Words from parents at the family hearth ceremony. Family hearth at a wedding: history and ritual. How to hold a ceremony

The long-awaited wedding day has arrived, which not only the newlyweds, but also their parents dreamed of. Children create a new young family. What will she be like, will they be able to carry their love through the years? These questions are of great concern to mothers and fathers. When creating a wedding hearth with their own hands, parents invest in it, and then pass on pieces of life experience, love, and tenderness to the newlyweds. A family hearth made by parental hands will be a kind of amulet for a young family on a difficult path in life.

What is family hearth and its importance?

In Rus' there is ancient rite– at the end of the wedding, after the bride’s veil is removed, the wedding hearth is lit. It consists of two tall thin candles, symbolizing the mothers of the bride and groom. They light one - lower, denser. An extremely kind, touching ritual indicates that parents, with the warmth of their hearts, give birth to a new family. The connecting lights of two different candles are a combination of two genera into one large family.

How to make a family hearth: master class

To make your own wedding hearth you will need candles. You can buy them ready-made in a store and decorate them to your liking, or you can make them yourself at home. To do this, carefully grind the wax, paraffin or candle mass, melt it, and fill the selected mold with it. Add dye and aromatic oil to the liquid mass.

Candles are decorated with a wide variety of materials: lace, ribbons, flowers and leaves from polymer clay, beads, beads, paper, fabric, braid. The process of decorating candles is long, labor-intensive, and such work is not done spontaneously. Think in advance about how each candle should look, sketch out a sketch of the entire product, and then patiently get to work.

Watch how professionals do it in our video.

What do we need

We offer you a simple master class on making a family hearth, which anyone who wants to try their hand at this can handle. Before you start, make sure you have everything you need on your desktop:

Two tall candles and one larger low one;
Scissors;
Super glue or Moment glue; if you have certain skills, you can use a glue gun;
Satin ribbons;
Lace stripes;
Artificial flowers, leaves.

Manufacturing process

Step 1. Select a small one beautiful composition from available artificial flowers and leaves, we try it on candles. We measure the length of the lace and ribbons, and then cut off the required amount.

Step 2. Below the middle of the candle we glue a belt of satin ribbon. To ensure that the fabric lays beautifully, we apply glue only to it.

Step 3. On top of the ribbon, stepping back a little downwards, glue a lace strip so that part of the ribbon remains visible. How to do this beautifully is shown in the photo.

Step 4. Take artificial white flowers, cut off their stems to the very base so that backside the flower became completely flat.

Step 5. Select suitable leaves and stems for the flowers, and glue the compositions together.

Step 6. Carefully attach the finished bouquets to the lace belt with glue. Job finished!

In our case, the technology for decorating all three candles is the same. They differ only in the size and richness of the flower arrangements. There are many styles and a huge number of ways to perform an important wedding attribute. There is an opinion that the more richly you decorate the candles, the happier the newlyweds’ family life will be. Still, choose a wedding hearth to suit your taste, based only on your own opinion.

Photo of the wedding hearth

When planning the main day of their lives, newlyweds decide which symbolic rituals to include in the script and which not. A family hearth at a wedding is a beautiful ceremony filled with meaning and mystery. It will help create a warm and sincere atmosphere during the celebration.

How to hold a ceremony

The important point is who lights the candles. Exist various options developments:

The candles are lit by the mothers of the newlyweds or all the women present at the wedding. They carry a lit symbol to pass on to the newlyweds. The main candle for lovers can be held by the bride, the newlyweds at the same time, or it can stand on the table.
The fathers of the newlyweds light the candles and then pass them to their wives. Mothers carry symbolic fire and present the family hearth to the newlyweds. They do this carefully so that the fire of love between lovers does not go out.
If there are no parents, godparents or close relatives can replace them. The main thing is to discuss the script with the toastmaster and correct the text.
The toastmaster, while lighting the family hearth, says touching words and conveys to the guests the meaning of the ritual. The presenter's text should explain where this action came from. A parable or poems about the hearth will help tell about this. The ceremony should be accompanied by appropriate music.
Next, the bride can go around everyone present with the main lit symbol of the evening and light their candles, which they are holding in their hands. For convenience, you can use candlesticks or you may need a stand.

Basic moments

Lighting the family hearth is a process that is required at every wedding. It has ancient origins, and the action looks mesmerizingly beautiful. The newlyweds discuss in advance with the host how to conduct the lighting ceremony, discuss all the pros and cons so that there are no misunderstandings during the celebration. The newlyweds decide for themselves what to do with the candles after the wedding. They can keep it and, in due course, pass it on to their own children for their wedding.

The speech of the toastmaster at the moment of handing over the family hearth should be understandable and accessible to guests. After all, not everyone knows why this action occurs. A parable can be told about the emergence of this tradition. It goes like this: “One day, Happiness decided to leave one person’s house. And it finally asked what each family member wanted for himself. The hostess asked for a fur coat, the child - a toy. And the owner wanted the fire of the family hearth to always burn in his house. And Happiness remains, because where there is warmth, love and care for loved ones, there is happiness.”

The family hearth at a wedding can be replaced by. Sand in it acts as an alternative to fire. It also carries a symbol of home comfort and warmth. Recently, you can increasingly see this custom at weddings.

Selection of candles

An important point when choosing candles is their design (they can be of any shape and color). There are no rules or restrictions here, but there are basic ideas to follow:

You can make candles for the ritual with your own hands. For example, attributes for lighting in a rustic style can be made of simple materials: burlap, twine and paper flowers. It will be original and symbolic. They can be saved and the hearth can be lit on each wedding anniversary. Such traditions will help strengthen family ties.
The main candle should be different from the others. It can be larger and more unique, of unusual shape and bright color. You can decorate it with bows, ribbons and rhinestones.
It is possible to use an aroma lamp. For example, it can be made in the form of a house or hearts.
It is better to choose thin and long candles for parents for a wedding. This will make it easier to perform the ceremony of transferring fire.
The set for the ritual of lighting the family hearth also includes small candles for guests. They must be protected from melting wax.

