One among these ceremonies are new laundry of the bride-to-be, which was useful for casting an enchantment over their unique future husband, so as that he would like their particular permanently:
Usually, 50 % of this count is actually stored in money additionally the almost every other half of into the property (elizabeth.grams., silver, gold, pearl, items, dresses, ponies, carriages, servants, an such like.). Whether your lady didn’t come with brothers, brand new dowry can even include homes.(13) The fresh new dental arrangement of your dowry between the fathers finished the brand new age of “courtship.”
The next thing of one’s betrothal try the fresh “enjoy.” With the good pre-put up go out, the brand new groom-to-become stumbled on his betroth’s domestic “in the a flush clothing” with their father otherwise more mature sibling. they certainly were satisfied of the girl’s dad exactly who seated them down regarding the fireplace, toward house’s ideal benches (the brand new bride-to-be, not, resided out of sight). This new contractual files, discussing this new purpose so you can marry therefore the details of this new dowry were exhibited and you may signed. Zero priest is actually establish at that event (in the event in the event that each party were illiterate, a good clerk was present). The fresh new sgovor didn’t come with religious meaning, however, was merely a business purchase. Pursuing the finalizing, presents was basically replaced therefore the girl’s father exhibited new home’s icon to the website visitors so you’re able to hug. The latest cluster next gone to your back place — an internal waiting area the spot where the feminine, becoming usually segregated in the men, was indeed gained (but tomorrow fiance herself who was simply banned as present) — in order to meet the newest fiancee’s mother in order to Source compliment their particular. She kissed the brand new bride-to-be and her feamales in change accompanied her analogy. This new routine accomplished, brand new traffic departed.(14)
A few days later, the brand new boy’s mommy stumbled on new bride’s home towards the “inspection” to ascertain the profile and you can chastity of your girl. Up on passage her recognition, new boy’s mother gave the newest fiancee a band. Later on, she may additionally post new girl a combination, specific fruit, and some headwear on servants.(15)
There is another sequence away from situations advised within the historical records. The brand new Church did not agree having betrothals happen exterior of the Chapel and you can required your sgovor as well as the exchanging regarding rings occur in a chapel and start to become sanctified by the a beneficial priest. Because the Levin teaches you, betrothals had been will managed once the giving certified consent in order to fornicate. New Church noticed, for the area, that when people was basically probably has sex before relationship next it could as well improve betrothals as joining just like the wedding by itself: “The newest church held you to a promise before Goodness and witnesses would be to be kept; a formal hope to help you get married try joining upon both parties.”(16)
Soon up until the relationships, it actually was preferred to set up a ritual shower [ bania ]. Following the bride’s ritual ablution, the newest ‘charmed water’ are meticulously spared and you will made available to the partner for pursuing the marriage.(17)
Whilst the Chapel are highly not in favor of so it practice (because of its pagan roots), you will find signs this endured towards sixteenth century.
The fresh preservation of the pre-Christian customs with the ‘charmed water’ when you look at the 10th so you’re able to fifteenth-century matrimony traditions is actually informed me of the attract of your own fiance to win the fresh new love and you can affection out of their unique future companion of the a style of magical traditions
Yet another pre-wedding personalized is actually the fresh new “maiden’s party” — a sort of medieval bachelorette group — in which the women achieved towards bride-to-be the night till the marriage. Now it had been antique to remove the girl’s headcovering [ kokoshnik ] and you can comb out their locks. Their particular solitary tress (the fresh new icon of maidenhood when you look at the medieval Russia) try braided for the past big date.(18)