free spirit
21 Mar 2008
Life / The Polish Wedding - What is it Like in Poland? [338]
In 2001 I was honoured to be one of the only two English guests at the wedding of my wife's cousin's daughter. It was a traditional countryfolk wedding which began with the convoy of vehicles leaving from the bride's home and then being halted by neighbours wielding various implements thus blockading the road. This 'gate' (bram) is a countryfolk tradition whereby the groom must barter with the neighbours in order to be allowed to take her for himself. And again, traditionally, the payment/bribe is primarilly made by handing over spirytus, vodka etc. The convoy then proceeds to church.
Service seems to last forever, then the usual photo session and proceed to what I would only describe as a wonderful banquet. Eating, drinking, folk-dancing and more eating,etc on into the early hours of the following day.(expect to be dragged up to dance, it's the tradition). Oh, and there are some unusual games to play ;)
When you do arise the following day, expect to continue the feastivity until you beg for mercy. An experience, the memory of which I will always treasure.
Get the picture?
I
In 2001 I was honoured to be one of the only two English guests at the wedding of my wife's cousin's daughter. It was a traditional countryfolk wedding which began with the convoy of vehicles leaving from the bride's home and then being halted by neighbours wielding various implements thus blockading the road. This 'gate' (bram) is a countryfolk tradition whereby the groom must barter with the neighbours in order to be allowed to take her for himself. And again, traditionally, the payment/bribe is primarilly made by handing over spirytus, vodka etc. The convoy then proceeds to church.
Service seems to last forever, then the usual photo session and proceed to what I would only describe as a wonderful banquet. Eating, drinking, folk-dancing and more eating,etc on into the early hours of the following day.(expect to be dragged up to dance, it's the tradition). Oh, and there are some unusual games to play ;)
When you do arise the following day, expect to continue the feastivity until you beg for mercy. An experience, the memory of which I will always treasure.
Get the picture?
I