Romania Wedding Traditions & Ceremonies
A researched guide to 13 traditional wedding ceremonies from 3 cultural traditions in Romania.
Romanian (Orthodox Christian)
Pre-wedding
Choosing the Godparents(Nași)
Godparents (nasi) play a crucial role, guiding the couple before and after the wedding.
Key elements
- Selection of respected individuals to serve as spiritual guides and witnesses. Often close family or friends.
Wedding day
Crowning Ceremony(Cununia)
Another traditional moment during the ceremony relates to the wedding crowns.
Key elements
- Crowns (often metallic or floral) placed on the heads of the bride and groom. Symbolizes royalty, honor, and sacrifice in their new union.
Exchanging of Rings(Schimbul Inelelor)
After that comes the exchanging of the rings.
Key elements
- Blessing of rings by the priest, placement on right hand (engagement), then exchange and move to left hand (marriage). Symbolizes eternal commitment.
Lighting of Wedding Candles(Aprinderea Lumânărilor)
At the end of the ceremony, the priest lights the two candles that are brought to him by the godparents.
Key elements
- Two tall, decorated candles (lumânări) brought by godparents, lit by the priest and held by the couple. Symbolizes purity, light of Christ, and spiritual guidance.
Sharing the Common Cup(Paharul Comun)
Once this ritual is complete, says Dranca, it's onto the Eucharist, in which the couple is instructed to drink from a single glass of red wine and to eat from a single slice of bread, symbolizing a life with love and harmony.
Key elements
- Drinking red wine from a single cup and eating bread. Symbolizes sharing all aspects of life, both joyful and sorrowful.
Romanian (Social)
Pre-wedding
Bride's Dance and Cake Breaking(Hora Miresei și Ruperea Colacului)
A traditional dance (hora) followed by the godmother breaking a dough cake over the bride's head for good luck.
Key elements
- Traditional circle dance (hora), godmother breaks a dough cake over the bride's head. Symbolizes good luck, prosperity, love, and happiness.
Groom's Symbolic Shaving(Bărbieritul Mirelui)
Symbolic shaving of the groom, representing his transition from bachelorhood to married life.
Key elements
- Symbolic shaving with a sword, axe, or large knife. Often accompanied by music and celebration.
Wedding day
Rice/Wheat Toss(Aruncatul cu Orez/Grâu)
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, the newly married couple exit the church.
Key elements
- Throwing rice or wheat grains. Symbolizes wishes for prosperity, fertility, and wealth for the newlyweds.
Reception
Bouquet Toss(Aruncatul Buchetului)
The bride tosses her bouquet to single women, with the belief that the catcher will be the next to marry.
Key elements
- Bride throws her bouquet over her shoulder. Superstition holds that the catcher will be the next to wed.
Cutting of the Wedding Cake(Tăierea Tortului)
The couple jointly cuts the wedding cake, symbolizing their first shared task as a married couple.
Key elements
- Couple holds the knife together to cut the cake. Symbolizes teamwork, shared future, and feeding each other.
First Dance(Primul Dans)
The newlyweds' first dance as a married couple, signaling the start of the reception festivities.
Key elements
- Couple's first dance, often a specially chosen song. Symbolizes their unity and opens the dance floor.
Post-wedding
Post-Wedding Recovery Meal(Ciorbă de Potroace)
Also, in Romania, the post-wedding fun continues the next day when the couple's friends and family members gather (either at the couple's home or one of their parents' houses) to reminisce about the special day.
Key elements
- Ciorbă de potroace (sour soup). Symbolizes recovery and continued celebration.
Romanian (State/Legal)
Pre-wedding
Civil Marriage Ceremony(Cununia Civilă)
The legal registration of marriage at the city hall, a prerequisite for the religious ceremony.
Key elements
- Signing of legal documents, formal declaration of marriage. Required by law before the religious ceremony.
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