The modern Uzbek wedding harmoniously combines the old folk traditions and fashion trends of our days. On the one hand, a wedding procession decorated with flowers and balloons and a trip to the registry office. On the other - an ancient ritual of a wedding ceremony.
Instruction manual
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Despite the fact that the wedding ceremony in Uzbekistan has a thousand-year tradition, it could not avoid modern trends in recent decades. Registration of marriage in the registry office, exchange of wedding rings and colorful wedding cards - all this has become familiar to the Uzbeks for a long time. And yet, the wedding in Uzbekistan (nikokh tuy) has its own identity and has a pronounced national flavor.
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At first glance, the Uzbek matchmaking (Fatiha Tuy) is no different from ours. The same visits of the matchmakers of the groom to the bride's house, the same negotiations of the parents. But it only seems so. In fact, the Uzbek engagement is somewhat reminiscent of a conspiracy in compliance with a large number of different conventions and canons.
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So, the matchmakers come to the bride’s house - the confidants of the groom. Most often, this role is played by the most respected people in the village. There should be exactly 2 - one man and one woman. They spend the whole evening with the hosts for tea drinking and pleasant conversations on extraneous topics. For tea, cookies baked by a potential bride are always served. The next evening, a return visit is made to the groom's house.
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In a week, new visits take place. Only the number of matchmakers doubles, and for tea they are served special bread as a symbol of serious intentions. And talk is already going directly about the upcoming wedding. In particular, the date of the upcoming celebration is set. Further, such matchmaking visits continue for some time.
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It is customary to celebrate a wedding in Uzbekistan for two days. The first day, in the house of the groom, and in the second - the bride. In the morning, the closest relatives gather in the courtyard of the bride’s house, and in their presence the actual wedding ceremony takes place. A solemn prayer is read to future newlyweds, their new responsibilities are explained, and wedding rings are exchanged. Then the young, accompanied by friends, go to the registry office. Guests at this time move to the groom's house and gather at a large table. Modest refreshments: tea, fruits, grapes, tortillas. And only after the return of the young begins the wedding feast.
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Mandatory attribute of a wedding courtyard or hall - carpets. They hang around the perimeter, creating a semblance of colorfully decorated walls.
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As for dishes on the table, their abundance can please any gluttony. Shurpa, pilaf, kebab - all these guests are treated to, washed down with green tea. But alcohol on the wedding table is completely absent. Perhaps that is why there is no revelry at an Uzbek wedding. Songs are sung, but quietly. Dancing, but slowly. And the wedding itself is more reminiscent of a certain social event.
