, the status of her parents in society. She also determines whether the Azerbaijani groom is capable of making a worthy match for her, because if he is not wealthy enough to provide for the family, the bride's parents may not agree to the marriage even at the stage of small matchmaking. Also, a relative learns about the girl's thrift, her health, education.

The age of the future Azerbaijani bride practically does not matter - according to Muslim traditions, you can marry a young girl even at the age of 14-15. After the groom has decided on a suitable bride, his parents send the same intermediary or another person from the closest relatives to inform the girl's father and mother about the intentions of the young groom. If they agree, a date for the upcoming matchmaking is set.

Matchmaking

In Azerbaijan, matchmaking before the wedding takes place in two stages:

1. Small matchmaking.

After receiving an answer, the groom's father communicates with the family to find out their opinion about the Azerbaijani girl and the upcoming wedding - every word has weight. When the discussions are over, the family of the Azerbaijani groom sends matchmakers to the house of the future wife. As a rule, the first to come to small matchmaking are women of the groom's family - the mother and another close relative (mother's sister, her eldest daughter). This is due to the belief that only a mother can truly understand a girl's heart.

When the female heads of households decided to continue the event, the fathers meet. The groom's father comes along with three more Azerbaijani men - these can be close relatives (brother, father) or respected people of the city or village. He informs about the intention of his son to marry a young bride. At first, the girl's father refuses with the words: "I need to know the opinion of my daughter." When asked about the upcoming wedding, the girl is silent, which means her consent.

The matchmakers leave the house, and the final decision-making awaits them during the big matchmaking.

1. Great matchmaking.

When the stage of small Azerbaijani matchmaking has passed, the head of the groom's family invites close relatives to discuss the upcoming event. The female half of the young man's family goes to the bride to find out her opinion on the future wedding. When the bride's answers are received, the women appoint the day of the matchmaker's arrival. Time passes, the date of matchmaking comes, envoys arrive, they are seated at the head of the table.

Many of the girl's relatives are present at the matchmaking, except for the mother - she spends time with her daughter for a walk so as not to be at home at this time. After discussing extraneous things - the harvest, the weather, politics, other news - the in-law relatives ask the main question: "Will you give us a beautiful girl?" If the Azerbaijani family has decided not to marry their daughter, they refuse. If the relatives agree, then they ask the matchmakers for time to think - this means that they will come a second time.

The family of the Azerbaijani bride for the second visit of the messengers invites many guests, sets the table, this time the mother of the bride is present during the matchmaking, but does not say a word. Relatives-matchmakers come again, they are well received, they are sure to be treated. Communication takes place on abstract topics. After a while, one of the groom's matchmakers asks the question: "What will you say this time?" On the second visit, they rarely refuse, therefore, as a rule, the father of the bride says: "May Allah bless them!"

Guests are served sweet tea, and the sister of the future wife, after the end of the matchmaking, runs to congratulate the Azerbaijani bride (she is waiting for a decision from her friend). When the stage of the big matchmaking is over, and the guests have gone home, the girl returns home, her closest relatives - parents, brothers, sisters - congratulate her on the imminent wedding. On this day, during the congratulations to the hero of the occasion, it is customary to cry.

Betrothal Small and Large

Like matchmaking, the engagement of young people before the wedding in Azerbaijan takes place in two stages.

1. Small betrothal.

This stage of pre-wedding preparation is carried out within a month after the consent of the father and mother of the bride to hold the wedding. Close relatives of the groom visit the house of the future wife to conduct a small betrothal. The girl herself sits surrounded by 20-30 people (these are her friends of the same age). On the shoulders of one of the messengers falls the responsibility to put a ring on the beauty's finger, cover her head with a handkerchief, and then taste at least a small piece of some kind of sweetness.

The second half of the Azerbaijani sweet, from which the envoy bit off a part, is referred to the future spouse. When the groom's relatives leave, they set the table with sweets that are constantly featured during the Azerbaijani wedding - it is generally believed that they provide future family abundance and fertility. When all the guests, as well as the bridesmaids, have eaten, the bachelorette party begins.

It is interesting with an old Azerbaijani rite: the bride takes turns putting her hand on the heads of unmarried girls, they try on her ring. It was believed that the first one to try on the ring of the future wife would soon celebrate the wedding herself. After the bachelorette party, the girlfriends of the bride-girl performed another Azerbaijani ceremony: they put two identical sweets under their pillow to see their lover in a dream.

1. Great engagement.

A few months after the small betrothal, the second stage of the Azerbaijani custom takes place. This is a real holiday for which both sides are seriously preparing. The family of the future wife is preparing festive table, although often all kinds of products (for example, meat, flour, vegetables, sweets, alcohol) are sent by the groom's family. It is not customary to send only a bow, because it has long been considered a harbinger of bitterness in a life together after a wedding.

