An Uzbek wedding is a celebration with certain traditions and customs that are passed down from generation to generation. Before entering into marriage, young people must perform a series of rites in order to cleanse their body and soul. In each region of Uzbekistan, traditions differ from each other. In the article we will talk about historical customs, without which no triumph can take place.
Matchmaking
The Uzbek wedding is not carried out in haste. Preparation for it takes a lot of time and effort.
If a son grows up in a family, parents look for a bride for him in advance. For these purposes, close relatives are often involved, whose task is to obtain the necessary information about the girl.
After the offspring turns 18 years old, the candidacy should already be selected and approved by the family council.
A bride is sent to the bride (mother and closest relative of the groom). They prepare traditional sweet treats and wrap them in white cloth.
Having arrived at the bride’s house, they give packages to her parents with the words: “We want to get married.” Guests are invited to a table where the next matchmaker meeting is being discussed. As a rule, it happens next Wednesday (the day of new beginnings among Muslims).
Four men are joining the next visit to the women. They sit down at the festive table, discuss the details of the upcoming celebration, stipulate kalym and other moments. Next, each matchmaker is given a white bundle. It is wrapped in sweet goodies and a white shirt (a symbol of the innocence of a girl).
If the parents are ready to marry their daughter, they put her handkerchief in one of the packages. After that, the engagement day is appointed.
The customs of the Uzbek wedding are rooted in the past. Modern couples in love can make their own changes in them. For example, the newlyweds can know each other before the celebration, walk and meet. But without the consent of the parents, marriage will not work.
Engagement day
After the girl’s parents gave their consent to the wedding, the engagement day comes (Fotikha tuy). The celebration takes place in the bride's house. Pilaf and sweet dishes are put on the table to make the life of young people easy.
Relatives of the newlyweds, neighbors, close friends come to the engagement. Fotikha tuy turns into a real walk. In the middle of the evening, the bride must perform the Non Sindirar rite. She breaks a baked cake with her own hands. This means that the girl obeys and accepts her husband. After that, the couple are officially engaged.
Wedding
On the wedding day, the bride's parents hire a professional chef who cooks delicious pilaf. In the morning, all men are invited to Nahor Oshi. The morning pilaf meal is accompanied by musical ensembles.
For women, hotin oshi are performed. This event can take place in a cafe, girls eat sweetened pilaf and discuss the upcoming wedding.
By the middle of the day, the groom, accompanied by relatives and friends, arrives at the bride's house. The girl wears a wedding dress, be sure to cover her face with a veil so that she does not jinx it. The ransom ceremony begins, in which the aunts of the bride participate.
Next, a mullah is invited to the house. The groom puts on a traditional Uzbek outfit, a wedding ceremony is performed. After that, it is believed that the marriage is already made in heaven.
An Uzbek wedding must be officially registered at the registry office, where the young are sent.
Farewell to the parental home
After the registry office, the newlyweds again return to the bride's house. There they are already waiting for their parents. A rite of farewell to the daughter is held. Mom cries, but at the same time rejoices for her bleeding, predicting her a happy family life.
Friends of the groom are loading the girl’s dowry onto the arba. As a rule, these are towels, bedding, kitchen utensils and other things that are useful in the household.
Restaurant Celebration
Next, the newlyweds are sent to the ordered restaurant or cafe, where tables have already been laid. This is where the walk begins. It is worth noting that earlier, according to tradition, all relatives except the bride's father attended the celebration. He spent this time in his house with friends. But in the modern world this custom is not taken into account.
The highlight of the wedding is Uzbek dances. They are so bright and fiery that they do not leave anyone indifferent. The newlyweds often dance. To do this, they think over the number in advance, dress in national costumes.
Parents can surprise their children and invite as guests a dance team that will entertain the guests all evening.
The end of the holiday
The Uzbek wedding should be completed in compliance with all traditions. After the restaurant, the newlyweds are sent to the groom's house. Before going there, the bride makes several circles around the fire. Thus, it is cleaned before the wedding night.
Then her friends sing songs, play the tambourine, glorifying the girl and wishing her happiness in family life. The bride bows to the new house and walks along the white tablecloth, specially laid out for her.
A close friend of the bride (Young) begins to prepare her for the wedding night, undresses, combes her hair, sends her behind a special curtain. All this time the groom should not be in the room.
To redeem the bride, he offers Yanga sweets and money. After the rite is completed, the newlyweds remain alone.
An Uzbek wedding in a village (village), where everyone knows each other, lasts more than one day. Celebrations become popular. As a rule, a restaurant is ordered immediately for 2-3 days. Chefs prepare delicious dishes, folk groups are invited to entertain guests.