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July 1, 2008
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Traditional
Russian Wedding Ceremony
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The Matchmaker has found Craig a perfect woman,
Yulia!
There is a famous Russian
proverb: "Choose a matchmaker, not a bride."
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Russian
Matchmaking: Folklore
and the cultural past in Sochi: Russian
Matchmaking is the very old and traditional art of finding
and introducing two compatible people. In almost all cultures
there were some professional matchmakers. In Russia, almost
all marriages up to the revolution of 1917 were arranged with
the help of matchmakers. Young people didn't have free choice
in selecting their future mates. They were totally dependent
on their parents and professional help of matchmakers. As
a result, these marriages, generally, were very successful.
There is a famous Russian proverb: "Choose a matchmaker,
not a bride." It shows how highly respected and important
was the role of matchmaker in Russian society. If a matchmaker
was satisfied with her private investigation, she arranged
the first meeting of the young people. In Russia, this meeting
was called "smotrini" (from "looking").
The groom to be and his family were invited to the prospective
bride's home. If the smotrini was successful, the young couple
became engaged. Then engagement always was accompanied by
a special matchmaking ceremony, traditional folk songs, music
and dance. |
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Matchmaking at the Tea House:
You can see this exciting tradition come to life in the
Tea House. The ceremony is performed by a local Russian
folk music group, and is part of every Tea Plantation Adventure.
One women acts as the"matchmaker," wearing traditional
Russian old fashioned clothes. She has client, a man (surprise,
its a man from our agency visiting Sochi!) and she "searches"
the huge teahouse for the best possible bride for him.
Finally she succeeds in finding him
his perfect match, his special lady, who just happens to
be from our agency and who happened to accompany him on
this adventure.
The Matchmaker then begins the "smotrini"..
She displays the girl and sings a special Russian song about
her beauty, kindheartedness, and sings about what a wonderful
homemaker this young bride will be.
Now the Matchmaker sings a song of
how handsome, strong, brilliant and brave her client is
and what a wonderful young groom he will make.
Then she asks the young couple if
they are pleased with each other. If the matchmaker is satisfied
with their answers, she begins the traditional matchmaking
ceremony.
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The gathered crowd agrees that Craig
and Julia are a perfect match, and insist that the ceremony
begin! |
Packages and Pricing: Russsian Tea House:
Location The Dagomys settlement is famous for it’s tea
growing. Beautiful view of mountains and evergreen tea plantations.
30 km from the center of Sochi.
Start Hotel “Moscow”.. Duration 4 hours
An unforgettable touch with
Russian traditional customs and ceremonies. While visiting the
museum of Russian Samovars you will see the collection of samovars
which are considered to the best souvenirs for foreigners.
You will be invited to the authentic Russian Tea House to try
the local tea along with hazel nuts, pies, fruit, jam and honey.
You will listen to Russian traditional songs and Russian folklore
group will perform national old wedding dancing. You will touch
with unforgettable Russian customs and practice Russian dancing.
Pricing 2 PAX $ 240
1 PAC $ 190
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Craig and Yulia have made
the decision to marry and cross under the Arch of scarves.
Note that they are bound by the shawl that ties them together
forever in love and happiness!
Take a good look at Yulia's face as she and
Craig pass under the arch.. Performance or not, these ancient
traditions still retain a power to move the heart and signify
a change in life.
The Matchmaking Ceremony
was common for hundreds of years in Russian culture. It
was necessary because it worked. It put the right people
together in a village. IT gave the right people a chance
to find their happiness.
It is no coincidence that
role of matchmaker is exactly the role that A
Russian Romance performs today in the modern
electronic world. Inna and Inna find a beautiful kind woman
and match her with a sweet, bright and handsome man so that
both get what they want and need. Maybe you should read
what our successful men are writing- click
here to meet our successful men clients.
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The Matchmaker then asks
another woman from the folk group to help her, and they
create a special arch. It is the gate to the future, symbolizing
a new family life begun. The beautiful young woman and handsome,
brave and bright man pass through together. Then the newly
matched couple dances together.
The matchmaker then asks the couple
to KISS, the crowd roars it's approval at this most exciting
part of the ceremony. While singing a traditional Russian
folk song, the matchmaker covers the bride and groom with
a special shawl, knotting it around them. The shawl symbolizes
that two are now one, and guarantee that they will live
forever together.
Finally the Matchmaker sings a benediction for the newly
engaged couple, wishing them a long and happy family life
, respect and love to each other, many children, a good
home, and a good income.
Every one of our clients who have
been to the Tea House has loved this ceremony!
The Kiss
What are you waiting for?
Click here to
jumpstart your life!
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Tea Plantation Adventure!
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