Weddings in Kolomna in the XVII-XVIII centuries.

Today we will tell you how we celebrated weddings in Kolomna in the XVII-XVIII centuries. So the groom's parents will know where the bride is. Two women from the groom's relatives are instructed to go to the bride's house. They try to catch the bride not dressed. When they enter the house of the bride’s parents, the groom sent them to say to the old people: “Hello, good people!” We hear you have goods, and we have a merchant looking for your goods.

If they say, “Well done,” they will be asked to show them the bride. The mother goes to equip her daughter and then brings her out to the messengers from the groom. After looking, the groom’s relatives leave and bring the news to his parents that the bride is not averse.

After that, the day of inspection is appointed. The inspection consists in the fact that relatives from the groom’s side force the bride to raise her hands, take off her shoes, remove the headscarf from her head, force her to walk and generally try to find out whether there is any vice. Then the groom comes, the examination is repeated, and the question of the consent of the bride and groom to marry is made. The groom invites the bride’s parents to come to his house and learn about his life. If the bride’s parents find the groom’s house in good condition, they begin to talk about masonry. The laying consists in the money that the groom must give the bride on the dowry. Having agreed on everything, take for a feast and appoint a day of collusion. The groom is obliged to bring with him wine, pies and beef. When he comes with all the relatives to the court, then the native brides go out into the yard and say hello. Entering the hut, the groom’s relatives sit down at the table, and the conspirators are taken to a special room. The feast begins by treating the bride’s relatives; then they treat the groom’s relatives. At this time, they take out the conspirators and put them in the front corner. All relatives of the groom are given headscarves by the mother or father of the bride. Conspiracy sets a wedding day. Between the conspiracy and the wedding, the groom visits the bride twice with the guests. On the eve of the wedding, the groom with his relatives comes to the bride and brings a hotel Meanwhile, the bride is ready already a table with delicacies, at which the girls - the bride's friends - sit. Relatives of the groom, entering the hut, must give girls to buy their seats. After receiving the ransom, the girls begin to sing songs. On the wedding day, when all the riders will gather at the groom, he goes with the train to get the bride. Going forward, friends with towels across the shoulder. The groom is accompanied by: a priest, a matchmaker, a godfather with the image, a friend and carriages. When they arrive at the house, they stop at the gate. Here the train is met by the bride’s parents with the image, bread and salt. When they enter the lamp, they put bread and salt on the table. There are three boys at the table. The friend, entering, beats the table with a whip, saying: Get out of here, you need a place. The boys say, "Golden before the edge." He puts money on four corners and in the middle of the table. The boys take them and leave. Then they buy the bride from the girls. Redeemed, the conspirators begin to bless in the way and put at the table. Then, dressing everyone with wine, the bride gives the groom’s relatives scarves. Finally, they leave the house to go to the crown. When everyone comes out of the gate, he rounds the train three times with the image and gives it to the godmother of the bride. After the wedding, the friends go back to the village and ask the young family at an early age. In front of the house, on their return from the church, the prince and princess are met by the young parents with the image, bread and salt. The young bow at their feet. After that, everyone enters the hut. The prince and princess sit at the table in the first place, singing. The feast begins and continues until late night. All guests stay with the young people for the night. The day after the wedding, the young go to the parents of the newlywed with a train. When the guests sit down at the table, they accompanies everyone with gingerbread, and each guest puts money on his plate, which is transferred to the young. After the feast, guests leave, and the newlyweds stay overnight. In the morning, the young mother bakes pancakes and treats them to her son-in-law. After spending the day, by evening the young with their father-in-law and mother-in-law go home, where the feast resumes, with which the wedding celebration ends.