The wedding rushnyk is an integral part of traditional wedding paraphernalia in Russian and Ukrainian culture. The very concept of “rushnyk” came from paganism and is rooted in modern rituals. There is nothing destructive in its verbal meaning, on the contrary, “rushiti” - in translation from Ukrainian it means to go on a journey. For the bride and groom, this is very symbolic. Together they step from the rushnyk to a new, joint path, hand in hand, with the belief that they will go so to the end.
A traditional rushnyk, as an object, is a rectangular woven fabric of linen or hemp fabric. The edges of the canvas frame woven or embroidered patterns and compositions. In ancient times, the bride herself embroidered patterns on a bench for a wedding ceremony. The girl put all her hopes and dreams related to marriage into embroidery. Such products were unique, like every embroideress, with its own worldview and talent.
It was believed that the wedding rushnyk embroidered by the bride’s hands is an example of her diligence and industriousness, a powerful amulet of the union of the newlyweds and a symbol of the longevity of the concluded union.
In Russia, up to 40 rushnyks were used for the marriage ceremony, decorating them with icons, a wedding “motorcade”, and outfits of witnesses. Among them was a special rushnyk brought by the bride to the house of the missus.
During the modern ceremony, the church uses five varieties of rushnyks: two of them cover the wedding icons of the newlyweds; one is placed under the loaf; you also need a small piece of fabric with embroidery, to tie the hands of the bride and groom and the main wedding towel, spread under the legs of the couple during the ceremony.
Previously married should have knelt on a rushnyk at the altar. Today, newlyweds are allowed to step on an accessory in shoes.
How to choose?
According to the embroidered symbolic wedding attribute, it was supposed how the joint future of the newlywed couple would develop. Of course, the choice of such an accessory was taken very seriously and meticulously.
At the wedding rite, the rushnyk should be only from a continuous seamless canvas, without lace and decorative inserts. The integrity of the ornament, which is considered a symbol of a long and happy marriage, without breaks, is important. Strong fabric can be washed after the ritual and stored for use on all anniversaries in the long run.
According to popular beliefs, it is worth buying or making a wedding rushnyk with embroidered geometric figures in an ornament or with a pattern of floral motifs.
In the pattern, it is not necessary to observe symmetry. Embroidery can be located both on both sides and on one side. The main thing is that the middle is untouched. The center of the rushnyka is God's place where the fabric is always without embroidery, clean of the “thoughts” of embroiderers. This is because those who are married get their feet on the matter in the center, and, therefore, can stain happiness. Unacceptable on such an accessory and any inscriptions.
No standards apply to the size of a rushnyk, but it is important to consider that two people - a bride and groom - should fit on it freely.
According to tradition, a snow-white rushnyk or a canvas with a pink shade is chosen for the wedding. These colors embody the purity of thoughts and tender feelings with which the future husband and wife will go hand in hand with God's will and with his blessing, to a new life in a different status.
In the sacred interpretation, the white embroidery background means the clouds of heaven upon which the newlyweds will ascend at the ceremony to conclude an alliance before the face of God.
Embroidery symbols
It is believed that the design and symbols of the wedding rushnyk have a power that influences the future life of the newlyweds in the same family. The right and left edges of towels were allowed to be decorated with different symbols. For a long time there are a lot of them, and they carry a sacred message in the embroidery of a wedding attribute:
- an asterisk with eight angles - a sign that personifies God and the sun;
- the wavy line is a symbol of eternal life;
- grapes - read spouses prosperity and fertility;
- mallow - chaste girlish beauty;
- viburnum - attractive bride, a sign of love and youth;
- a pair of doves unfurled by beaks to each other - fidelity and sincere love of the young;
- flower buds - to the continuation of the genus.
Traditions and Beliefs
The rushnyky rushnyk is surrounded by a halo of traditions; many beliefs are connected with it.
At the wedding, it is customary to watch vigilantly so that, in addition to young people, no one steps on the sacred rushnyk. There is a belief that this will tarnish the happiness of the newlyweds.
If the newlyweds step on the bench with the soles, something of plant patterns is appropriate on it: viburnum, vine, leaves, but birds and flowers should not be depicted there. Such requirements have appeared recently - since the time when young people began to stand on their embroidered fabric more and more often.
There are many rules regarding embroidery on a rushnyk, but the main thing is that you can only embroider in the dark, being in good health and in a wonderful mood.
Negative thoughts and anxieties in this process harm the energy invested in embroidering symbols. It is important to ensure that the rushnyk is neat from the inside, because the intrafamily life of young people will be the same!
What are the differences and where to buy?
If the bride does not have a talent for embroidery, and her relatives are far from this art, the purchase of a wedding towel is allowed. In this case, you should prefer a handmade product, instead of a factory towel.
Hand embroidery will cost more, but the craftswoman’s hands keep the “live” energy, which will benefit the marriage union.
Cheap wedding towels in a wide range offer online stores. These are standard cotton patterns of machine embroidery with embossed lace.Budget product "pull" only 300 - 1200 rubles.
For the work of private craftswomen (depending on the material, the parameters of the rushnyk, the volume and quality of the work performed) will have to pay at least 500 and more than 3000 rubles.
Highly artistic pieces in piece versions, embroidered with silk thread, "pulled" in the amount of 5000 rubles and above.
In wedding salons, newlyweds are offered different models: without embroidery or with factory embroidery, uncomplicated hand embroidery and perfect exclusive from skilled embroiderers.
What to do with a rushnyk after the rite?
After the wedding, all the paraphernalia, including the rushnyk, are carefully stored in the couple’s house. Someone hangs it out as a decoration and memory of a touching event, while others keep it away from prying eyes, believing that the rushnyk should be twisted into a tube to protect the family from the evil eye and the influence of evil spirits.
The towel, where the newlyweds' feet stepped under the arches of the church, gains the power of a family amulet and turns into a symbol of an unbreakable union.
It is customary to get and use it on all anniversaries of life together.
For more information on how to choose the right rushnyk for your celebration, see the video below.
