Over time, wedding traditions and ceremonies are forgotten and a thing of the past. Very often used terms and customs, which are completely not characteristic of the culture of a particular country. In addition, many do not understand what engagement and betrothal are, and what a difference there is between them.
How the betrothal stage went before
Betrothal is putting rings on the bride and groom. In ancient times, wedding ceremonies were divided into several stages. Initially, civil engagement appeared, which was carried out in accordance with existing local traditions. The rite of engagement was performed solemnly, with the signing of a marriage contract.
The process was accompanied by the joining of the hands of the newlyweds, the groom gave the ring. Starting from the X century, they are already engaged in church engagement, accompanying this rite with appropriate prayers. However, for a long time this ceremony was carried out strictly separately from the wedding.
Since the XVII century, it is believed that engagement is the name of young people by the bride and groom. This rite became a kind of test of fidelity of lovers, since they were no longer free, although they respected chastity before their official marriage. The engagement was separated from the wedding by a certain time. This ceremony was attended only by close relatives, as well as a matchmaker and matchmaker. From that day, the young kept the rings and exchanged them only on the wedding day.
Nowadays, betrothal and wedding are performed immediately on the same day, so be sure to choose the right rings for this event. Before the wedding, the newlyweds must register their relationship with the registry office and from there go to church for the wedding. At the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds put on one more ring.
What is the engagement
All wedding events begin with the bridegroom visiting the bride’s house and a gala dinner. After dinner, the groom voices the reason for his visit, even if everyone already knows why he visited the house. After a few phrases and a short story about himself, the groom kneels on one knee in front of the bride's parents and solemnly asks her hands. If both parties agree, the young couple can safely declare their engagement.
The engagement means an agreement between the young people about the desire to bind their fate. And the consent of the parents marks the beginning of pre-wedding preparation. The custom to vigorously celebrate the engagement came from the West in the same way as tradition gets on one knee and propose to the bride, giving a ring.
The ancestors also had a celebration, which was called matchmaking. After obtaining the consent of the girl, from that moment she was considered captured. After this rite, the bride no longer worried about her future and calmly waited for the marriage.
What is the difference between engagement and engagement
Many are interested in how the engagement differs from the engagement, and how exactly these rites pass. Betrothal in Orthodoxy plays a very important role, which is why some couples still consider it right to remove the rings from their left hands and change their clothes to their right. Very many confuse the rites of engagement and engagement. During the official engagement, the parents of young people who have already met earlier should specify financial issues.
Today, the engagement can be held in youth format both at home and in a cafe or restaurant. No official documents are signed during this rite. Usually the engagement is organized on the day of the submission of documents to the registry office, but it can be held at any other time.
Betrothal is a
religious rite that is necessarily performed in a church in the presence of a priest. During the ceremony, a paper is signed regarding the new status of the couple, as certain obligations are imposed on them. This document has no official force.
What is church engagement
Betrothal is a church ceremony held in the presence of a priest, relatives and friends of a couple. During the betrothal, the couple exchanges rings in the presence of responsible witnesses, officially announces their desire to become husband and wife.
This rite does not oblige to anything at all, it acts only as a definite public demonstration of relations. However, true believers attach rather great importance to church engagement. Even if there was no solemn engagement, then it may be present at the wedding, but in a much more abbreviated form. At the entrance to the church, the clergyman is betrothed to the bride and groom.
Features of secular engagement
Many are interested in how the betrothal goes, and what exactly characterizes this rite. If people are not religious, then you can conduct a betrothal the way you want, organize yourself an extra holiday during which the groom will give a ring.
If a guy gave the girl a ring and made an offer, then from that moment the couple can consider themselves engaged. If there was no betrothal, then you can symbolically exchange the rings even after the future newlyweds submit an application to the registry office.
Meaning of the engagement ring
The ring owed its appearance to the ancient Egyptian civilization of the period when art began to actively develop. The rings immediately after their first appearance became a certain symbol of a special position. They were worn by people who had power. Gradually, the decoration became a symbol of engagement, and the bridegroom gave it to the bride during the marriage. Initially, the rings were made of metal, and then gradually the quality of the material changed. The Romans put the jewelry on the ring finger of their left hand, since they believed that from this finger a vein passes directly to the heart.
Christians also borrowed this ancient symbolism from the Romans. In the IV century, Christians began to use this attribute as a symbol of marriage. The wedding ring is worn necessarily on the ring finger of the right or left hand. And on the day of the official marriage, the decoration is removed before meeting with the groom, then to put it on over the wedding.
What are the nuances of wedding ceremonies
After looking at the photo of the engagement, you can see exactly how this rite looks. When carrying out it is necessary to take into account certain nuances. The marriage is in the registry office before the wedding, as many clergymen refuse to hold the sacrament if the newlyweds do not provide official paper.
In addition, the wedding can be held and after a certain period of time after the registration of marriage. Some couples are already married to a silver or gold wedding. The Church welcomes when people approach this process responsibly, even if it will be a few years after entering into an official marriage.