Pre-wedding ceremonies are traditionally start matchmaking ( in some areas of eastern and southern Ukraine this ritual called ” aerial “). Although there is a tradition of matchmaking between the highest development of human consciousness, it retains echoes of ancient rituals.

Usually courtship took place in two scenarios. In the first ( oldest ) event participants lost scene hunters who like long hunt for the beast (usually martens ) encounter on the trail through the powder ( which would suit season is not the case ) and this should lead them to the girl’s house , they svatayut . Matchmakers – “hunters ” from ” prince ” ( Prince ), for which hunted this rare beast , blaming the house that they are harboring a marten . The idea of ​​converting martens girl in ” fair maiden ” totem reaches mythological times and the associated system of ancient beliefs desmolohiyeyu and epic works about werewolves . While talking matchmakers are invited to the house where the bread and put salt on the sign that came out good. Father of girl asks them, from which they land is their land , the prince, his character . At this time, she should be near the stove (as horonytelka home fire) and for a sign to marry a young man who woos , small pick Oven (symbolically – the destruction or separation from family hearth ).

The sign of a successful courtship ritual was ” binding ” or ” racking ” matchmakers embroidered towels and a guy – kerchief . What is clear echo of the ancient custom of binding guests , strangers , while the genus girls have not figured out the truth or told strangers to decide whether this family can give her. As a sign of rejection , she took out a pumpkin .

In another scenario, matchmakers lost scene rich merchants from distant lands who came from an expensive commodity. This tradition echoes the solemn period of another girl’s family or tribe for ransom. Other elements such suit similar to the previous one. Often two scenarios overlap , sometimes there are differences. For example , a girl in agreement delivers glasses for vodka or gives an embroidered shirt.

Courtship usually took place late in the evening or at night, in case of failure to keep it a secret. Therefore, ritual songs during courtship is not sung .