Whether or not to light the family hearth at a wedding is everyone’s business. However, keep in mind that such rituals form the overall impression of the holiday. A candle involved in the transmission of fire can become family heirloom and be passed on from generation to generation.

Finally, we suggest watching what this wedding tradition looks like in the video:

All traditional rituals are transformed over the years, so it is not necessary to strictly adhere to any conditions, allowing yourself to slightly modify them in accordance with your tastes and wishes, however, adhering to the concept as a whole, so that the ritual does not lose its original meaning.

Usually the ceremony is held towards the end of the wedding celebration and occurs in this way: the lighting in the venue is reduced as much as possible, the newlyweds stand in the center of the hall, and romantic music is turned on. The parents of the newlyweds light one candle each and bring them to the “hearth” of the newlyweds, symbolically conveying their experience and family warmth.

Traditionally, candles are lit by fathers, which symbolizes the responsibility for creating a family, and are carried by women - the mothers of the bride and groom, as responsible for maintaining home warmth and comfort. The “hearth” is held by the bride, so she is its future keeper. But if desired, the candle can stand, for example, on a specially designated table.

After this, the ceremony can continue in several ways:

Whatever option you choose, be sure that candles will add solemnity and magic to your wedding atmosphere. In the photo: a wedding from a wedding agency.

It is advisable that the host convey to the guests the meaning of the ritual in advance, no matter, simply in the form of a brief explanation, in poetry or in a parable telling about the importance of preserving the family hearth in the house.

Think in advance whether you will extinguish small candles after lighting the family hearth. Some believe that this needs to be done because the bride and groom have become one, one family. Others leave them to burn, which symbolizes the individuality of each person in the marriage. The large candle of the new “family hearth”, as a rule, burns until the end of the celebration, until the newlyweds take it home. After the wedding, the newlyweds should keep the candle until the wedding of their own children. It can also be lit on a wedding anniversary.

Beautiful candles at a wedding organized by an agency.

A wedding is one of the most exciting events in every person's life. And that is why so many superstitions and rituals are associated with it: the rules of the bride’s toilet, and her ransom, and comic pie-biting competitions to determine the head of the family, and much, much more. One of the interesting attributes of a wedding is the “Home”, which is lit at a wedding as a symbol of the beginning of a new life for the newlyweds. What kind of tradition is this? We'll figure it out together.

Historical reference

Let's start with symbolism. Since ancient times, fire has been attributed miraculous properties. He cleansed (remember jumping over the fire on Ivan Kupala), and led people to a new goal (here you can turn to Gogol’s Danko, who tore the heart out of his chest and illuminated their path), and warmed. Fire is life, this is how it has been fixed in the memory of people from time immemorial. Nowadays this flame is an obscenely accessible thing and therefore not very valued, and just a few centuries ago it was not so easy to get fire. That is why it, a symbol of home, safe, warm and reliable, was passed on at weddings. The “Home” ritual at a wedding meant the beginning independent life young people. Just as the slightest spark can ignite a hot flame, so this tradition gave rise to something new.

In Slavic countries, by the way, this tradition is not very common. The attitude towards it in America is even more paradoxical: Protestantism completely denies such an action, while the Catholic Church views the “Home” ritual at a wedding favorably, although it does not recommend lighting the fire of a new family in the temple of God. This attitude of religion towards a long-standing tradition can be explained by the fact that its roots still lie in paganism, which is opposed to Christianity.

Option one, common

It’s time to figure out how “Home” differs from other traditions at a wedding, how a new one is lit family life. To perform this ritual you will only need candles. Decorated or not, homemade or purchased - it’s up to the newlyweds to decide. There are several options for this action.

The first of them, more archaic, requires only two burning candles. The mothers of the bride and groom, because traditionally it is women who are considered the keepers of the hearth and, accordingly, the fire, present the newlyweds with a lit candle, which symbolizes the unity of the two families. The newlyweds, in turn, light their own candle from it, which is sometimes made smaller in size, to show that the parental hearth is already established, impressive, while the new one is just emerging.

Of course, without generous wishes, the “Home” ritual at a wedding is impossible. Words for parents during this ceremony are usually not prepared in advance: the mother-in-law and mother-in-law wish the newlyweds strong family, a reliable home and, sometimes in a humorous manner, equally fiery relationships.

Option two, traditional

Another version of the “Home” ritual at a wedding is more traditional. A prerequisite for it is that the bride’s face must be hidden by a veil, in addition, the groom must not reveal his betrothed until the end of the event. Three candles are already used here: two thin ones for mothers, and one thick one for newlyweds.

It is believed that every woman gives a piece of her home to the newlyweds, that is, the flame of her hearth will unite with the flame of the hearth of another family. As soon as the wick of a new candle flares up, the parents’ flame goes out. And the couple should keep this new candle throughout their entire family life.

In order to give the action even greater sacredness and authenticity, you can make candles for the “Home” ritual at a wedding with your own hands. Memories associated with marriage will become even warmer from the beginning of a family hearth.

Escort

Of course, you can’t just start such a ritual - any celebration should have some kind of introductory part. Therefore, it is necessary to include the action in the script in advance, having previously discussed this with the presenter - he must find suitable words for congratulations. Of course, poems specially selected for the theme “Home” for the wedding will play best in this situation.

The biggest advantage of this tradition is that any verse can fit here - both about candles, which symbolize the sacrament of marriage, and about the love of young people. Simple rhyming wishes for happiness are also possible - here everything depends on the toastmaster and on how responsibly he takes the task of making this day truly unforgettable for the couple.

Remember that even such a beautiful event as the “Home” ritual at a wedding, the words of the host can turn from sacred into the stupidest farce.

