The charm of Czech wedding traditions
As I explained in this posting, last weekend Vee and I were in Prague for the wedding of a dear friend. It was interesting to compare and contrast the traditions associated with such an event in the Czech Republic and Britain.
Some of the traditions are the same. For instance, we both have the Flower Bouquet Toss. The bride throws the flower bouquet over her left shoulder into a crowd of single women. The lucky lady who catches the bouquet is the next one to get married.
But the Czechs have traditions that are unfamiliar to us such as:
Breaking the Plate: At the beginning of the wedding reception, a plate is broken at the feet of the bride and groom and they must sweep the chips together. This tradition has its roots in two superstitions; that chips bring happiness and that the newlyweds show a will to cooperate by jointly sweeping the chips away and their marriage will therefore be harmonious.
Kidnapping the Bride: This tradition symbolises a woman’s separation from her parents and a transition to a new living community. When the reception is almost over, friends of the newlyweds kidnap the bride and usually hide her in a pub. When the groom finds her, he is obliged to pay the bill for the drinks as a kind of ransom for the bride.
I trust that these traditions will ensure Vojta and Kaca have a long and happy marriage, Even without these traditions, Vee and I have now managed over 30 years.
August 3rd, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Still, to be sure of many more years, I think Richard should kidnap his Mum and spend an afternoon with her hiding at a nice Pub.