Unbraiding Ceremony

On the same evening before the wedding day, the groom, his family and the swat came to the bride’s house to participate in the unbraiding ceremony. Braids in the hair and wreath worn on special occasions were the main characteristic symbols of the unmarried girls. Once the groom with his relatives and swat arrived to the bride’s house, they were first escorted to the table with the white table cloth and a bread and salt on it to symbolize wealth of the future family. After the groom and the swat have eaten and drunk, the ceremony began. During the ceremony, the bridesmaids had to untie the ribbons in the bride’s hair while the groom with his family observed the procedure. The unbraiding itself was done by the brother of the bride or by any other male relative. Traditionally a lot of tears were shed by the bride and her relatives as a part of the ceremony.

Wedding Day

A groom with his family, groomsmen and a swat arrived to the bride’s house on the wedding day and from there departed to the place where the handfasting ceremony was supposed to take place. Before leaving, the groom and the bride thanked the parents for everything they have done and asked for blessing. If any of the couple head a deceased parent, it was absolutely vital to stop at the cemetery before the rite and leave a small meal on the grave to “let” the person know about the wedding taking place. After that the actual ceremony was held in a church.

Polish Wedding Nowadays

Today the traditions have changed a little bit. For example, the engagement process is more personal and intimate, done between the groom and the bride, which may later be followed by a dinner to acknowledge the closes family members about the decision.

Some people continue to invite the guests to the wedding in person. They take time to visit their future guests (usually accompanied by the parents) and give them the invitations.

A groom with his parents comes to the bride’s house on the morning of a wedding day following an old tradition. The future family couple get blessing from the parents and only then leave for the church. The bride and the groom walk to the altar in the church accompanied only by two witnesses (either family members or good friends) and the parents.

The traditional wedding attire is white dress and a veil for the bride and a fitted suit with a bow tie and a boutonniere matching the bride’s bouquet for the groom. During the ceremony the rings are exchanged, which have to be worn on the right hand ever after. As the couple goes out of the church, they are tossed with rice or coins to have a prosperous life in future. After the church ceremony there is a dinner held for the guests and the family.