Photos

What wedding would be complete without photographs? It is simply necessary to capture such an important moment in life, which is why you cannot do without a photographer. On the other hand, photos cannot convey all the beauty of the “Home” ritual at a wedding - the flicker of a candle flame plays too large a role in it, and the majesty of the gait of mothers bringing fire to the new family. But, on the other hand, no one has canceled thematic photo sessions - either in the hall itself where the wedding will be celebrated, or in advance you can equip a fireplace, symbolic or realistic, in which the newlyweds can either put the candle itself, or light a real flame from it.

You can also play up the theme of the family hearth with the help of special candlesticks made in the form of small houses. A candle is placed inside, which will illuminate and warm the house from the inside, like a real fireplace. Beautiful, original and unusual - what more do you need?

In addition to the options

By the way, in addition to the two well-known variations of the hearth ritual, there are other varieties. One of them is that the young are served with two candles, supposedly, from the older generation to the younger, both bread and fire. In this case, the already festively decorated cake stands on the newlyweds’ table throughout the entire celebration, and then it can be used for another wedding tradition: whoever can bite off the largest piece will be the head of the family. Candles, of course, are preserved.

Another little-known option is that the main protagonists are not mothers, but Small child dressed as an angel who uses his candle to light the newlyweds’ candle. Of course, this gives the ritual innocence, but at the same time it contradicts the traditions of Christianity, which were already mentioned just above.

Fire and water!

In conclusion, I would like to say about one more interesting use of candles participating in the “Home” ritual. Here, however, you will also need a toastmaster with a good sense of humor.

Everyone knows that any family must go through both fire and water together. Even glasses of champagne placed on the floor, over which the young people will have to step, can act as water. For greater entertainment, of course, you can take care of some container filled with water and rose petals. And the fire will be symbolized by these same candles (when stepping over them, the bride better watch the hem of her dress).

This is how, with humor, the newlyweds will go through fire and water together.

Postscript

It is traditions that help us preserve our cultural and national identity. It is likely that the “Home” ritual can also be considered one of the building blocks on which the originality of our people is built. And even though today this action is nothing more than another act of attracting attention to the wedding, an attempt to make the pretentious celebration more comfortable, before it had truly sacred meaning. They say that if the parents of the young are happy in their marriage, then their children, having accepted the candles, will receive the same happiness. And if something is not going well in a young family, just light a candle on the hearth - and it will return comfort to the family nest.

The candle was burning on the table, the candle was burning...

A person, as you know, can endlessly look at three things, one of which is fire. Even a small flame of a thin candle fascinates and hypnotizes. A burning candle is not only an invariable companion of church ceremonies and mystical rituals, but also a bright romantic symbol. Moreover, this symbol has many meanings. The flame of a candle is associated with both home comfort and a noisy holiday; both with evenings spent at work and with nights full of love...

Candles are appropriate in any romantic setting, as they create an atmosphere of fairy tales and mystery. And what could be more romantic than a wedding? Candles are often used to decorate wedding tables. However, this is not the only role they can play at a wedding. Candles can be used very actively and used for wedding rituals. Weddings, of course, always take place with candles, but now we will talk about using candles outside the church. Let's consider various variations on the topic of.

Candles at a wedding: for decoration and rituals

1. Candles for wedding table decor

This is true if the main part of the banquet will take place in a darkened room. Of course, you need to think about safety. There shouldn't be too many candles. The safest solution is to place containers filled with water on the tables, in which rose petals and lit floating candles float.

The container, of course, must be transparent. By the way, water can be tinted in the colors of the wedding. To do this, use food coloring, regular gouache or berry juice.

2. Candles at a wedding to decorate the first and final dance of the newlyweds

Many wedding hosts offer this option to future newlyweds: guests light small candles and stand in a wide circle, in the center of which are the bride and groom twirling in their first dance. Guests hold the candles higher and sway gently. This action looks very touching, and the video turns out wonderful.

Final dance option: In advance you need to lay out a large heart from floating candles on the floor (90-120 candles will be needed). Friends and girlfriends of the newlyweds quickly light the candles, leaving a small “passage inside” unlit. The fact is that the bride's step over long dress, and even with a train, it can be unsafe through burning candles. The groom, of course, can carry her inside in his arms, but the swaying of the bride’s dress can put out several candles. Therefore, it is better to leave the passage.

When the newlyweds find themselves inside the fiery heart, the host and witnesses light the remaining candles. The newlyweds perform a dance, and at the end of it, the guests take apart the candles. Then it all depends on the scenario: either the guests are just stewing , or stand with lit candles in two lines, thereby creating a flickering corridor for the newlyweds leaving into the night. So spectacular completion of the wedding appropriate only if: a). the floors on the dance floor are tiled or stone, but in no case carpet; b). the bride and groom are adults, responsible and sober; V). The administration of the restaurant (cafe, bar, banquet hall) gave the go-ahead.

3. Candles for outdoor photo shoots

If the bride and groom have planned a photo shoot outdoors, it is worth using candles to create an ambience. A heart made of candles, inside of which two lovers merge in a kiss, will look spectacular both in the snow and on the beach sand. Of course, we are talking about filming in dark time days. Candles can be laid out not only with the heart, but also to form the word “love” from them or to “frame” with them a path along which young people run holding hands. If the photo shoot takes place next to the pool, you can throw flower bouquets and floating lighted candles into it.

This wedding ceremony is most popular in the USA. Like many others wedding traditions, it has been adopted by our brides and grooms. True, we call him “Family Hearth”, “Home Hearth”, “Wedding Hearth” or “Kindling the Family Hearth” . However, we do not have a single scenario for conducting this ritual, since it appeared at our weddings not so long ago. And therefore there was a real confusion in the subtleties and nuances. One thing about the ritual remains unchanged. This, of course, is a beautiful wedding candle - a family hearth, which, as a rule, comes complete with two thin candles. All other components of the ritual vary.

