A wedding is one of the most important events in the life of every nation, and according to the tradition of the Uzbek people, the wedding is celebrated magnificently, noisily and cheerfully. There are always a lot of people at Uzbek weddings. The preparation for the wedding takes place in several stages.
Matchmaking and engagement (Fatiha-tui)
Uzbeks are very serious about choosing a bride. In a traditional Uzbek family, women are engaged in the search for a bride: the mother of the future groom, grandmother or sisters, sometimes even neighbors. The groom can also find a bride, but his choice must be approved by the parents.
When choosing a bride, parents pay attention to the well-being of the potential bride’s family, social status, education and upbringing of the girl. The opinion of others about the girl’s parents is also very important for future relatives.
After choosing a suitable candidate, matchmaking takes place. On the day agreed in advance with the bride’s parents, matchmakers go to the bride’s house, the purpose of which is to evaluate the hospitality and cleanliness of the girl, to look at her ability to run a household.
After mutual consent, in the presence of relatives on the part of the bride and groom, the ceremony “non sindirish” (breaking bread) is performed, which symbolizes the seriousness of the intentions of the two sides. From that moment on, the girl is considered engaged.
Nikoh-tui
The wedding begins with a morning pilaf, which is prepared in the groom’s house. Pilaf is served to the groom’s relatives, and part of it will be sent to the bride’s house as a sign of gratitude and congratulations. Young people wear “sarpo” – national wedding clothes but nowadays very often young brides wear white wedding dresses and the groom suits.
Marriage registration is carried out in two forms: the first “Khutbai nikoh” is when the imam conducts a wedding ceremony before God, and the second is the official registration of marriage at the Registry Office.
After the “Khutbai Nikoh”, the bride leaves her parents and the family hearth and goes to the groom’s house accompanied by friends.
The fun begins at the groom’s house, where guests are invited.
At the end of the wedding, another ceremony is held – the bride’s ransom. A friend of the bride “yanga” – helps the bride to change clothes in the room of the bride and groom, where the bride hides behind a curtain (gushanga). The groom, accompanied by friends, enters the room and buys the bride from “yanga”. After that, they can stay together.
Early the next morning, the bride has to go through another ceremony “kelin salom” (greeting the bride). The young wife should greet the groom’s parents, relatives and all the assembled guests, bowing low at the waist, and they, in turn, should present gifts and congratulate her.
