The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

RUSSIAN ORTHODOX MARRIAGE

THE RINGS ARE FIRST TAKEN TO THE ALTAR TO BE BLESSED.
THEN THE RINGS ARE EXCHANGED THREE TIMES, IN THE
BACK OF THE CHURCH. THEN THE PROCESSION TO THE
ALTAR. PRAYERS ARE SAID AND SPECIAL CANDLES GIVEN
TO THE MAID OF HONOR AND BEST MAN. MARRIAGE CROWNS
ARE THEN PLACED ON THE HEADS OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM.
THEY THEN ALTERNATELY TAKE THREE SIPS OF WINE FROM THE
SAME CHALICE. THEN THE BRIDE, GROOM, MAID OF HONOR AND
BEST MAN FOLLOW THE PRIEST CIRCLING THE ALTAR THREE
TIMES. THE PRIEST TIES THE HANDS OF THE BRIDE AND
GROOM WITH A HANDKERCHIEF. FINAL VOWS ARE THEN SAID.
JUST BEFORE THE RECESSIONAL, THE MAID OF HONOR KISSES
THE BRIDE AND GROOM. THE BEST MAN KISSES THE BRIDE AND
SHAKES HANDS WITH THE GROOM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00-00-1966