A candle of unity “American style”. It is not known exactly when this ritual appeared: either 30 years ago, or 80. In some churches in the United States, the ritual is prohibited. At the same time, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops does not prohibit the ceremony, but does not encourage it either, recommending that it be carried out directly at a banquet, and not within the walls of the church. However, American brides and grooms prefer to light a unity candle immediately after they are declared husband and wife, as the ritual supposedly seals the union.

Americans also use three : one massive one, called the “unity candle”, and two thin ones. Before the wedding ceremony begins, two thin candles are lit by representatives of the bride and groom - usually done by mothers. They hold lit candles in their hands during the ceremony. The newlyweds, when they are declared husband and wife, accept candles from their mothers and together light a large candle of unity. A unity candle in the United States is almost always white, but is elaborately decorated to match the theme of the wedding. This ritual can be accompanied by specially selected music and even touching speeches. But some newlyweds light candles in complete silence, looking intently into each other's eyes.

What does this ritual symbolize in America? First of all, the connection of two families. The thin ones symbolize the love and devotion that the bride and groom receive from their new relatives. They combine this love into unity candle . The second symbol is the merging of the souls of the bride and groom into a single whole.

To extinguish or not to extinguish thin candles? In the USA there is no consensus on this either. If the ceremony is interpreted as a union of families, then thin candles are left burning, because the love that they symbolized cannot go out. If this was a union of not two families, but only two people, then the candles can either be extinguished or left lit. In the first case, they say that they no longer burn separately - they are united by a common fire. In the second case, they also use an interesting interpretation: they united in one flame, but did not lose their individuality.

The unity candle is often left as a keepsake and lit later on wedding anniversaries.

5. Wedding ceremony with a candle “Family Hearth”

We have a rich imagination, so we not only borrowed the tradition, but also adapted it. There are a lot of options for holding the “Family Hearth” ritual at our weddings.

Particular attention is paid to the decoration of candles for the ceremony. Candles are often used self made. They are decorated with ribbons, rhinestones, and artificial flowers.

Photo from the website of the store “Nastya Rai”

Luxurious ones are present in the catalog of the famous online store of wedding accessories “Nastya Rai” . Handmade carved candles can be purchased immediately, but if you want everything Wedding accessories were made in the same style and color in accordance with the concept of your wedding, place an individual order of three or more candles (if you plan to use candles not only for the ceremony, but also for decorating wedding tables).

During production, your wishes for the design of candles will be taken into account. For example, for a wedding in a nautical style, in the Nastya Rai store you can order candles decorated with real shells, and for a wedding in the style of a noble ball - candles with a monogram (the initials of the bride and groom in script) in elegant antique candlesticks.

Candle “family hearth” from “Nastya Rai”

How is the ritual carried out here? Most often, the ritual is interpreted as the transfer of fire from the family hearth of parents to children. Therefore thin The mothers of the bride and groom light the light (if there is no mother, aunts, fathers, and grandmothers do this). Someone lights candles right in the hall, someone enters the hall with candles already lit. Young people take a large candle in their hands, and mothers light it from their candles. Before this, either the mothers themselves say parting words, or the presenter makes a beautiful speech. The newlyweds place a candle, symbolizing a flaming family hearth, on their table and leave it burning until the end of the holiday. At the same time, parents extinguish thin candles.

There are also variations. At some weddings, the family hearth is passed on to the bride's parents, since the keeper of the hearth is still the woman. And somewhere, on the contrary, the “family hearth” candle is lit by the groom’s parents, since the man is the head of the family. Often, young people themselves light up their “family hearth.”

Sometimes the newlyweds don’t just leave their “hearth” on the table, but go around all the guests holding unlit candles in their hands. The bride and groom light a candle for each guest, thereby sharing their happiness with him. However, this option is only suitable for a few weddings, as the procedure can be very lengthy. In this case, you need to use a white candle, otherwise the bride, groom and guests may get dirty in colored wax.

There is also such a variety as “Loaf with candles” . One or two large candles are inserted into one of the loaves. The loaf is placed on the table of the newlyweds. When the newlyweds meet, a different loaf is used. At the beginning, in the middle or at the end of the wedding, the mothers of the bride and groom light thin candles (this is usually done “behind the scenes”). The host tells some parable about the family hearth, and then announces that now the parents of the newlyweds will share the fire of their family hearth with them. Parents pass thin candles to the young, and they themselves light the candle (or candles) in the loaf. However, young people can hold a loaf of bread in their hands, and their mothers will light a candle in it. The loaf with a burning candle stands on the table until the end of the celebration.

Someone attracts not only mothers, but also children-angels to light a candle-hearth. The angel enters the hall with a burning candle in his hands and gives it to the bride's mother. Or it could be two angels passing wedding candles to both mothers. Then the mothers light the newlyweds' candle. If this ceremony takes place at the end, then the young people dance with a candle. At the end of the dance, the same angel approaches them with a beautiful tray in his hands, on which a candle is placed. The newlyweds are escorted off, followed by an angel carrying a burning candle on a tray. This symbolizes that the newly made husband and wife take the fire of the family hearth with them.

Candles at a wedding: a few more ideas and recommendations

Use scented candles at your wedding by choosing the right scent for your wedding. For example, for classic wedding The scent of garden flowers is suitable, for a winter wedding – the scent of pine needles and citrus fruits, etc.

You can perform another comic ritual with candles. The host says that the bride and groom must go through fire and water right at the wedding so that family life runs smoothly and is not subjected to difficult tests. A small container with water and rose petals is placed on the floor, and lighted candles are placed in a line a little further. The groom, taking the bride in his arms, must first step over the water and then over the fire. After this, the presenter reports that the family has passed the test of fire and water - now there is no need to worry about them.

Keep a few scented candles for wedding night. This will create a romantic atmosphere.

