Weddings are more than ceremonies; they are stories of love, tradition, and community. For anyone fascinated by cultural diversity, Serbian weddings offer a treasure trove of unique customs that blend humor, symbolism, and festivity.
As the hero of this adventure, you might wonder:
- What does shooting an apple symbolize?
- Why is the kolo dance central to Serbian celebrations?
- How does smashing a plate bring good fortune?
In this article, we are your trusted guide to explore 8 unforgettable customs, offering you insights into the charm and depth of Serbian culture.
Let’s celebrate the beauty of tradition together!
1. Picking Kum and Kuma
In Serbian weddings, choosing the kum (godfather or best man) and kuma (godmother or maid of honor) is a deeply significant tradition. These roles extend far beyond those of a typical best man and maid of honor, symbolizing an unbreakable, sacred bond.
Accepting the position of kum or kuma means becoming an honorary family member, deeply involved in not just the wedding but also other major life events, such as christenings of future children. Historically, these roles were respected for close family friends, but modern couples often select their best friends for this meaningful responsibility.
The tradition of kumstvo (godparenthood) in Serbian culture highlights the importance of community and connection. Offering the role of kum or kuma is a great honor and cannot be refused, signifying trust and respect.
On the wedding day, the kum and kuma play vital roles, from organizing events to witnessing the marriage vows, acting as pillars of support for the couple. This custom represents the heart of Serbian weddings, where relationships and lifelong dedications take center stage.
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2. Shooting the Apple
The Shooting the Apple tradition is one of the most iconic and entertaining customs in Serbian weddings, especially in rural areas. It symbolizes the groom’s skill and determination to protect his future family.
As part of this ritual, the bride’s father places an apple high in a tree near the bride’s home, and the groom must shoot it down with a rifle before being allowed to enter the house.
This humorous and lively practice often becomes a focal point of the wedding, filled with excitement and laughter, showing the Balkan spirit of celebration.
While deeply rooted in Serbian culture, this custom is less common in urban areas due to safety concerns, with modern adaptations sometimes replacing the gun with picking or symbolically collecting the apple.
Regardless of how it is performed, the tradition remains a playful and meaningful demonstration of the groom’s readiness to take on his role as a protector and partner.
It also reflects the communal and celebration nature of Serbian weddings, where humor and storytelling are key elements.
3. Dancing the Kolo
The kolo is a traditional Serbian dance that shows the spirit of community and culture. The word “kolo” means “wheel” in Serbian because the dance is in a circle or chain shape. Dancers hold hands in a V or W shape and move together to lively music, which can change in speed.
The kolo is often danced at weddings, festivals, and other celebrations. It shows unity and happiness, and everyone, no matter their age, can join in the circle to celebrate the wedding.
The kolo is also important because it represents the shared history of the Serbian people. It has been passed down through many years and has been shaped by local traditions. The dance unites people from different places in the Balkans.
Today, kolo dances are protected by cultural groups and performed on stages in traditional clothing, keeping the tradition alive. At Serbian weddings, the kolo connects the past with the present and celebrates the bonds between family and friends.
4. Smashing the Plate
In Serbian weddings, smashing a plate is a cherished tradition symbolizing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. By breaking a plate, the couple signifies leaving behind their old lives as individuals and starting a shared travel as partners.
This act represents a fresh start filled with hope and promise for their future together, while also emphasizing the transformative nature of marriage.
Beyond its symbolic meaning, the loud crash of the plate is believed to avoid evil spirits and negative energy, ensuring good fortune for the bride and groom. The tradition brings a lively, celebratory element to the wedding festivities, inviting guests to share in the joy and optimism of the couple’s union.
With its blend of symbolism and communal participation, smashing the plate is a beautiful expression of Serbian wedding culture and its focus on unity, protection, and celebration.
5. Brass Band
In Serbian weddings, the brass band, called trubači, is an important part of the celebration. These lively musicians play traditional songs, filling the air with joy and energy.
The music is especially important during big moments, like when the wedding cake is cut. It helps everyone feel more excited and brings people together. The music makes everyone want to dance, even those who are quiet.
Brass bands have been around for a long time, starting in the 1800s. While they first came from England’s coal mines, in Serbia, trubači have become a big part of culture and celebration.
The band’s special sound, with deep tones and lively beats, makes Serbian weddings even more fun and memorable. Their music brings people together and makes the event feel full of life.
6. Wearing a Corsage
In Serbian weddings, the tradition of corsages replaces the familiar concept of flower girls. Young, unmarried girls, often the bride’s cousins or friends, welcome guests with corsages at the entrance to the bride’s house or the reception venue.
These floral decorations are pinned onto women’s wrists or men’s jackets, symbolizing their participation in the joyous occasion. In return, guests offer a small monetary contribution, typically around two dollars, as a token of appreciation, with the collected funds shared among the corsage girls.
Historically, rosemary adorned with ribbons in Serbian flag colors was the primary decoration, but today corsages can include bows, flowers, or other creative elements. Special corsages are respected for the groom, maid of honor, and best man, marking their prominent roles.
This charming ritual not only adds to the celebration spirit but also develops a sense of community and tradition, reminding guests of their connection to the couple and their cultural heritage.
7. Hiding Garlic in The Bosom
In Serbian weddings, the bride carries a clove or two of garlic in her dress to keep away bad luck and evil. This old custom protects her on her special day, from getting ready to the end of the wedding.
Garlic is known for its health benefits, like lowering blood pressure, but in Serbian culture, it is also a strong symbol of protection.
To balance the strong smell of garlic, brides wear nice perfume. This keeps the tradition alive while making sure the bride smells lovely.
Using garlic as a good luck charm shows the belief in keeping happiness and good fortune. It is an important part of Serbian wedding traditions.
8. The Pulling of the Nose
In Serbian weddings, a charming tradition replaces the bouquet toss seen in Western ceremonies. Instead, the bride asks the single ladies, “Do you want me to pull your nose?” It is believed that the woman whose nose the bride pulls will be the next to marry.
This playful gesture brings laughter and excitement to the wedding reception, adding a unique touch to the celebration of love and togetherness.
The custom reflects the deep-rooted Serbian respect for rituals that develop connection and joy among guests. As the bride transitions into her new life, the nose-pulling tradition adds a lighthearted moment to the otherwise symbolic and protective ceremonies, such as using rosemary and herbs to avoid unclean forces.
This blend of humor and spirituality makes Serbian weddings memorable and rich in cultural heritage.
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Key takings about Serbian Wedding Traditions
1. Picking Kum and Kuma: This tradition celebrates lifelong bonds with significant roles in the couple’s lives, symbolizing trust and community.
2. Shooting the Apple: A playful yet symbolic custom showing the groom’s readiness to protect his new family.
3. Dancing the Kolo: It unites guests through dynamic folk dance, blending joy with cultural heritage.
4. Smashing the Plate: It marks a fresh start while warding off negativity, highlighting unity and optimism.
5. Brass Band: Brass Band fills the wedding with energy, connecting tradition and celebration through music.
6. Wearing a Corsage: It weelcomes guests with floral tokens, promoting a sense of community and festivity.
7. Hiding Garlic in The Bosom: This tradiotion protects the bride with folklore-inspired charm, blending tradition with elegance.
8. The Pulling of the Nose: It adds humor and excitement, predicting future weddings while strengthening guest connections.
