COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF WEDDING CEREMONIES IN THE NAKHCHIVAN AND IRAVAN VALLEYS

Abstract

Human life encompasses three primary transitional stages – birth, marriage, and death – each of which holds particular significance and leaves lasting impacts on one's destiny. These stages are pivotal turning points that bring both joy and sorrow. Among these, the marriage ceremony is uniquely rich with traditions, beliefs, and rituals that are unchangeable and singular in an individual's life. From a folkloric perspective, wedding ceremonies have ancient roots and reflect the national identity, culture, and everyday life of our people.

Marriage is not merely the union of two individuals but also represents the as­­pi­rations of family and kin, conducted as a series of ceremonies. The wedding ce­­­re­­mony includes various stages, beginning with "choosing the bride" and exten­ding through rituals like "hand-kissing and first greeting." These stages involve "asking for the bride’s hand," "engagement negotiations," "gift exchange," "enga­ge­ment," "betrothal vow," "dowry preparation," "home decoration," "wedding bread," "henna night," "door-blocking" (traditional ritual before the wedding), and more. While these rituals vary by region, they also share common elements.

This article explores the various stages of wedding ceremonies based on the folkloric texts from the Nakhchivan and Iravan (Yerevan) regions, comparing the similarities and differences between these areas. The article sheds light on the role of folklore in human life and national culture.