|
Our wedding will incorporate various traditions from the bride's background.
The Bridal Dance, also know as the dollar dance, has its direct roots in both Italian and Polish heritages, two groups of people who appreciate a good time and love traditions! The bridal dance is widely popular throughout Western Pennsylvania. Since we will be hosting family and friends who live throughout the country, we wanted to share the history of this special dance and hope you will join us in the tradition!
The Bridal Dance has become an American tradition for the children and descendants of immigrants from what is now Slovakia, Poland, Westren Ukraine and parts of Italy. The last dance of a Lemko, Carpatho-Rusyn, or eastern Slovak wedding before the bride and groom leave the reception is usually reserved for Redovy, or the Bridal Dance. All the guests at the reception line up for a last chance to dance with the bride. It is customary to donate money to the newlywed couple for the priveledge of the dance. The money is put into an apron, basket, plate or decorated box before dancing.
The starosta (master of ceremonies) keeps the line moving, allowing only a few turns before cutting in for the next guest's chance to dance and share with the bride their good wishes before she and the groom begin their new life. After each guest dances with the bride, they may receive a drink and a piece of wedding cake or a pastry. There are many variations in lyrics dependant upon what village the families were from. Like many other Polish, Rusyn or Slovak songs sung by second or third generation immigrants, the words may be familiar but the meaning unknown. The last to dance before the groom are the family of the bride and groom. After the final family member completes their dance with the bride, the groom then takes his turn as the last verses play. As the song ends, the bride and groom both leave the reception together.
|