During the big betrothal, many guests are present - from the closest relatives to the neighbors. This is due to the fact that Azerbaijani marriage is built not only on the love of young people, but also on the approval of society. Society became an important witness in preparing for the wedding, previously it was believed that this would make the bond of marriage even stronger.

The relatives of the hero of the future celebration on the day of the betrothal had to bring everything necessary for happy life brides - only shoes were not given, which later, after a certain amount of time, was brought by the mother-in-law. Large gifts were packed in chests tied with red ribbons, small ones were placed on copper trays covered with colorful bedspreads... Such trays were called khoncha and were an obligatory part of the action in ancient times, they are used in our time. Wealthy families often invited musicians to accompany the offering of these gifts.

Examples of gifts brought by the Azerbaijani bridegroom:

• cuts for dresses
• colored scarves
• decorations
• stockings
• sweets

After the presentation of the gifts, the future wife put on the finger wedding ring... Then both families sat down to discuss the size of the bride price. An important point in the amount of the ransom was determined by the girl's well-being, her economy, and respect from society for her family - the money received during the ransom was used to pay for the costs of the wedding, and they also went to purchase a dowry.

Traditionally, in addition to the ransom or instead of it, a wedding contract was concluded, which guaranteed the bride a monetary reward if the husband decides to divorce her. After the engagement and until the wedding itself, a different amount of time passed - from several months to several years. The girl spent all this time at home, and the groom's family continued to send her gifts - various clothes, items to decorate and make life easier, fresh fruits, sweets. During the feast of sacrifice, a live bull served as a gift.

After the betrothal day ended, the Azerbaijani relatives of the hero of the occasion gathered around the bride, looked at the gifts, congratulated the girl on the imminent wedding.

Some time after the big betrothal, the bride's family comes into play: they send gifts to the future husband on the same copper trays. The first is for the groom, the second with gifts for men, the third for women, the rest are generously filled with sweets and fruits. This time the other side is setting the table, although much fewer guests are gathering. After a small feast, the bride's relative tells whom which tray is intended, the mother of the future spouse thanks her, the guests leave.

Pre-wedding chores

Everyone is carefully preparing for the Azerbaijani celebration, because a wedding connects the souls of two lovers. A lot of pre-wedding hassle awaits the family on both sides. Before the event, a "conversation" must be held, the date of which is set by the head of the groom's family. Two male sides(close relatives of a young man and a girl getting married) agree among themselves, choose a wedding day, which, according to beliefs, will be the most favorable for creating a family, decide the details of the Azerbaijani celebration - the musical accompaniment of the celebration, the number of guests, the menu.

Basically, the wedding expenses go to the relatives of the Azerbaijani groom, but it often happens that the bride's family refuses to do this, leaving the entire wedding on themselves. After reaching agreement, the participants in the "conversation" disperse, wishing each other well and happiness.

Wedding gifts and dowry

The Azerbaijani bride accepts gifts from her betrothed throughout the entire time from matchmaking to the official wedding. She is given shoes, jewelry, clothes from him. On one of national holidays the hero of the occasion receives an interesting set of gifts - Nice dress, a red shawl, jewelry, and also a lamb, whose horns are painted with henna, is brought on a rope. Traditionally, all kinds of sweets and fruits are served on trays. The bride herself is also given henna, and the girlfriends paint her arms, legs, dye her hair.

Before the solemn day of the Azerbaijani wedding, the bride's dowry is brought to the house of the future husband by her male relatives (brother or uncle) - these are her personal belongings, household items. The future mother-in-law gives the carrier a gift. When he leaves the house, the friends of the Azerbaijani bride come to arrange the dowry, tidy up, put things in order, decorate the room. Girls always receive gifts from the mistress of the house.

Brocade Bicini ceremony

“Brocade bichini” is translated from the Azerbaijani language as “cutting clothes”. This event also takes place a few days before the wedding. Women from both sides arrange walks with dances and songs. During the ceremony, the bride's mentor is chosen, who will bring the spouse to her husband's house, decorate her hands and feet with henna drawings, and dress them. As a rule, a mentor was an Azerbaijani woman of years with life experience, with children and undivided, with a good public reputation.

Making bread

Many Azerbaijani traditions are closely related to bread, because it is a symbol of abundance, prosperity and fertility. For example, before leaving her father's house, the Azerbaijani bride had to walk around the baked bread three times so that this family would be happy without her. Also, in order to protect her future relatives from evil spirits, to ensure abundance, the girl took a piece of bread from her parent's nest to her future home.

