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Weddings are a time of joy and celebration in every culture, and Slovakia has its own unique customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. There are numerous traditions that make Slovak weddings a feast for the senses. In this blog article, we will explore some of the most popular Slovak wedding traditions, including their origins, meanings, and significance.

Wedding Feathers

Feathers are pinned on the wedding guests' clothing, but this tradition has its regional differences. Sometimes only men get the feathers. If the person is married, the feather is pinned on the left side (as a sign that their heart is already taken), a person who is single has the feather on the right side. Feathers should be given to the wedding guests before the ceremony. The groom's feather should match the bride's bridal bouquet. The immediate family have more decorated feathers, other wedding guests usually have just ribbons.

Breaking the Plates

This custom is practised after the wedding ceremony and before entering the reception venue. The newlyweds are given a toast on a plate, and after toasting, the venue employee breaks the plate by throwing it on the ground. The newlyweds are given a broom and dustpan and together they must sweep up the shards. This custom has two symbolic meanings: the shards are meant to bring good luck to the couple and the teamwork sweeping indicates that the couple will have to solve various life problems together.

Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold

The groom should carry the bride over the threshold before entering the reception venue to protect her from evil spirits. According to superstition, these evil spirits are waiting below the threshold. By carrying the bride in his arms, the groom deceives the spirits into thinking that only one person has crossed the threshold. Crossing the threshold also symbolizes the beginning of a new life together as a married couple.

Eating Soup from a Common Plate

Newlyweds seated at the wedding table are given only one plate of soup and a spoon and must feed each other. This custom represents marital cooperation and also points out that in marriage the couple should share everything they have. Sometimes this custom is accompanied by a shout from the wedding guests: 'The soup is not salty enough, the bride is unkissed', which ends only when the groom kisses the bride.

The First Dance

After eating the main course, the party starts with the couple's first dance. The dance floor belongs only to the newlyweds. After the first dance, they split up and dance with their in-laws. Only then it is time for other guests to come to the dance floor.

The Bonnet Ceremony

This ceremony is the highlight of the wedding day and takes place at midnight. It is a tradition with Slavic roots symbolizing the transition from the unmarried state to marriage. The bride, seated on a chair, is asked whether she wants to give up her coronet (or veil) or be beheaded. By deciding to take off the veil, she gives up her freedom and receives a bonnet, the symbol of a new stage of life. The bonnet ceremony can be led by women from the family but for the unforgettable experience, it is better to invite a folklore ensemble. 

The Redový Dance

This dance follows immediately after the bonnet ceremony. There is a chair in the middle of the dance floor, on which a family member sits with an empty basket. The wedding guests dance around them in a circle. Inside the circle, the newlyweds dance, and gradually all the people in the circle take turns dancing with the bride or groom, but they have to pay the person on the chair for the dance.

Would you like to experience a Slovak wedding? Which one of these customs did you like the most? What are the wedding traditions in your country? You can share your thoughts with the community in the forum.