The outward brilliance and pithiness of the traditions of the North Caucasus are known far beyond the borders of these magnificent mountains. Here, from generation to generation, all customs are carefully passed on practically unchanged. A wedding ceremony is no exception. Today it takes place in the same order as several centuries ago.
It should be noted that Chechens, Karachais, and Ingushs adhere most strictly to wedding traditions (the rites of these peoples are quite similar to each other). For example, among the peoples of Dagestan, weddings have already acquired a European connotation. This is especially evident in urban areas. Many new moments have appeared: throwing a bride’s bouquet (and the bouquet itself is not a familiar accessory), it’s unusual that the bride and groom are sitting at the same table, the dance of the young has not been practiced before, as well as the overly open dresses of some brides. But progress does not ask permission of the elders, and even the new type of wedding has certain advantages. But below I still want to talk about Ingush weddings, which are quite traditional.
Wedding preparations
Many peoples of the North Caucasus (meaning the North Caucasus Federal District) have a clear distribution by surname. They are divided into honorable and not very, ancient and recently appeared, with kinship going up to the seventh generation. That is, a young man cannot marry a girl - the namesake of his mother, grandmothers, great-grandmothers. Thus, it is not easy for the Ingush to find a wife who is not a relative. But such a strictness is a rather wise decision; thanks to it, representatives of the peoples of the Caucasus very rarely have sick or mentally disabled children.
After choosing a bride, a matchmaking should take place. The most prominent representatives of the groom's family come to the girl’s house and ask the father for his daughter’s hands. In most cases, the desire of the young is taken into account, asking for their consent. Parents do not want to marry or marry by force.
Wedding
Ingush wedding begins with a decorated motorcade consisting of numerous cars. Relatives of the groom come to them, headed by their uncle (or older brother). In the bride’s house they are already waiting with jokes and dances. A guy with a girl comes out of the “side” of the groom, the latter gives the bride a scarf and pins the needle to the hem. And the young man takes the bride out of her father's house, holding her elbow - this is one of the most honorable wedding roles. Moreover, all actions are accompanied by wishes of happiness to the young, health to their parents.
Truly, that is, with songs and fiery dances, Ingush weddings begin when the bride arrives at the groom's house. Here her mother-in-law gives a spoonful of honey so that her life in a new place would be happy and sweet. Then she takes her place of honor in the corner where the young girl has to stand the whole wedding, taking congratulations.
Are wedding witnesses needed or an entertainment program for an Ingush wedding? Of course not. After all, the laid-back fun of the guests, their joy when meeting with family and friends does not need to be spurred on. Meanwhile, the groom in the “helping house” (with neighbors, relatives) celebrates with the young guys. He appears only on the third day.
Gradually, numerous relatives of the groom come to his parents' house. Congratulate the young, eat and drink, give parents money. In general, during the wedding days a certain cycle of gifts takes place: the bride gives gifts to the bridegroom's relatives and relatives, who, in turn, present her with gold jewelry and clothes.
Ingush weddings can drag on for a longer time (week, ten days). At the same time, post-wedding ceremonies continue for a rather long time, because the newlywed goes for the first time to get water, accompanied by young girls and children, then the newlyweds go to visit relatives. Thus, the happy family life of each couple begins with long festivities.