Wedding traditions and customs in Azerbaijan

Weddings are a complex set of events that has been around for the longest time, dating centuries back. Azerbaijan has got the rich culture, each of different aspects of it gaining a set meanings and laws, that are important for really understanding the culture itself. But it’s fair to admit that what once was rules set in stone to truly seal the newlyweds' union now are no more than nice traditions and pleasant events that people enjoy taking on in order to cherish their ancestors. Wedding traditions and customs in Azerbaijan are now looked at as a number of fun activities that help both sides get to know each other better, as their families are going to be technically intertwined now with the wedding coming up.

The first steps of preparations for the wedding starts way before an actual event happens. The first step consists of three phases, firstly one of the close relatives, someone who is well respected and known pays a visit to bride's house warning them about an upcoming attendance. Not long after that, the meeting between women of both households takes place where they discuss the possibility of a marriage and if everything is settled between them, the question arises between the fathers of both sides, during the discussion if everything goes smoothly the deal is made between them.

Through the whole negotiation process, the girl's opinion on the event is a top-priority, it should be clear and obvious as she is being asked about it several times by different people to clarify her stance. On various occasions her desire to get married is asked by her relatives, as well as the other side's representatives. If she as much as utters a word of disagreement, the whole process is stopped and the wedding is called off quickly, but nowadays it appears to be a formality more than it is necessity as the bride and groom are the ones who suggest the wedding to their parents in the first place. Still, to this day the most important aspect in the whole process is respecting the wishes of a bride.

After both sides finally settle into their agreement, the fun part starts as they start preparations for a variety of celebrations that will take place during that period. One of the important elements is khna-yachti, an event that usually takes place in the future bride's house where all the female relatives from both sides gather to exchange gifts, dance and generally just have fun. It is called khna-yachti cause one of the activities that take place is the drawings on girls' hands made by henna, natural paint that usually lasts for about a week.

People usually draw national elements and patterns, creating a beautiful image. The biggest one is usually drawn all over bride's arms, differencing her as a reason of celebration. Also, while coming into bride's house, groom's side is supposed to bring khonchas, which are baskets full of different gifts varying from sweets to jewelry. Groom's mother usually puts a red headkerchief on bride's hair, that is symbolizing the acceptance of the girl into the new family and mother's blessing.

People usually draw national elements and patterns, creating a beautiful image. The biggest one is usually drawn all over bride's arms, differencing her as a reason of celebration. Also, while coming into bride's house, groom's side is supposed to bring khonchas, which are baskets full of different gifts varying from sweets to jewelry. Groom's mother usually puts a red headkerchief on bride's hair, that is symbolizing the acceptance of the girl into the new family and mother's blessing.

The next big event coming up is girl's wedding. The bride's wedding, held at her family home, is a more intimate affair, filled with bittersweet emotions. It marks the young woman's farewell to her childhood and family as she prepares to embark on a new life with her husband. The bride adorns herself in a stunning red traditional gown, adorned with intricate national patterns. Despite a sense of sadness, washing over everyone, the whole day is meant to be about laughs and happiness too. Spouses exchange rings and one of the close relatives, usually an unmarried woman from groom's side is supposed to cut the string connecting the rings. Everyone, especially inner family is supposed to be dancing, exchanging gifts and celebrate

Before the bride departs for her new home, a marriage contract called "kebin" is signed by proxies (usually the fathers or uncles) of both the bride and groom. This contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of each spouse within the marriage.

The groom's wedding, often held at a large banquet hall, is a much more boisterous and extravagant affair. It's a time for families and friends to come together, celebrate the new union, and indulge in delicious traditional food and lively music. Hundreds of guests, sometimes even reaching 500, pack the dance floor, swaying to the energetic beats of Azerbaijani music. Sitting still is considered bad etiquette, and everyone is encouraged to join in the joyous celebration.

In the old days, weddings in Azerbaijani villages were much more than just a single day's affair. It could've lasted for three days, with both bride and a groom needing to partake in various activities and dances. After all of this is over, everyone retreats to their homes and newlyweds finally have time to settle into their new life and routine together.

After official weddings are over, it's time for new visits from both sides to the house of spouses. Usually, the first to come is bride's side, bringing even more gifts and presents. Then the groom's closest relatives and so on. The time passes before the visits stop and after that the life takes a mundane but quite pleasant tone. There's also a lot of small aspects such as gifting a bride beautiful candleholders and elegant mirrors that are displayed on the most visible spot, that are meant to represent future luck and happiness of a couple. Another one is the breaking of a plate, that bride does before first stepping foot into her new home.

All in all, weddings are a set of deeply engraved in the culture traditions that fuel the happiness and interest towards the union of two loving hearts. It creates a stronger bond between two families tying them together. Wedding traditions are a passed down treasure, a pleasant way to spend time and feel the better connection to your roots. The more you learn about them, the more respect and happiness you feel from following them and showing your gratitude to those, who passed away but still stand tall behind our shoulders, protecting us from harm and bad.

Tags: Baku , Azerbaijan , culture , Tradition