A wedding is a special day in life that must pass flawlessly, in compliance with many traditions. According to conventional wisdom, this should begin a new, happy family life. One of the traditions firmly included in the list of wedding events is the release of pigeons into the sky.
History of tradition
Doves soaring in the sky look very beautiful, and the history of this event originates in the distant past. In Italy, a girl, getting married, launched a bird into the sky, which served as a symbol of free and independent flight. In fact, the flight of the pigeon spoke of a future life in which the bride will now have to live an independent life.
The dove symbolized the bride herself, her purity - that is why his color was white.
The launch of a bird into the sky by the bride was not so much a tribute to tradition as a message to parents.
The flight, in which the bird flew farther and farther, told the father and mother that now their daughter, like a bird released into the sky, would twist her family nest, surrounding her husband and her children with love and care.
Over time, tradition has grown into various additions. Somewhere it was believed that flight time was a message from a mother giving her daughter to someone else's house. In other places, the fullness of the release of the pigeon needed a daughter to perform a song at the time of the bird's flight. This was a kind of petition from the mother for permission to leave the parental home. However, everywhere the pigeon personified one image - a symbol of her daughter, virgin, pure and innocent, estranged from her mother.
Modern look
Today, few understand the essence of the main traditions, so many of them have noticeably changed. For example, it is believed that at least two birds should be released, instead of one.In addition to the bride, the groom also has a bird today. Organizers who are constantly in search of new ideas believe that birds are needed not only by friends, but also by guests.
Unfortunately, in addition to the birds soaring beautifully in the sky, the meaning of the tradition itself is lost. The mother’s message about breaking an invisible thread connecting her with her daughter is practically erased. All that remains is a symbol of purity, which the toastmaster often emphasizes, speaking of birds as a symbol of tender relationships between future spouses.
Instead of a sad pause, everyone watches how the birds fly, and simultaneously come up with signs about their future family life.
In fact, the direction of the flight does not play anything at all - the happiness of two loving hearts does not depend on this, as does the birth of a son or daughter. Ahead the young will have both happy moments and a time of contention. Whether they can go through their whole lives and remain faithful to each other, gentle and caring, will depend only on themselves. It is also useless to tie a pink or blue ribbon to pigeons, determining whether a son will be born to a young or a daughter.
In our country, the tradition with the release of white pigeons also has overgrown with some variations. For example, this is another reason to make a wish, which only newlyweds can do. In addition, pigeons are a favorite subject of photographers, so they are also used for photo shoots before being released into the sky.
Often, pigeons on the first wedding day are released into the sky twice.
Pros and cons
Today, the release of pigeons into the sky is so firmly entrenched in wedding traditions that for many couples this seems too commonplace. Considering that today white birds are released not so much as a message to parents, but for beauty, the meaning of the tradition is being lost, so it seems not so relevant. In view of this, pigeons are replaced today with butterflies, balloons, or even heavenly lanterns in the form of hearts.
In addition, birds can stain wedding clothes, which creates certain discomfort for both the groom and the bride. Despite the fact that a day before the wedding, for this reason, they stop feeding the birds, the moment of expectation of trouble will still distract the young.
Moreover, not every couple can hold pigeons in their hands. If a girl agrees to this because of the beauty of the moment, then not every man will be pleased.
However, in fairness it should be noted that the soaring of white birds in the sky looks bewitching. Usually at a wedding there are no people present who look at him indifferently. This moment gives the expectation of a miracle - often the guests themselves at the time of release make cherished wishes and sacredly believe that they will be fulfilled.
Perhaps this flight will give some of the guests or even parents happy memories or moments of romance.
Where and how can I release it?
Despite various beliefs, it is worth answering unequivocally: pigeons can be released where there is a place for their flight. It should be open and free, not limiting the soaring of birds. If you plan to release birds into the sky twice during the wedding, you can do this:
- before painting in the registry office and after it;
- before and after the wedding;
- before the registry office and during a wedding walk;
- to the banquet itself and during its holding.
The only rule for choosing a place is its openness.
It is important not only to allow birds to soar, but also a beautiful view, because, as a rule, they make some of the best tender wedding pictures at this time. In addition, in addition to taking pictures, at this time the release and the flight itself are shot on camera, capturing the beauty of the moment.
Each place of release today has its own meaning. For example, when pigeons are released before the registry office, then this is considered a farewell to a bachelor life. If this is done after visiting the Wedding Palace, then this is associated with a strong union, explaining the fidelity of the birds themselves to each other. The flight of birds in a park or elsewhere amid scenic nature is considered the flight of life.Usually, a toastmaster is already connected here, symbolically revealing the intricacies of family life, indicating which of the young will be the head of the family.
How to keep and release birds?
Pigeons are delicate creatures, so you need to handle them carefully, because any excess of force can injure them. Despite the fact that the birds themselves require gentle handling, they always strive to break free, so you need to keep them at the same time firmly and carefully. Before starting them, the birds are taken out of the cage and properly clamped in the hands, while the legs should be placed between the fingers, and the wings should be pressed lightly against the body.
Just before the launch, the pigeon is slightly pushed. The bride and groom usually launch pigeons at the same time, which today is usually associated with another sign.
It is believed that the one-time launch of wedding pigeons testifies to mutual love and fidelity.
An equally spectacular option for releasing pigeons for a wedding is the simultaneous launch of several white birds. Unusual bird fireworks in this case is a kind of symbol of universal happiness and harmony, which is joined by everyone who takes part in this action. In addition, birds flying in the sky look incredibly beautiful. Everyone and guests at this moment feels something special in their souls, and such a tradition will remain in everyone's memory for a long time.
Where to get it?
Today it is not difficult to find white doves for a wedding. This is done by wedding agencies, online stores or specialty stores. There are special pigeon farms where white wedding pigeons are bred. As a rule, the birds themselves are delivered several hours before release. This is not just beautiful, but also thoroughbred individuals, the one appearance of which causes many many good emotions.
This is a separate breed that belongs to the mail birds. They can fly long distances and always return to their habitat. They are looked after by specially trained people, in addition, many such pigeons have a pedigree. Before placing an order, it is necessary to find out if the young couple has an allergy, since today it is not uncommon.
If there is even a predisposition to this, then it is better to refuse such an event, so as not to spoil the solemn day with sad consequences.
Often the doves themselves become the main decorations of the tradition. Often photographs prove that birds pose well for photos. Cooing with each other and soaring together in the sky, they adorn the best moments of the wedding, making this day unforgettable and impeccable. The tradition of releasing pigeons is undoubtedly one of the most moving, because it looks beautiful, romantic and unique. And if the donation of birds in a cage was previously considered a replacement for an expensive ring, then the bird in the sky today symbolizes the tenderness and fidelity with which one must relate to one another all his life.
How doves are released at a wedding, see the next video.
