The Rochii De Mireasa – A Statement of Cultural Pride

As with many cultures around the world, Romanian wedding customs are elaborate and involve much cultural symbolism

. Traditional rites going as far back as the Middle Ages are still considered important and believed to ensure the prosperity, joy, fertility, and lasting love between the newlyweds. These rituals also symbolize social acceptance of the couple's union.

While marriages used to be arranged by the couple's parents through a matchmaker, this is no longer practiced and freedom of choice has been the norm for quite a time. Rites that have survived the test of time are still numerous, such as braiding the bride's hair and having her wear a crown of flowers and ribbons, and are still widely practiced.

The rochii de mireasa is certainly a very important factor in a Romanian wedding. Simply translated, it is Romanian for wedding dress. Let's face it, the wedding dress is every bride's crowning glory and as such, choosing the right one for that special day can sometimes be taxing on the bride-to-be.

Though most Romanian weddings these days are already more like U.S. weddings with the bride wearing a white wedding dress, thankfully, there are still couples who opt for the more traditional Romanian wedding ceremony.

It is said that Romanian young women begin planning for their wedding day years before they even know who they are going to marry.

The Romanian traditional rochii de mireasa is a colorful affair with puffed sleeves and lots of underskirts. A bold variation of three bright colors and intricate floral embroidery make up the motif of the costume. It can include lace, sashes, and even embroidered shoes. No less important is the bride's headdress which is usually quite elaborate, colorful, and big too! It can include embroidery, flowers, and ribbons, and usually includes wheat woven into it for fecundity. During the reception, the money dance would take place. Male guests would line up to "pay" for the privilege of dancing with the bride and either drop money into her shoes on the center of the floor or pin the money on her dress.

While considered outdated, the traditional rochii de mireasa is certainly a refreshing change from the more common white wedding dress. The bold colors and patterns evoke an unrivaled zest for life, a love for happiness and beauty, and pride in cultural tradition.

I suppose it is worth noting that historically, the wedding dresses of old were usually colorful. Some credit Queen Victoria for the trend of wearing white on her wedding to symbolize purity while some historians say it wasn't about purity but showing affluence and wealth by having an elaborate dress made to be worn just for one day which can never be worn again due to its color and style. Whatever its history and/or symbolism, the wedding dress will always be a bride's top priority and for the Romanian bride, her rochii de mireasa does not only symbolize a celebration of love. It is also be a proud statement of her cultural heritage.

The Rochii De Mireasa A Statement of Cultural Pride

By: Rochii Mireasa

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