Who takes out and holds the loaf at the wedding?

The meeting of the newlyweds after marriage registration with the wedding loaf is an old rite that has survived to this day almost unchanged. As a rule, the groom's young parents met. Nowadays, they do not attach much importance to those whose relatives hold this solemn symbol in their hands.

The Russian rite came from Ancient Rome, where a man and a woman were considered to be husband and wife only when they tasted a specially prepared cake on a piece. In Russian traditions, bread in the shape of a circle was a symbol of the sun. It was believed that this sun god descended from the sky to caress the newlyweds. Loaf symbolized good welfare and a comfortable life. Earlier, young spouses handed out slices of wedding loaf to guests in exchange for a gift. It was impossible to leave the holiday without a piece of loaf, otherwise luck will disappear from the guest.

Currently, these traditions have not been lost. Happiness and wealth of a new family is determined by the pomp of the loaf. His bring on rushnik, hand-embroidered, the mother and father of the latter-day spouse, treat the young. Nowadays, there are many options for decorating dishes - these are edible flowers, swans, pigeons, rings. If the loaf is decorated with berries or hearts, then it is believed that young people will enjoy eternal love. Flowers are a sign of the purity of the bride. Birds personify the honesty and sincerity of the spouses. Spikelets symbolize marital welfare.

By the way, earlier cutting the wedding cake into pieces was a sign of the loss of virginity of the bride, therefore fragments of loaf, especially decorations, were treated to unmarried women. It was believed that if such a guest left a piece of cake under a pillow at night, then her future husband would dream of her.

In ancient times, the newly-born spouses began their family life in the groom's house. That is why the wedding loaf was carried out by the husband's parents. We met young on the threshold of the parental home. The loaf itself and the salt shaker were kept by the mother-in-law, while the father-in-law was holding an icon in its hands, with which the newlyweds were blessed for a happy marriage.

The current married couple does not necessarily go to live in the house of her spouse, and the meeting with the loaf usually takes place on the threshold of the banquet hall. The mother of the bride can also take out this sweet symbol. These are all Russian traditions, but it may be that some of the young ones have no parents. Then in the role of father or mother can serve godparents. Another option - this place is occupied by the closest married relative, who participated in the upbringing of the bride or groom.

The rite itself has its own traditions that are desirable to follow.

• Wedding loaf endure on a beautiful towel.
• In the middle of the cake form a small hole, where they put the salt shaker.
• The mother of the groom or a relative who serves him, says sincere greetings and parting words. The father holding the icon blesses the newlyweds for a happy family life.

• After this, the script may vary. Most often, the bride and groom break off a piece of cake, dipped in salt and treat each other. This tradition implies further joint overcoming of all family difficulties. Another option: each spouse bites off a piece - whoever bit off a larger chunk, he will become the head of the family.
• After the youngs have tasted the loaf, you need to drink a sip of champagne or wine, break the glasses for good luck.

• Further, the applause of the guests, who had lined up in advance, met the newlyweds in front of the banquet hall. As soon as the glasses are broken, young ones can be showered with rose petals, rice grains, coins.
• The heroes of the occasion or the host of the holiday invite guests to proceed to the banquet.

A special place in the presentation of the loaf is given to the parting speech of the mother. The right words are always difficult to find, even harder to say them publicly.

When making a speech, try to use the tips.

• The main idea of ​​the text is the wish of a happy family life, strong union, easy joint overcoming of all adversities.
• 3 or 4 sentences are enough, as a long speech will tire both guests and young people; for the whole day everyone is already tired and hungry.
• Words should be sincere, so you should not rehearse them in front of the mirror all night, otherwise dry, learned text will flow from your mother-in-law.
• It is recommended to conduct the ceremony under the control of the leader, who can smooth out unforeseen situations, prompt the words at the right moment.
• You can write a greeting on a piece of paper and discreetly peep if all the words get out of your head from excitement.

It doesn't matter whose relatives bring out a loaf at the wedding. It is necessary that these people be sincerely happy for the new established family and be able to pick up warm words when giving a sweet loaf to the newlyweds.

How to bake a loaf, see the video below.