In November the harvest is already gathered, winter supplies are provided and people can indulge in gaiety. There comes the season of weddings.

The tradition in wedding ceremonies in Bulgaria is rich. The ritual moments in the wedding are numerous and varied. They reflect the seriousness and responsibility with which our people look upon the family. They also reflect the faith in the power of love. Among the rituals before the wedding that last a whole week are: dowry preparation, cleaning of the houses, inviting the sponsors, groomsmen, bridesmaids and wedding guests, last maiden bee, bulgur milling, bread kneading, making of the wedding flag, washing and plaiting of the bride, shaving the groom...

In the wedding day, usually Sunday, the most important participants in the ritual are the bride and the groom. They wear beautiful traditional costumes. From the house of the groom the wedding-guests first go to take the best man from his house. He gives them a treat. Then they head to the home of the girl. There they find the gates closed and the bride - hidden. Her family does not open the gates until a "ransom" for the dowry is received. The best man and the brother-in-law have to discover the hidden girl. Then they must get the blessing of her father. He mounts his daughter on a horse and the festive procession heads to the church for the wedding. Along the way the girl is veiled.

After the wedding all wedding guests go to the boy's home. There, at the entrance the mother-in-law greets them with ritual bread and honey, feeding the newlyweds with them. The guests sit at the wedding table, the fun begins. Presenting the married couple with gifts is a central part of the ritual. The marriage ends in the evening on the square, where all the people gather to dance. Then the young retrieve.

A week full of after-wedding ceremonies is to follow.

Photos: Аssociation "Spectar 21 vek"