BRIDGING CULTURES A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF UZBEK AND RUSSIAN WEDDING TRADITIONS
Keywords:
Keywords. Wedding, matchmaking, matchmakers, groom, bride, parents, tradition, rituals, ceremony, family, friends, nikah, kelin salom.Abstract
Annotation. This article explores the wedding traditions, rituals, and matchmaking customs
in Russian and Uzbek families. Uzbek wedding traditions, which have evolved over centuries, are
renowned for being among the oldest in the world. In Uzbekistan, a wedding is far more than a
festive occasion; it encompasses a series of traditional ceremonies conducted in a specific
sequence. This intricate process can span from a month to an entire year, reflecting the importance
of selecting a suitable bride for young Uzbeks. Families meticulously investigate the prospective
bride, her background, and her environment to ensure she is a worthy life partner.
The initial ceremony, known as “Hatim”, takes place at the bride's residence, where close
family and friends gather to bless the couple and exchange gifts. Following this is the "Nikah," the
official wedding ceremony, which is held either in a mosque or at the groom's home. After the
“Nikah”, a grand feast is hosted, bringing together relatives and friends to celebrate the union. The
festivities continue the next day with the “Kelin Salom” ceremony, marking the bride's first visit to
her husband's home.
References
1. Sumtsov N.F. “About wedding rituals, mainly Russian”.
2. Sakharov I.P. “Tales of the Russian people about the family life of their ancestors”.
3. Muradova M. Sh. Genre composition and artistry of Uzbek wedding folklore (based on the
materials of Orta Zarafshan oasis).
4. Zhirnova G.V. Marriage and weddings of Russian townspeople in the past and present. M., 1980.
5. Mardonova G.A. “The image of a matchmaker in the folklore of a wedding ceremony and
customs associated with matchmaking”Internet resources: https://sunmag.me/ svadby/ svatovstvo