Bread preparation for the upcoming wedding is a traditional custom of Azerbaijani families, held 2-3 days before the event.

• First, they choose the house where the bread will be baked - at the groom's or the bride's.
• Then they try to make a good dough, roll it out, bake pita bread.
• When the treat is baked, the women thank the hostess for the space provided, wish them wealth and always hot bread on the table.

Mahr (ransom)

Mahr is a certain amount of money or material inheritance that will go to an Azerbaijani wife if the spouse decides to divorce her or in case of his death. Makhra is negotiated before the wedding, all this is documented in the marriage contract. If a woman decides to leave her husband's house, she will not receive a ransom and will not be able to pick up gifts, as well as jointly acquired property with her Azerbaijani spouse.

Seeing off the bride

Seeing off the Azerbaijani bride is an ancient wedding tradition. Seeing off is full of beautiful symbolism. First, people come from the groom's side to pick up the Azerbaijani bride, they dance and sing. The bride is waiting in the wings behind a closed door, the key from which guests will receive after presenting the gift. After the gift, the parents bless the Azerbaijani girl, tie a red ribbon around her waist, put a veil over her head and take her out into the yard - a big fire is kindled there.

• The Azerbaijani bride is led three times around the fire - this promises light and warmth for the future home.
• A pebble is thrown after her so that the walls of this house are strong.
• Then a few drops of water are poured under the feet so that the girl does not feel sad and grieved.
• A plate is placed at the threshold of the new house, which the Azerbaijani bride must smash with her foot.
• A girl is given a little boy in her arms so that a male child becomes her firstborn.
• After that, a ram is killed in front of the Azerbaijani bride, and the forehead and dress are smeared with blood - this will help the wife come to terms with her new relatives and quickly become a real part of the family.
• The mother-in-law strokes her daughter-in-law's hair so that mutual respect always reigns between them.
• After that, the girl's head is sprinkled with sweets and rice - for abundance.
• Then the bride is taken to a prepared room, decorated with various decorations, where she accepts wishes for happiness, health, and the imminent birth of offspring.

As a rule, the girlfriends, brothers, sisters, neighbors of the hero of the occasion blocked the road in every possible way for the Azerbaijani guests carrying the bride all the way to the husband's house, asking for a small ransom for a pass - candy or money.

"Shah" bride

Shah is a wooden wedding decoration that combines several elements: a mirror, candles, fabrics, as well as sweets and fruits. His best friend, a needlewoman, prepares it for the Azerbaijani bride. In the house of a friend who decorates the shah, a walk is held - young people come there, eat, drink, celebrate. In the evening, the Azerbaijani groom arrives with friends, the shah is taken away, and then they are taken to the house of their betrothed, firing guns, singing songs.

Azerbaijani dances at weddings

As a rule, during an Azerbaijani marriage, it plays national music performed by traditional instruments, therefore, those present mainly dance Azerbaijani dances known from childhood. The wedding itself almost half consists of a music and dance program - singing and incendiary dances, all this continues until early morning. Watch a video where beautiful, energetic and cheerful Azerbaijani dances are beautifully performed during a wedding:

Post-wedding traditions

A bunch of Azerbaijani customs takes place after the wedding day. Immediately after the end of the first wedding night, relatives from both sides come to look at the sheet, proving the innocence of the Azerbaijani girl. When the purity leaves no doubt, everyone is going to have breakfast - the owners of the house serve pilaf. Also, after the wedding, for three days, the mother of the Azerbaijani bride brought different dishes to provide food for the newlyweds.

The exit of the bride

After the newlywed gets into a new home, she should not see her father-in-law for two weeks after the wedding. When the required amount of time has elapsed, the mother-in-law sets the festive table, filling it with national dishes, sweets, and the husband's father calls the girl, gives her a gift - since then she has been officially accepted by the Azerbaijani family.

Post-wedding visits

When the wedding is over, there is a mandatory series of visits:

• Visit to daughter. A few months after the event, the wife's mother, together with the family, warns her daughter's new family about their arrival. Guests arrive, the table is set, after the visit, the Azerbaijani newlyweds are given gifts.
• First visit to parents. Only after the expiration of forty days after the wedding, the spouse is allowed to visit the parental home with her husband and other new relatives. A large Azerbaijani feast is held there, after which the girl stays at home for several days. Then her husband takes her away - from now on she can visit her relatives whenever she wants.
• Visits to relatives. Close relatives from the side of the newly-made Azerbaijani husband and wife invite the young to visit in order to dine with them, learn the news, and present several gifts.

