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Ukrainian-Irish Wedding Traditions

Korovai, Greeting Bread, and Icons, DisplayI was delighted to be invited to and able to attend, a very nicely organized Ukrainian-Irish wedding.

I really enjoy weddings with numerous special traditions, intertwined with the usual wedding traditions, such as the cutting of the wedding cake, the garter and bouquet tossing, the mother-son dance, the father-daughter dance, etc.

I also like to photograph special decorations, the wedding cake, and other items that make the wedding different from all the rest.

This wedding also included many special rituals, practiced at many Ukrainian and Irish weddings.

I am very grateful to The Master of the Ceremony, who so kindly offered to share his copy of the explanations of these different rituals and blessings, which I could share with all of you.

The top picture in this post is the display of the Greeting Bread, The Korovai, Holy Icons,  Periwinkle Wreaths resting on an embroidered pillow, and gorgeous embroidered scarfs, “rushnyky”.  All these items have been used during the wedding ceremony and reception, and become keepsakes for the Bride and Groom.

This display is in front of the head table of the Bride and the Groom,  and the whole Bridal Party.

Bride and Groom WreathsThe Periwinkle Wreaths (or crowns in some churches) are placed on the heads of the Bride and Groom, during the Crowning Ceremony.  These wreaths represent love, purity, and fertility.  They are a symbol of the dawn of the new kingdom to be ruled, side by side, by the newlyweds from this moment on throughout their married life.

The pillow for the periwinkle wreaths was embroidered by one of the Groom’s sisters, specifically for this special occasion.

Korovai - close up Greeting BreadThe Korovai and the Greeting Bread was baked by the Groom’s 90-year-old great-aunt, who also baked 6 beautifully decorated traditional Ukrainian Tortes, for the wedding reception.

The Korovai decorations (love birds, cones, Tree of Life branches) were created by the Groom’s sisters, who also assembled this whole Korovai.

Rushyky - Embroidered Ukrainian RunnersThe Groom’s mother was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage, and its rich culture.  She was passionate about Ukrainian embroidery, so I just had to capture a close-up view of the intricate work on these embroidered scarfs (towels)- Rushnyky, displayed on the Korovai table.

Part of the wedding reception rituals was a traditional wedding gift-giving to the Bride and the Groom.

These traditional gifts, would not be so traditional at a non-Ukrainian, or non-Irish wedding, but in this culture, they represent a long-standing tradition of bestowing gifts upon the Bride and the Groom on their Wedding Day.

Gifts can come in all forms, such as best wishes, friendship, homemade gifts, or store-bought gifts.  Some of the best traditional gifts are passed on from generation to generation.

Ukrainians and Irish have many such treasures to share, so I will share some of these with you and include short captions of their symbolism.

Honey, Linnen Handkerchief, Garlic

Honey – is sweet as the love that binds the new couple.  They will adhere to each other for support and happiness.   Their sweetness will attract others to celebrate life with them.

Garlic – represents health and strength.  In presenting garlic, we wish them health and longevity, to enjoy many happy years together.  Garlic is also supposed to ward off evil spirits from their home and family.

Irish Linen Hankie – a little Irish Luck is sure to come your way by carrying this sweet hankie on your Wedding Day.

Hand decorated Ukrainian Easter EggsPysanky – Hand-decorated Ukrainian Easter Eggs.  The egg represents life, and a new beginning.  The etchings on its shell are full of decorated symbols, representing health, happiness, love, eternity, and God’s Blessing.

Ukrainian Treasure Box and gold coinsThis Ukrainian Jewel encrusted Treasure Box is filled with Gold Coins –  13 Gold Coins are given to the Bride as a symbol signifying that the Groom will support her.  The number 13, represents Christ and the 12 Apostles.  The coins hold good wishes for prosperity. They are housed in a traditional Ukrainian bejeweled box, representing the home.

There also was a bottle of Honey Wine (I did not capture it in my pictures), which was believed to be the best way to ensure a new and happy beginning for the marriage.

The Newlyweds also received a traditional gift of a 10 lbs. loaf of rye bread, which they shared with all the gusts later on.  This gift of bread signified well wishes of good luck, so their home and family will always have plenty of food, and never a shortage of bread.

Traditional Irish Blessing for the NewlywedsAnother very special gift presented to the Bride and Groom, was this beautifully created ceramic plaque, with the Irish Blessing.  I was able to get a close enough picture to display the full script.

Now you know what I meant at the beginning of this display, that these “traditional” gifts are not so traditional at other weddings, yet they are very special to this couple, and add a special touch to their Wedding Day celebration, reflecting their family traditions.

The Wedding CakeLast, but not least, is the gorgeous Wedding Cake.  It looked stunning, and it was equally delicious.  To support the Bride’s Irish tradition, it was made with Irish Whiskey.  It was one of the best-tasting wedding cakes I had in a long time.

The Wedding Cake - close upYou know how I love flowers and admire beautiful crafts, thus I had to share a close-up view of the wedding cake decorations.

Hope you enjoyed this post and learned a lot about wedding traditions you have not heard of, or seen before.

As for me, I am looking forward to another wedding, so I can take more pictures to share with you.

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