Romanian Wedding Traditions
Babylon Productions Wedding Centre, Serving Romanian Wedding Traditions
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Romanian Weddings are among the most interesting and enjoyable family occasions. Weddings are also among the only remaining ceremonies, where the old traditions in marriages have largely remained and stood the test of time. In all cultures all over the world, these ceremonies have continued to reflect the unique identities of the cultures they are carried out in. Traditions are reflected in all forms and include a mix of law, economic, ritual and folklore overtones. These ceremonial and ritualistic traditions are meant to bring happiness, prosperity and social integration to not only the married couples but to the entire community. Romanian nuptial celebrations are not different in these respects. These ceremonies have nevertheless remained intact in a number of locations across Romania. Romanian weddings however show some differences depending on their location. Consider a number of locations that have still carried on with these traditions.

Usually, a trusted friend to the groom is sent to the bride’s family on behalf of the bridegroom to ask her hand in marriage. An affirmative answer is generally given after the 3rd visit after which, the dowry is discussed and the engagement date set. Detailed attention is paid to the dressing; table arrangements and the necessary orders are also carefully organized. A night before the wedding, musicians and lads visit the groom’s house and perform a ‘flag dance’. The bride’s and the bridegroom’s clothing are also carefully selected. The bride is expected to wear white and the groom to have simple clothing with sewn cuffs as the only decoration.  He also wears large pants and a simple white shirt that is made of hemp.

Weddings in Maramures tend to have symbolic values and are generally simple. All the steps of the nuptial are all symbolically from the wedding place to the way of dressing. When the groom arrives at the bride’s home to pick his future wife, a godfather and a party of people accompany him. The mother-in-law washes the cheeks of the groom and also those of the bride when she comes to the bridegroom’s house. This is a sign of acceptance that she has been accepted into the new family. In Transylvania, the bridegroom is expected to pass a test to prove he is worthy to be considered part of the accepted community. The bride on the other hand is expected to change her hairstyle and cover her head with a headscarf. The scarf represents or symbolic of married women.  In all these locations, the entire wedding ceremony lasts for 3 days with the final day ending with the ‘dance of masks.’