Other international customs add flare to the wedding day. In Moscow, it has become popular to take a padlock and key to a bridge near the department of public services, and after the marriage registration, close the lock over tree-like metal sculptures and toss the key into the river. This symbolizes an unbreakable marriage. Laughing couples dressed in their wedding best share champagne with well-wishing tourists crossing the bridge.
Russians also use a twist on the “unity candle” theme for their weddings. Rather than the bridal couple lighting one candle to signify their new life together, the mother-of-the-bride and the mother-of-the-groom each carry a lighted taper at the wedding reception, said Nadezhda Pokhovalova of Grand Circle Tours. At her daughter’s wedding, the two mothers touched their candle flames to a taper held by the bride. This signified the sharing of the warmth from family hearth, and is a symbolic start of the hearth fire in the couple’s new home.
This story was first published in the News Journal under the byline of Gail A. Sisolak. All copyrights reserved.
Mid Atlantic Celebrations 