Традиции русской свадьбы - текст на английском языке с заданиями

Russian weddings are celebrated on a grand scale. The extent of celebration and thoroughness of preparation are only limited by the financial situation of the family. Some couples choose to adopt western traditions, including the priest, marriage vows, staged shows and special tents for guests. Famous performers may be invited and celebration scripts may be written by professional directors. However, such celebrations are more of an exception in modern Russia. The traditional Russian wedding is, on the contrary, affordable to most newlyweds.

In order to get married on a set date, couples should submit an advance application to the registry office. Known as ZAGS, the registry office is the official body for marriage registration in Russia. The future husbands and wives usually file an application several months in advance to allow some time to think over their decision. When the wedding day arrives, the young couple visits ZAGS to receive an official marriage certificate. Apart from the official civil ceremony, couples who wish to get married in church will arrange a special meeting with the priest. It is important that the meeting with the priest does not collide with the period of religious fasting as weddings are not performed on these days. Russian church weddings are not considered official.

A bridal dress and groom's suit can be purchased or rented. Apparel and accessories--purse, veil, necklace and earrings for the bride, and tiara, tie clip and cufflinks for the groom--can be obtained in a special bridal salon. Many other issues are arranged in advance, including renting a vehicle (often a limo) for the newlyweds to travel around the city on a wedding day, hiring a restaurant where the celebration will take place, and choosing a photographer and a cameraman who will shoot the wedding ceremony. It is also common to hire or invite a toastmaster (тамада́) to manage many aspects of the wedding. A toastmaster announces performances, gives the floor to guests who want to make a toast, and holds fun contests for guests and newlyweds.

In Russia very much alike as in the Western world, it is a tradition for newlyweds to exchange wedding rings. Usually, the groom provides for the wedding rings, although that might vary depending on specific circumstances and material possibilities. The most popular wedding rings in Russia are made of gold and might be decorated with precious stones or platinum and silver stripes. Russians traditionally wear the wedding ring on the ring finger of the right hand.

So, you might be wondering how do Russian people celebrate a traditional wedding day? Well, we have a quick answer! From the start of the day, the bride usually gets some help from her friends and relatives with her looks and style. The festive makeover is often delegated to professional hairdressers and make-up artists who take care of every aspect of her looks. Fast forward a few hours, the bride arrives approximately an hour and half before the official ceremony of the registration. That's about the time when a comical wedding tradition takes place. The parents of the bride pretend to steal the bride and ask the groom to pay a ransom. The groom usually ends up paying some symbolic monetary value or jewellery to get his beloved back. Of course, the entire event is played out only for amusement of the guests. After the ransom is paid and parents return the bride to the groom, the young couple heads straight to ZAGS to officially register their relationship. The next destination for the wedding ceremony is a picturesque location of any sort where newlyweds can make memorable pictures, including city parks, places of historical interest, the romantic sea coast or any other places of interest. Finally the newlyweds head to the restaurant to meet with the guests they have invited.

Vocabulary

молодожёны - newlyweds

тамада́ - entertainer, toastmaster

вы́куп неве́сты - paying ransom for the bride

1. Match the titles with the paragraphs.

The Wedding Day

Preparations for the wedding: Wedding dress and toastmaster

Official registration and civil ceremony

The Wedding Ring - A Symbol of love and commitment

Western Traditions

1. Chose the correct answer for the following questions.

1. What is the extent of celebration and thoroughness of preparation limited by?

A. The nationality of the young couple

B. The level of education of the young couple

C. The family budget of their parents

D. The tastes of a bride

1. Who can be invited to entertain guests at a wedding ceremony?

1. Circus animals

2. Famous actors and musicians

3. Well-known politicians

4. D. A lot of children

3. What do the newlyweds receive in ZAGS?

A. A new passport

B. A nice present

C. A marriage certificate

D. A lot of congratulations

4. What is the duty of a toastmaster?

A. To entertain guests

B. To cook festive dinner

C. To sell tickets for the party

D. To make speeches

5. What does the groom pay ransom for?

A. For marriage registration

B. For the hidden bride

C. For a special meeting with the priest

D. For wedding rings

1. Speaking

Discuss in pairs if you have ever visited a wedding ceremony.