Colors of Yessentuki - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Initially, the Yessentuki were a Cossack village with their own customs and priorities. Free people lived here, and long after their departure the city bore this imprint of inner freedom and independence. But, at the same time, Yessentuki remained a remote province, where visitors from Moscow occasionally came, and therefore local provincialism became a kind of legend. The ethnic composition of the population here is very diverse: these are the descendants of the Russian Cossacks, who settled here quite a long time, and the Greeks with Armenians, and many other Caucasian nationalities who have chosen this well-groomed land.

Especially for a long time in this area have lived the Pontic Greeks, whose settlements arose here in ancient times. They still have smart wedding ceremonies, which are still respected here. Even in our time, in Greek villages, the bride of a young man is chosen by the parents who look not only at her external features, but also on her position in society, the ties of the family and, of course, the dowry of the bride. As soon as the bride is chosen and all questions are agreed upon, the families of the bride and groom arrange a couple of festive evenings.

Initially the groom and the bride are greeted by the girl's parents. They organize the first festive evening, on which it is customary to give variety of gifts. Since the earliest times money was considered to be the best gift. All the gifts and money that can be collected for this evening pass to the girl's parents. On the first evening the girl does not wear a wedding dress, because only the second evening is considered a real wedding. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The second evening is considered more interesting and full, it is organized by the groom’s parents. The bride and groom wear wedding clothes, accept congratulations and gifts from guests. And, again, gifts belong not to the young, but to the parents. According to a long tradition, young people can keep only gifts of gold. After two festive evenings, a solemn wedding ceremony takes place, and after it the first wedding night.

Nowadays, a significant part of the old traditions are sacredly observed, but on a smaller scale. They underwent significant changes, but still remain incredibly interesting and original. Travelers who will have the honor to attend any family or national celebrations in Yessentuki should never miss this opportunity - it's the best way to get acquainted with the traditions of the indigenous people.