Attention! Remember that fire can be dangerous, follow safety precautions. Do not leave burning candles out of sight or place them near flammable objects. At the end of the festive banquet, when guests spend time on the dance floor, put out the candles on the tables. If you notice that not all guests are sober, do this earlier. Do not plan decor with candles or rituals with fire without coordinating this issue with the administration of the banquet hall.

Take care of yourself and your love! And let your wedding be the most romantic!

Gathering of guests who do not accompany the young people on car rides. Welcome cocktail, light snacks. The host communicates with the guests, gets to know them, talks about what awaits them at the evening, and offers to write wishes to the newlyweds in a book of wishes.
Two tables, one with cocktails and snacks, the other with a book of wishes.
All the guests come out to meet wedding procession. The following rituals take place at the entrance:
Loaf
Dear newlyweds! According to tradition, the people dearest to you - your parents - meet you here. Mom is holding a wedding loaf in her hands as a symbol of well-being and prosperity. Newlyweds! Break off a piece of bread and salt it properly! You have the opportunity to annoy each other for the last time. Yes, add more salt... Now exchange pieces of bread. Look at each other with tenderness and feed each other!
Music sounds, exclamations from the guests, the newlyweds “feed” each other.
Who knows why young people drink? For happiness, for love!
The newlyweds drink a glass of champagne and break them. Glasses are broken so that the marriage does not break.
Everyone present takes pictures.
Next, the young people enter the restaurant and stand near two tables. Guests go inside the hall, congratulate the newlyweds, and give gifts. Those wishing to make a toast are recorded by the host for subsequent provision of the floor. Two tables at the entrance to collect all the gifts and a tray for envelopes.

The host welcomes those gathered and reminds them that they can write their parting words for the newlyweds in the book of wishes. Guests are seated according to the seating chart.

In the most prominent place there is a book of wishes, where everyone can write their secret words for the bride and groom.

Wedding ceremony "Lighting the Hearth"
The “hearth” of a young family is lit - a large wedding candle - from other candles, symbolizing the home of those families in which the bride and groom were born and raised. These candles (thin classic or antique) are given to young mothers. The newlyweds simultaneously light their own hearth from their parents' candles. Mothers can light a hearth candle, and the young ones hold it together. During the entire feast, the married couple monitors the process of burning their “hearth”.

Before lighting the “family hearth”

Mom 1:
A serious and important step -
Create a home.
But we need to light it up
With the help of our candles.

After lighting the “family hearth”

Mom 2:
You lit the family hearth
From now on and forever!
Let it burn like a light in the eyes,
Like the heart in a person.

Leading:
Keep the fire of the native hearth,
Without vying for other people's fires, -
Our ancestors lived by this law
And they bequeathed to us through the centuries:
Sacred is the fire of the native hearth!

Well, now let’s gradually move on from traditional rituals to toasts and getting to know each other. Perhaps not everyone knows each other, now there will be an opportunity to remember the name of your neighbor.
Introduction and express toast
The host invites the guests to introduce themselves and say only one word to the newlyweds - a wish. For example: peace - happiness - joy - prosperity - prosperity, etc.

Toast
Today, the newlyweds have already sworn allegiance to each other at the marriage registration ceremony, but not all the promises were made there, but only those that relate to high matters. But marriage is also a lot of everyday relationships, which sometimes play a decisive role in the success of the marriage. They should also be agreed upon on shore, of course, in the format of an oath.

The host reads humorous vows on behalf of the bride and groom, they just say “I swear”

Contest "Is it true"

The presenter reads out facts about the young people. Guests need to confirm or deny what they heard.

Before announcing the next toast, I want to hold alcohol auction. Everyone present participates. The one who names the alcoholic drink last wins. So, vodka!
Musical and gastronomic break 15 minutes.
Toast
Let's move on from intellectual competitions to more active ones, you need to shake up what you ate a little!

crush your opponent's ball,
Two people are given one inflatable ball, which they tie to their left leg. With your right foot you need to crush your opponent’s ball.

potatoes in a spoon,
You need to run a certain distance, holding a spoon with a large potato in your outstretched hand. They run in turns. The running time is recorded on the clock. If the potato falls, they put it back and continue running. You can't run without potatoes! The one who shows it wins best time. Team competition is even more exciting.

marathon,
Using an ordinary syringe, you need to move a tennis ball along the entire distance of the “marathon”, trying to get to the finish line faster.

Toast
There was a time for sports, and now it’s time for creativity. The men have already shown themselves, it’s the turn of the fair sex.

writer,
Participants are asked to create a story from the titles of newspaper articles cut out and attached to cards. Make up a story about what connects with the newlyweds

chicken,
It is necessary to write “like a chicken with its paw.” Participants have felt-tip pens attached to their feet; whoever writes the given word faster and more clearly wins the game. Postcard for the newlyweds

self-portrait,
There are two slits for hands on a piece of whatman paper. Participants take each sheet of paper, insert their hands into the slots, and draw a portrait with a brush without looking. Whoever has the most successful “masterpiece” takes the prize. – they draw, for example, gifts or, if you support the floral theme, then flowers that are associated, for example, with the parents of the bride and groom

Musical and gastronomic break 15 minutes.
Toast
Dance surprise from the young
Now our teams will be mixed. Men and women equally.

zombie,
Two from each team come out and stand side by side: hand in hand. In pairs, touching hands are tied, and with free hands, that is, one of the participants with the left hand and the other with the right hand must wrap the package prepared in advance, tie it with a ribbon and tie it with a bow. Whose pair is ahead gets a point.

Golden Key,
Participants in the game will have to portray scammers from the fairy tale “The Golden Key”. Two pairs are called. One in each pair is the fox Alice, the other is the cat Basilio. The one who is the Fox bends one leg at the knee and, holding it with his hand, together with the Cat, who is blindfolded, hugging each other, cover the given distance. The pair that “stumbled” first receives the “golden key” - a prize.

wild beach,
The players get into pairs. The host invites everyone to the “wild beach”, where dances are announced. Dancers are given plates (one for men, three for women) - “so that intimate parts do not excite vacationers on the beach.” Music sounds and dancing begins. Players need to not lose a single record while dancing, and to do this they have to dance closely pressed to each other.

