Where In The World?

“Traditional values and personal character are worth noticing in a world of materialism.”-Unknown


This blog is to shed light on your heritage, and for you to uncover some traditions that you may want to include on your wedding day. Enjoy :)



According to Polish tradition, there is an order in which guests will be invited to the wedding. Of course bridesmaids and groomsmen are typically the initial guests invited, then the godparents. The remaining family and friends receive their invitations. In some areas of Poland, it is custom to invite the entire village!



They enjoy many similar customs with other cultures, which can last for up to three days. Beginning the festivities with their bachelor/bachelorette parties, and their engagement ceremony held at one of their parents homes. One that may not be shared with other customs is held the night before the wedding. The bride is with her mother and other female relatives, the mother is redoing the brides customary single braid, to two braids. This is symbolizing the new step the bride to be is taking into marriage.



Now who would have thought the groom would have to buy his bride next?! Apparently so! It's tradition for the groom to come to the brides home and bring alcohol for every member of the house. However on the way to the house, he had to pay off neighbors that had blocked the street with ropes, by giving them bottles of vodka!



Now prior to the church ceremony, a blessing will take place. This at times is noticed as more important then the church ceremony. Everyone gathers at the home of the bride, to witness the blessings and farewells of the bride with her parents, relatives, and friends. Traditionally the mother of the bride gives the blessing with a crucifix, a lit candle, a bowl of holy water, and a sprinkler would be prepared. The bride and groom kneel on cushions in front of the parents and hold hands. The bride and groom are sprinkled with the holy water, make the sign of the cross, and are given the crucifix to kiss. The remaining family members may also provide their blessings at his time.

Since the 1800's the symbol of this next tradition represents the devotion and gratefulness of mother earth, the bread and salt blessing. The bread, salt, and wine is placed on a table in front of the head table, and takes place at the wedding reception. The newlywed couple is presented with bread, which is lightly salted, alongside a glass of wine. “Star opolskim zwy czajem witamy Was chlebem I sola, aby w Waszym domu za wsze goscil dostatek.” This translates to, “According to our Polish tradition, we greet you with bread and salt, so that your home might always enjoy abundance.” This is in hoping their children will never be hungry and short of food. After the couple eats the bread and drinks the wine, they break the plate for good luck!

After the main meal you will find vodka as a primary beverage! Dancing, food, large amounts of juice and vodka will be passed throughout the evening.

The last tradition I will share, is the money dance. Many cultures have their version. In Poland, guests will pin money to the brides dress to buy a dance from her. More commonly, the maid of honor will collect the money in a basket. Once all guests have danced with the bride, the groom will toss his entire wallet into the basket and attempt to break through a circle formed by guests around the bride, trying hard to keep him out.

Until our next traditions and customs blog, we would love for you to share with us your family traditions!


~Danielle