Serbian Wedding Traditions
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The Trinity
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Throughout the service, everything is done in threes in remembrance of the Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).
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The Candles
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Symbolizing the perpetual light of Christ, and remind the couple that from now on they must shine in virtue and purity with good deeds.
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The Joining of the Right Hands
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The right hand of the bride and groom are joined when the priest reads the prayer that beseeches God to "join these servants, unite them in one mind, and one flesh". The hands are kept joined to symbolize the "oneness" of the couple.
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The Crowning
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The rite of the crowning is the apex of the wedding service. The crowns are representative of the glory and honor with which God crowns the couple during the sacrament. The bride and groom are crowned as queen and king of their own little kingdom, which they rule with wisdom, justice, and integrity.
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The Common Cup
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The couple will drink wine from a chalice to symbolize that they will be sharing the happiness and sorrows of life together.
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The Walk Around the Table
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The priest will lead the bride and groom three times around the table on their first steps as a married couple.
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The Role of the Kum
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The role of the Kum is that of the witness, and spiritual advisor, that helps protect your marriage. The Kum enters the family relationship with the couple a role akin to that of a Godparent.
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The Role of the Stari Svat
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The second witness is called the "Stari Svat". He is jokingly called a "marriage elder" or "old wise man" and is someone the couple can go to as a source of advice and knowledge.
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The Role of the Domaćin
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The host of the wedding is called the "Domaćin". In old traditions, when the groom leaves for the church the host announces that the remaining party are there to buy a beautiful "flower" (the bride) to take her to the church.