Sliders.
The witness and the witness go to collect for a boy or a girl.
Musical and gastronomic break 15 minutes.
And finally, the most popular competitions, where everyone plays against everyone!

question to neighbor
Everyone sits in a circle, the leader is in the center. He approaches any player and asks a question
"What is your name?",
"Where do you live?" ,
Where are we,
What season?
How old is the groom?
Capital of France?
How many paws does a cat have?
How many years have the bride and groom known each other?
How many legs does Catwoman have?
But it is not the one who is asked who must answer, but his neighbor on the left. If the one whom the presenter asked answers, he must give the forfeit. After the game, forfeits are played out.

surprise,
Guests stand or sit in a circle. To the music, they begin to pass around a fairly large box. As soon as the host stops the music, the guest who happens to have the box opens it slightly and, without looking, takes out the first item he comes across. According to the terms of the game, he must put this item on himself and wear it for a certain time. For example - half an hour or until the end of the holiday. Once the music resumes, guests begin passing the box around again until the next stop. In a box you can put the most various items clothes: from children's caps to huge specially tailored panties and bras.

Drawing an elephant
The presenter offers each team a piece of paper, on which an elephant is collectively drawn, with eyes closed: one draws the body, another closes his eyes and draws the head, the third legs, etc. Whoever draws something similar faster and faster gets another point.
cake,
Now get ready! A very important moment! Taking out the birthday cake. We entrusted this important task to the bride's friend and she is already impatient to bring this sweet figure to you! Let's greet with applause! A wedding cake!

You know, the cake is so beautiful that I won’t give it to you. Well, only if there is no person who will buy it from me.
The cake goes to auction

The young people cut the cake and take the first pieces to their parents, then to the person who bought the cake. Then they feed each other cake.

garter,
- The time has come to remove the garter from the bride and groom.
We want to know who's next to get married!

Single male guests who want (or not really) to get married in the near future gather around the bride and groom. The bride, lifting the hem of her dress, places her right foot on the chair. The groom, with his teeth, without using his hands, must pull the garter off the bride's leg. If he succeeds, he turns his back to the guest-applicants and throws them a “lucky” garter in a count of one, two, three. Whichever male guest catches her will be the next groom. The bride’s second garter, which is called “sweet” or “honey”, remains as a keepsake; it is removed much later, during the wedding night.

the bride's bouquet
Well, where are we without this important and ancient tradition?! I invite all unmarried girls to the game “Catch the Bride’s Bouquet!” This competition concludes our solemn and beautiful evening. So, is everyone ready? Remember that the one who catches the bouquet soon will definitely get married successfully! Three two one!

Disco
connoisseur of women
Two men are invited to the game, each receiving a pointer in their hands. Posters with pictures drawn on them are brought out. women's dresses. The dresses have all the details - ruffles, tucks, armholes, vents, slit, etc. The presenter, without showing, names the detail, and the men point with a pointer. Those who couldn't, lost.

storyteller,
Guests are reminded of the plots of famous Russian fairy tales and are invited to compose and tell new versions - in the genre of detective story, romance novel, tragedy, etc. The winner will be determined by the guests through applause.

horror film,
The conditions are as follows: there are five eggs in the cassette. One of them is raw, the presenter warns. And the rest are boiled. You need to break an egg on your forehead. Whoever comes across something raw is the bravest one. (But in general, the eggs are all boiled, and the prize is simply awarded to the last participant - he deliberately took the risk of becoming everyone’s laughing stock.)
- Guests, if the glass seems already oval to you,
This means that a dance break is urgently needed.
Disco
Competitions for late night fun.

trickle,
A line of wallpaper is placed on the floor. Women are invited to spread their legs wide apart and walk along the “stream” without getting their feet wet. After the first attempt, you are asked to repeat the “walk along the stream,” but blindfolded. All other future participants in the game should not see how it is played. Having passed a stream blindfolded, and at the end of the path having removed the blindfold, the woman discovers that a man is lying on the stream, face up (the man lies down on the wallpaper after the task has been completed, but the blindfold has not yet been removed from the participant’s eyes). The woman is embarrassed. The second contestant is invited, and when everything is repeated again, the first contestant laughs heartily. And then the third, fourth... Everyone has fun!
joke game
There will be no winners or losers in this game, this game is a joke to amuse the guests. Two participants are invited to it - a man and a woman. The rules of the game are explained to the man - “now the lady will sit on this sofa and take a sweet candy into her mouth, and your task is, blindfolded, to find this candy without using your hands and take it with your mouth too.” The whole comedy of the situation lies in the fact that as soon as the man is blindfolded, the man is placed on the sofa or couch instead of the promised lady. Believe me, no matter how long your chosen gentleman will try to find the candy from the “lady,” the guests will laugh heartily.

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Transfer of the family hearth at a wedding is the most exciting and charming ceremonial tradition. This ritual is performed by the relatives of the newlyweds. The family hearth is passed on to children from parents all over the world. The ritual, which brings joy, warmth, and sincerity, arose in ancient times, but is popular and touching to this day.

How to conduct a ritual: essence and components

The transmission of the hearth occurs by lighting candles. The newlyweds light their candles from their parents' candles. A similar ritual occurs everywhere, but in each country it has the following interpretation:

It is typical for the USA that two candles are combined into one, which means that the souls of lovers are united forever, and they are already a union of two hearts, and not lonely. Then the long candle is extinguished;
For domestic cities, candles are lit by parents, which is a symbol of their own family life. They, the parents, pass on part of this hearth to their children. The candles are then left to burn out completely.