Modern wedding traditions and rituals in Azerbaijan have deep and ancient roots. In them, the past and present of the people are inextricably intertwined, for which to this day one of the main values ​​is the family.

For centuries, these traditions have been carefully preserved and developed, passed on from generation to generation. Some traditions died, others were revived and enriched, filling with new content and meaning. They are very popular among young people. Older generation strictly monitors the performance of some of the basic rites and is lenient with the rationalization of many traditions. It is difficult to talk about all the traditions in a narrow format, so I will only touch on a few.

If the young people decide to be together, then it's time to send elchi - matchmakers to the girl's house. Traditionally, it all starts with women's diplomacy. First, the boy's mother "accidentally" meets the girl, then goes to visit her in the house, get to know her, and assure her of the seriousness of her intentions. This will be the starting point for collecting information about the groom. If the choice of the young people is approved, men will meet - the fathers of the guy and the girl or their representatives who enjoy their trust. When a girl is wooed and her parents agree, the elder from the girl's side asks for sweet tea or he himself demonstratively puts sugar in a glass of tea. In response, the groom's representative puts a ring on the table, which one of the relatives, with a successful fate, will put on the bride's finger, then throw an elegant silk scarf or kerchief over her shoulders. So it was in the old days, and so it is now. And I think that this custom will be held in high esteem in the future, because it has harmony, mutual respect, care and respect to each other, beyond age.

The bride and groom will exchange wedding rings at a nishana - an engagement. On this day, the bride is given gifts, sweets, sweets, fruits, packed in the form of khoncha - baskets or trays, beautifully decorated with ribbons, flowers, beads. As in the old days, there should be a sugar head, which will be stored after the wedding, and broken when the firstborn appears in the family. A large cake, with the names of the bride and groom, is traditionally halved. Part of the cake, with the name of the girl, is taken by the groom's side for treating his loved ones. The second part remains for those present and the bride's family. Candy is usually handed out.

The time between nishan and the wedding is necessary for the young to ascertain their feelings. During this period, a dowry is prepared for the bride, and the groom collects a bazaar for the bride - expensive jewelry, clothes, cosmetics, tidies up an apartment or a separate room if they live with their parents. Before the wedding, the dowry will be brought to the groom's house and the young girls from the maiden side will decorate the newlyweds' room, for which they will receive gifts and refreshments from the future mother-in-law.

On holidays, the groom's side traditionally congratulates new relatives, bringing bayramlyg (bayram is a holiday). Especially a lot of trouble on Novruz, when the bride is presented with a dish decorated with a red ribbon with sprouted wheat - "seed", from which halva has long been made. They also send trays with freshly baked baklava, shekerbura and gogals - the ritual liver of Novruz. The trays are returned along with gifts for all members of the groom's family. The meat of a freshly cut ram or a live lamb is sent to the bride's house to Gurbanlig, the head of which is painted with henna and a red ribbon on its neck or leg.

If the guy and the girl do not agree, then the nishan is returned. It is accepted to return everything - the ring and all the gifts. But they can also do harm, for example, scribble something on an unopened perfume box with a needle so that they cannot be given to someone else.

Wedding ceremonies cannot be carried out on Meheremlik - a month of mourning in Islam, as it is very Bad sign, and for orujlug - the period of Great Lent. Choosing a restaurant or a celebration house for a wedding, they take into account the quality of the dishes in the proposed menu, prices, the availability of photo and video services, musicians, singers, dance groups. You can additionally order the decoration of the hall with balloons, fireworks, fireworks, angels meeting young people, pigeons, which they will release into the sky before the wedding, but this is not necessary. All those invited are sent in advance personalized, beautifully decorated invitations - devetnam.

For the wedding, many couples prepare their wedding dance - modern or folk - of their choice, and now also a photo session in historical places of the city, on the embankment, as well as a pre-wedding boat trip.

A modern bride, as in the old days, before the wedding gathers her girlfriends and young girls from both sides on henna yachts (henna - vegetable paint, yachts - smearing). The girl is brought a khoncha, which contains traditional sweets and everything for personal care. But the most important thing is Iranian henna, for dyeing hair and applying drawings on the skin of the hands and feet, something like a tattoo. Previously, girls dyed their hair with henna, now they do it symbolically, preference is given to patterns on their hands. All guests are presented with a decorative henna bag, sweets, sweets. There is a sign that a girl, having eaten such a sweetness, will not sit up in girls, and henna is a symbol of joy. It has become fashionable to wear national clothes on henna yachts, and to tie kelagai on the head - the finest kerchief made of natural silk.

