A wedding is a special day in life that has to go flawlessly, respecting many traditions. According to the generally accepted opinion, this should be the beginning of a new, happy family life. One of the customs firmly included in the list of wedding events is the release of pigeons in the sky.
History of tradition
Pigeons floating in the sky look very beautiful, and the story of this event originates in the distant past. In Italy, when a girl got married, she launched a bird into the sky, which served as a symbol of free and independent flight. In fact, the pigeon’s flight spoke of a future life, in which the bride will now have to live an independent life.
The dove symbolized the bride herself, her purity - that is why his color was white.
The launch of the bird into the sky by the bride was not so much a tribute to the tradition as a message to the parents.
The flight, in which the bird flew farther and farther away, told the father and mother that now their daughter, like a bird released into the sky, would make their family nest, surrounding the spouse and their children with love and care.
Over time, the tradition overgrown with various additions. Somewhere it was believed that the flight time is a message to the mother, giving her daughter to a strange house. Elsewhere, the fullness of the pigeon’s release needed to be performed by the daughter of the song at the moment of the bird’s flight. This was a kind of request from the mother for permission to leave the parental home. However, everywhere the pigeon personified one image - the symbol of a daughter, pristine-clean and innocent, moving away from her mother.
Modern look
Today, few people delve into the essence of the main traditions, so many of them have noticeably changed. For example, it is considered that at least two birds should be released, instead of one. In addition to the bride, the groom today is the groom. Organizers, who are constantly in search of new ideas, believe that birds are needed not only for friends, but also for guests.
Unfortunately, at the same time, in addition to the birds beautifully hovering in the sky, the meaning of the tradition itself is lost. The mother's message about breaking the invisible thread, connecting her with her daughter, is practically erased. Only a symbol of purity remains, which the toastmaster often emphasizes when speaking of birds as a symbol of gentle relationships between future spouses.
Instead of a sad pause, everyone watches the birds fly, and at the same time come up with signs of future family life.
In fact, the direction of flight does not play smoothly - the happiness of two loving hearts does not depend on this, as does the birth of a son or daughter. In the future, the young will have both happy moments and a time of contention. Whether they can go through their lives and remain faithful to each other, tender and caring, will depend only on themselves. It is also useless to tie a pink or blue ribbon to the pigeons, determining whether the son will be born to the young or the daughter.
In our country, the tradition with the release of white pigeons has also acquired some variations. For example, this is an extra reason to make a wish that only the newlyweds can do. In addition, pigeons are a favorite subject of photographers, so they are also used for photo shoots before being released into the sky.
Often, pigeons for the first wedding day are released twice into the sky.
Pros and cons
Today, the release of pigeons into the sky so firmly entered the wedding tradition that for many couples it seems too banal. Considering that today white birds are released not only as a message to parents, but for beauty, the meaning of tradition is lost, so it seems not so relevant.In view of this, pigeons are today replaced with butterflies, balloons, or even sky lanterns in the form of hearts.
In addition, birds can stain wedding clothes, which creates a certain discomfort for the groom and the bride. Despite the fact that the day before the marriage for this reason, the birds cease to feed, the moment of waiting for trouble will still distract the young ones.
In addition, not every couple can hold pigeons in their hands. If a girl still because of the beauty of the moment agrees to this, then not every man would be pleased.
However, in fairness it should be noted that the soaring of white birds in the sky looks fascinating. Usually at the wedding does not remain present, who look at him indifferently. This moment gives the expectation of a miracle - often the guests themselves at the time of release make cherished desires and firmly believe that they will surely be fulfilled.
Perhaps this flight will give some of the guests or even parents happy memories or moments of romance.
Where and how can I release?
Despite different beliefs, it is worth answering unequivocally: pigeons can be released where there is a place for their flight. It should be open and free, not limiting the soaring of birds. If you plan to release birds into the sky twice during the wedding, you can do this:
- before painting in the registry office and after it;
- before and after the wedding;
- before a registry office and during a wedding walk;
- up to the banquet and during it.
The only rule for choosing a place is its openness.
It is important not only to provide the possibility of soaring birds, but also a beautiful view, because, as a rule, at this time they make some of the best tender wedding shots. In addition, in addition to photography, at this time the release and the flight itself are filmed on camera, capturing the beauty of the moment.
Each place of release today has its own meaning. For example, when pigeons are released in front of the registry office, this is considered a farewell to a bachelor life. If this is done after visiting the Wedding Palace, then it is associated with a strong union, explaining the loyalty of the birds themselves to each other. Flying birds in the park or elsewhere against the backdrop of beautiful nature is considered the flight of life. Usually a master of ceremonies is already connected here, symbolically revealing the subtleties of family life, indicating which of the young will be the head of the family.
How to keep and release birds?
Pigeons are gentle creatures, so you need to be careful with them, because any excess of force can injure them. Despite the fact that the birds themselves require gentle handling, they always strive to break free, so keep them at the same time firmly and carefully. Before launching them, the birds are taken out of the cage and correctly clamped in their hands, while the legs must be placed between the fingers, and the wings must be slightly pressed against the calf.
Just before the launch moment, the pigeon is slightly pushed. The bride and groom usually launch pigeons at the same time, which today is commonly associated with another sign.
It is believed that the one-time launch of wedding doves indicates mutual love and loyalty.
At least a spectacular option for the release of pigeons to the wedding is the simultaneous launch of several white birds. The unusual bird firework in this case is a kind of symbol of universal happiness and harmony, to which all those who take part in this action join. In addition, the birds flying in the sky look incredibly beautiful. Everyone and guests at this moment feel something special in their hearts, and this tradition will remain for a long time in the memory of everyone.
Where to get it?
Today it is not difficult to find white doves for a wedding. This is done by wedding agencies, Internet salons or specialty stores. There are also special pigeon farms where white wedding pigeons are bred. As a rule, the birds themselves are delivered a few hours before release.It is not just beautiful, but also pedigree individuals, one type of which many cause a lot of good emotions.
This is a separate breed that belongs to the postal birds. They can fly over long distances and always return to their habitat. They are cared for by specially trained people, and many of these pigeons also have a pedigree. Before you place an order, you need to find out if the young couple has an allergy, because today it is not uncommon.
Even if there is even a predisposition to this, then it is better to refuse such an event, so as not to spoil the solemn day with sad consequences.
Often the pigeons themselves become the main decorations of the tradition. Often, photographs prove that the birds pose perfectly for a photo. Grumbling with each other and hovering together in the sky, they decorate the best minutes of the wedding, making this day unforgettable and flawless. The tradition of releasing pigeons is undoubtedly one of the most touching, because it looks beautiful, romantic and unique. And if donation of birds in a cage was previously considered a substitute for an expensive ring, then the bird in the sky today symbolizes tenderness and loyalty, with which you need to treat each other all your life.
How do pigeons at the wedding, see the following video.