The handover ceremony symbolizes the start of a new married couple. Most people believe that lighting candles will bring happiness, success, and prosperity into the home. There are many parables that indicate how necessary this ritual is. Since ancient times, there has been a legend that tells that ancestors lit a family hearth in a cave to scare away predatory animals.

A very popular parable is about happiness wanting to leave home. But the owner and head of the family wished that the fire of the family hearth would burn forever, and it so happened that happiness remained in the house forever, because it is where the hearth burns. When lighting candles, they are reminded that the light and heat emanating from the hearth is much stronger than from a pile of gold or ore. The flame is compared to the heart, so it warms, preserves and protects a young married couple.

Components of the rite of transmission

The main components of the ritual are as follows:

three candles. 1 large candle for the new hearth, 2 thin ones for parents;
matches;
candle stands;
design and decor, glue.

They decorate a candle for the newlyweds to convey the hearth. There are enough design and decoration options, especially for DIY decoration. This candle is decorated with the following elements:

beads;
lace;
flowers;
tapes.

Candles can be purchased in many florist shops, ordered online, and in some handicraft salons. Moreover, when buying already decorated candles, they will be decorated in the style and theme of the wedding and in the right color scheme. Moreover, it is necessary to take into account that the ceremony will sound music and the bride will have to dance, so a candle stand is the optimal solution.

A fireplace candle can have varied look cylinder, heart. Many people buy candles in the shape of a house. But if there are no decoratively prepared candles on sale, then even an ordinary household candle will do. Moreover, this candle can be covered with rhinestones during the process to make it stand out. Parent candles must be the same length and shape. In addition to the standard three candles, many people buy additional candles in candlesticks small sizes, they are sold in sets in regular stores. When lighting a family hearth, guests form a circle and light their small candles, resulting in a romantic picture.

Candles during the ceremony

According to ancient tradition, the mothers of both newlyweds light the candles. When lighting, parting words are spoken, however, there are other methods of conducting the ceremony. Other methods are expressed in the following ways:

fathers light candles;
parents hold - the leader sets fire;
the groom's parents hold it, indicating that they are calling the bride into the house;
indicating that the wife is guarding the hearth, the bride’s parents hold the candle;
the fireplace is lit by grandparents;
if the family of one of the newlyweds is not complete, then a relative or close friend new married couple.

The interpretation of the ceremony exists in the image of the union of the souls of the young. Moreover, the interpretation claims that it is not the hearths of families that are transmitted, but only the union of hearts. The bride holds the hearth of the family - she is the keeper; the newlyweds can hold together, but only if they hold hands. The candles are lit on the newlyweds' table or on a specially installed table.

Handover ceremony script

Each host has his own individually created ceremonial plot of the holiday. Often newlyweds and their parents make the following adjustments:

turn on music;
the guests have candles;
the lights in the hall are turned off;
a heart of rose petals is laid out on the floor;
set up a table;
the leader announces the ritual, telling a legend, a myth;
newlyweds with a single candle, holding hands, go to the table;
parents approach the newlyweds and light candles;
the new hearth is lit at the same time.

Before the ceremony they sound mom's words bride or groom.

Scenario of the “Lighting the Family Hearth” ceremony with the words of the toastmaster Before the start of the ceremony of lighting the family hearth, the presenter places three candles on a special table and addresses those present: “Dear newlyweds! Your marriage ended with the union of two halves into a single whole. Now you will receive a piece of the sun as a gift - a family home. Just as sunlight serves as the source of life for the entire Earth, so the family hearth serves as an inexhaustible source of vitality for a young family. Take care of such a priceless gift throughout your life together. The fire of the family hearth should always burn and give the light and warmth of the fire to the family, so that no cold wind can blow out the unquenchable flame of home comfort.” After these words, the presenter can tell a parable about the wonderful and magical possibilities of the fire of the family hearth. There are several stories on the theme of lighting a family hearth. One of them reads: “A large Family lived in one house and they had Happiness. But then one day Happiness decided to leave this house. When leaving, it asked family members to say goodbye to their most cherished dreams and wishes. The wife chose the expensive one fashionable fur coat, the daughter asked for a wealthy groom to be her husband, the son’s dream was a new prestigious car, and only the father asked for a constant fire at home. Happiness, having heard such a wise answer, decided to stay in this house and fulfilled all the wishes of the family members. This is not surprising, because everyone knows that in a house where the hearth is burning, Happiness always lives.” There is another version of the parable: “Once a sage asked his three disciples to fill a dark cave with warmth and light. One brought a lot of gold, but it didn’t make it any warmer or brighter. Another student thought about it and decided to bring silver. It slightly illuminated the cave arches, but did not warm the old sage at all. The third brought brushwood, took a splinter and lit a fire, the fire of which dispersed the pitch darkness of the cave and filled it with warmth and comfort. And, according to the ancient tradition of our ancestors, the candle of the young family’s hearth is lit as a sign of love and wisdom.” After these words, silence falls in the hall or a quiet, quiet melody begins to sound. In the twilight, the flickering lights of two lit candles appear. The mothers’ hands hold candles, and the toastmaster pronounces the following text in Figure 1. The presenter continues: “Your mothers filled the lights of their candles with boundless love and reverent tenderness. Endless care, hope for happy life their grown children - in the name of these beautiful impulses, wedding candles are lit today.” Such a touching and solemn speech evokes sentimental emotions among wedding guests. According to the scenario, mothers approach the bride with lit candles, whose hand is holding a large wedding candle. The candle lights ignite the flame of the main candle, which begins to flare up more and more brightly. The groom approaches the happy bride with a burning candle for the family hearth, takes her palms in his and exclaims: “Now we have our own family hearth!” The guests begin to applaud the young couple beaming with happiness and wish them a happy family life. During the lighting ceremony, the toastmaster may invite guests participating in the ceremony to stand around the newlyweds and their parents. In this case, a relaxed, cozy atmosphere of love and respect is created. At the end of the ceremony, the toastmaster pronounces the words in Figure 2. The young family will have to carefully preserve the wedding hearth candle until their grown children find their betrothed and find their happiness. And when a disagreement or quarrel occurs in the family life of the young, it is recommended to light a candle in your home, remember together the brightest day of your wedding, and then peace and harmony will reign in the young family for a long time.