K henna yachts learn instructive and funny quatrains about the relationship of the bride with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, with her husband, which are called akyshta, or rather, hahıshta. The girls take turns reciting these verses, looking at those they touch. The most lively do not remain in debt, in response they can give out such a quatrain that it will not seem a little. This fun and ancient rite is very popular.

Previously, before the wedding, women gathered for "paltar bichty" - cutting and sewing clothes, but now clothes are bought or sewn to order, and the ceremony is quietly becoming a thing of the past.

The day before the wedding, the groom and his friends will have a wedding bath ritual - that hammam. On the same day, a kebin is concluded in the mosque - a marriage contract before God. Registration of marriage at the registry office is required. A marriage can be registered before or during the wedding, but after the wedding, this is the exception rather than the rule. Therefore, young people submit an application to the registry office in advance, so that later there will be no problems.

If you have noticed, I am not talking about the number of guests, the professionalism and the number of musicians, singers and dancers, or what place will be chosen for the wedding celebration. Because these wedding characteristics depend on the financial situation of the wedding organizers. In all other respects, the observance of traditions at an ordinary average wedding is not something imposed or unusual - this is exactly what happens. Although it is clear that each wedding is individual and depends not only on material opportunities, but also on the taste, preferences of the groom, the bride, their loved ones and, oddly enough, it may seem from the outside, from which part of Azerbaijan their roots come from. Different parts of the country have their own nuances in observing wedding traditions and rituals. And if outside the capital wedding ceremonies More original and close to the origins, in Baku they mixed with European canons, creating a unique flavor, which is usually said: "The East is a delicate matter."

On the wedding day, the groom and his relatives go to fetch the bride with flowers and musicians. The bride is adorned with jewelry. The young are blessed, they are led around a lighted kerosene lamp - a symbol of the hearth. The groom's brother, with a ritual wish to have 7 sons and 1 daughter, ties the bride's waist with a red ribbon, and they leave the house to the “Vagzaly” music for sending brides from their father’s house. In front, they carry a mirror - a symbol of purity, and on the sides 2 girls, relatives of the bride and groom, are carrying lighted wedding candles: fire was worshiped in ancient Azerbaijan. For the wedding, the bride and groom arrive in a beautifully decorated car. This, of course, is not a phaeton, but it is also beautiful: the wedding cortege is decorated with red ribbons and flowers.

The wedding is all permeated with traditions and rituals. There are so many of them that it is not possible to dwell on all of them even briefly, so I will tell you quite a bit about this.

Children are a joy in the family and, in order to see the grandchildren, the groom's mother will definitely put the baby on the bride's lap.

According to the custom of "bein okhurlanmasy" - the theft of the groom - young guys can easily steal the groom from the wedding, but then return him for a ransom or for fulfilling a wish.

The yalla dance is very beautiful, when guests, mainly young people, holding each other's hands, rhythmically and synchronously rising and falling, walk around the whole hall in a chain, taking in new participants in this chain along the way. Leading and closing this chain, waves a handkerchief or napkin. Then the circle is closed, and rhythmic pair dances begin in the middle of the circle.

So that the bride and groom, and at the same time the guests present, do not touch the evil eye, at the end of the celebration, someone will definitely carry a plate of steaming grass between the tables - uzerlik, the smoke of which is traditionally considered a talisman among Azerbaijanis.

To talk about a wedding feast means to say nothing: one must see it and ... try it. Traditionally, pilaf is the final dish of the wedding, and a dancer dressed in national clothes brings it to the table of the bride and groom in a slow dance.

Yes, it should also be noted that wedding gifts are made in monetary terms. Usually, the guests put the signed envelope with money in a specially designed box with a slot.

To the sounds of "Vagzaly" the bride and groom leave the wedding. The bride, without looking, throws her bouquet to her friends, but most often the guys catch it and give it to some girl.

The bride is accompanied to the groom's house by an experienced mature woman who is responsible for the young before their parents that night. She escorts the young people to the door of the house, and in the morning she will bring guimag for breakfast - the first food given to the newlyweds.

Here and behind the wedding ... But there are still many traditional rituals to protect the newlyweds in the first forty days of life together. They help young people to create a strong healthy family, and in the future - to become a support for their children and grandchildren.

This is the head of sugar - kelle gend

These are baskets with sweets, clothes and khoncha cookies - gifts for the bride at nishan

And this is a cake with the names of the bride and groom and a basket of sweets prepared for distribution to girlfriends, relatives, neighbors.

Honcha with shekerbura are such pastries with a sweet nut filling, the edge of which is wrapped in a special screw method, and the surface is decorated with a special pattern

Khoncha for the bride, where there is a "seed", and oriental sweets

Beautifully decorated car in which the bride and groom ride to the wedding