Polish wedding traditions and customs have a long history. Despite the passing years, certain superstitions and customs remain unchanged, regardless of the atmosphere, style, or nature of the wedding reception. This is the case, for example, with the breaking of glasses by newlyweds, carrying the bride over the threshold, or scattering rice for good luck. What other old Polish wedding customs are still practiced and worth remembering when preparing for one of the most important days in life?
Wedding superstitions and customs – is it a good idea?
The special day is approaching and you're wondering if old Polish customs and traditions will work well for your wedding? Regardless of whether you plan to organize a traditional Polish wedding, or a modern or rustic reception, incorporating a few wedding customs will be a great idea! This will make the wedding an unforgettable experience for your guests as well, who will certainly appreciate a touch of timeless, old Polish charm. To express your attachment to tradition, you can opt for customs known throughout the country, regional, or family ones. The choice is yours!
Wedding tradition: showering with rice or flower petals
A popular wedding tradition in Poland is to shower the newlyweds with rice or flower petals (e.g., roses), which is meant to bring them happiness and prosperity in marriage. This is customarily done right after the newlyweds leave the church or civil registry office. It also happens that loved ones shower the couple with colorful confetti and small coins, which are meant to symbolize a life of abundance.
Bread, salt, and breaking glasses at the wedding
Upon arrival at the wedding reception, the parents of the newlyweds solemnly welcome them, holding a tray with bread, salt, and vodka glasses. Then the newlyweds partake of pieces of bread sprinkled with a little salt, drink the vodka, and dramatically break the glasses, throwing them behind them.
- Bread for the welcome of the newlyweds is a symbol of wealth and abundance. Parents can serve it to the newlyweds on a decorative plate or a glass platter, and then cover it with a cloche, so it will stay fresh and look good on the table.
- Salt is meant to combat evil spirits and protect against evil.
- Breaking glasses at a wedding, according to accepted tradition, is meant to symbolize prosperity and happiness for the newlyweds.
Krista Deco 50 ml vodka glass, Mixology 25 ml vodka glass
Remembering that a wedding is one of the most important events in a couple's life, it's worth making sure that the table where the newlyweds will be seated features elegant wedding glasses with personalized engraving.
Carrying the bride over the threshold
Another popular wedding custom is carrying the bride over the threshold. Taking the beloved in one's arms and carrying her over the threshold should happen when entering the wedding hall. This tradition is a symbolic reference to the change in marital status. According to superstition, it is meant to ensure happiness in marriage.
Seating arrangements at tables
In the past, the bride's mother was responsible for seating wedding guests at tables. Over the years, however, this has changed - today, it is most often the newlyweds who decide on the seating arrangement for all invited guests. Place cards with guests' names are very useful in this case - they are placed next to or on the plates, so that each guest knows exactly where to sit.
Throwing the wedding bouquet
One of the oldest wedding customs is the bride throwing her bouquet. Interestingly, this tradition originated in the 14th century in France. According to it, at midnight, at the beginning of the "oczepiny" (unveiling ceremony), the bride goes to the center of the hall, and the single women present at the reception dance around her. The bride closes her eyes and, when the music stops playing, she should throw her wedding bouquet behind her. According to this superstition, the woman who catches the bouquet will soon get married.
Tip: After the ceremony, the wedding bouquet should be placed in an elegant glass vase with water and placed on the table where the bride and groom are seated - this way it will look great during the "oczepiny" and at the same time become an additional table decoration.
Regional wedding traditions
Alongside wedding traditions cultivated for years throughout Poland, there are also those that are characteristic only of selected regions.
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Polterabend – Pomerania, Greater Poland and Silesia
Polterabend is a custom that comes from Germany and is practiced on the Friday evening before the wedding day. The closest family and friends gather at the bride's house to smash glass – plates, jugs, glasses or other tableware. The louder the broken glass, the better – according to superstition, the noise of shattered glass is a measure of prosperity in the future marriage. This tradition is always accompanied by a joyful atmosphere, laughter and best wishes for the engaged couple.
Tip: it is good manners to treat all friends and family gathered at the house with alcohol and food.
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Reconnaissance – Subcarpathia
Reconnaissance is a wedding custom from Subcarpathia. It involves the groom's family sending a trusted person to the bride's parents, whose task is to persuade them to accept their daughter's chosen one. At the end, negotiations take place regarding the amount of the dowry (known as "poseliny").
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Betrothal – Kashubia
Betrothal is a Kashubian wedding tradition that involves exchanging gifts between the parents of the future bride and groom. A few days before the marriage ceremony, the groom, along with his parents, comes to the bride's house and presents gifts to her closest family – they reciprocate and spend pleasant time in each other's company.
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