During its existence, such an ancient rite as a wedding has acquired many different interesting customs and traditions carried out during the celebration. Unfortunately, not all weddings are held in compliance with ancient traditions, which is often due to ignorance of them. But there are rituals that newlyweds remember and continue to practice. Such traditions include bride ransom, throwing the bride's bouquet and many others. No less famous is the ritual of the family hearth.

This ancient custom is considered an alternative to the most popular sand ceremony abroad, when two loving people leave behind their lonely lives and reunite, becoming one. The symbol of this tradition is an ordinary candle, which means that no special expenses are required to carry out the ceremony of the family hearth.

The tradition of passing on the family hearth at a wedding

The most touching and exciting moment of the wedding ceremony is the transfer of the family hearth. Moreover, not only the newlyweds, but also their parents, as well as all those invited to the celebration, take part in this amazing tradition, for which candles are initially given to the guests. The ceremony begins with the parents of the young people, who, with their lit candles, light one large one, transferring their flame to it. At the moment of this enchanting action, taking place in semi-darkness, parting words and congratulations are addressed to the newlyweds, and the toastmaster can tell touching story about eternal love.

According to tradition, the female half of the family, namely the mother of the bride and groom, carries the candles. This is not surprising, because at all times it was the woman who was considered the keeper of the hearth, protecting it and keeping it warm. Fathers, in turn, must light candles, thereby symbolizing a man’s responsibility for creating and preserving a family. If the bride or groom has an incomplete family, then the order can be slightly changed, which does not in any way affect the beauty and message of this tradition.
The bride should hold the newlyweds' candle, because from now on she will become the keeper of the family hearth. But in some cases, the candle of the newlyweds is placed on a separate table.

There is no specific time for conducting the family hearth ceremony. Since the ceremony itself does not take much time, it can be performed both at the beginning of the celebration and at the end of it, when it gets dark outside and by turning off the lights in the banquet hall, you can create twilight, thereby giving the effect of mystery.

Candles suitable for wedding ceremonies

The symbol of the hearth on wedding celebration are candles. They can be purchased at any bridal salon, or bought in a store. They can be either initially beautifully decorated or decorated independently, for which various wedding symbols, rings, flowers and doves are perfect. The chameleon candle looks great, changing its color after lighting and playing various shades. It will look great in the dark and will give the sacrament some solemnity and attractiveness.

As has already become clear, absolutely any candles are suitable for the ceremony of the family hearth. But, despite this, there are some requirements for this symbol of family life that must be adhered to:

the candle of the young should be different from everyone else and even from the attribute of the parents. It is best for it to be the most beautiful, the largest and attract attention with its design. As for the shape, it can be absolutely any, since the wide selection of wedding attributes offered allows you to take into account all the preferences of the newlyweds;
if the newlyweds plan to take a photo with a candle after the end of the ceremony, then it is best to take care of this in advance and purchase a beautiful candlestick or stand;
For parents, it is worth choosing thin, long candles that will be an excellent addition to the main candle of the newlyweds and will be easy to light other candles with. But it is best for parents to avoid shaped candles, since they will not be very easy to set fire to the main candle;
It is best to refuse to decorate a candle in wedding salons, but to decorate it yourself, thereby transferring to it a piece of the warmth of the members of the future young family;
It will be very beautiful and symbolic if the parents have a candle left from their wedding and they use it to light the newlyweds’ candle. Young people should also preserve their family hearth in order to use it at the wedding of their children.

There are cases when, instead of candles, aroma lamps of the original type are used for the ceremony of handing over the family hearth. These can be lamps in the shape of hearts, houses, fireplaces, and so on.

Not the least place in this ceremony is given to the toastmaster, who must explain during the ritual where this tradition came from and how important it is for new family. But if you wish, you can abandon words and emphasize the festivity of the ceremony with beautiful music.

Often, during the ceremony, the toastmaster tells beautiful parables about love. One of them, for example, talks about how one day happiness decided to leave the house, but before leaving it decided to give each family member what he wanted. The wife needed a fur coat, the daughter needed a wealthy groom, and the son needed a car. And only the father wanted the family hearth to always burn in their house. After these words, happiness fulfilled all the wishes and decided to stay, because where the hearth burns, happiness should live.

Preserving the family hearth after the wedding

Guests who initially received a candle can also take part in the ceremony. After the ceremony, they can all stand in a circle and the bride, going around everyone in turn, will light their candles, sharing her warmth and opening her heart and her home to loved ones. In this case, it is very important that the young candle is convenient for lighting other candles. In such a beautiful circle of guests, the newlyweds can dance their first dance. And it’s even better if guests, with candles in their hands, try to form a heart, which will be not only beautiful, but also symbolic.

There is a belief that a candle lit from the family hearth can make your deepest wish come true. That is why guests should not throw away candles, but rather leave them as a memory of this bright and solemn day, when another young family appeared. In addition, this candle can be lit every year on your wedding anniversary.

A young family keeps a candle as a guarantee of mutual understanding. It is kept until the next generation finds its soul mate and finds happiness. Light this symbol happy family It is worth not only for a wedding anniversary, but also for the birth of children and for any memorable dates for the family.

The family hearth is not only symbolic, but also an incredibly beautiful tradition that can become a real decoration wedding photos. The main thing is that the photographer is warned in advance and can prepare for shooting in a dimly lit room so that the pictures turn out to be of high quality and not washed away.

If you have the opportunity to carry out the custom of a family hearth, then under no circumstances refuse it. This event will become one of the most memorable in your family life, and you will carry the memory of it throughout your life, remembering and telling it to your children and grandchildren.