SteppeSister's Songs: Meet the Bride- Part 2

Welcome to the Steppe!!

As I ran out of space to upload video on the last post, I will continue with the introduction of the bride here.

After each guest's name is called out (usually in groups of 6-8 at a time), that guest comes up to the bride, whom in front of, a large bowl has been set. Into this bowl, the guest will place some money, which is intended for the Emcee; it is their thank you for his work on behalf of the party. After they place their gifts in the bowl, the guests usually dance for a few seconds, to help make the atmosphere fun and festive. The bride is no doubt thinking to herself, "when can I just sit down??" She then bows, as if saying she respects them and is willing to serve the relatives and friends of her new family. Traditionally, this girl will not be allowed to see her own family for up to a year!! That, it is said, is sufficient enough time for the new mother-in-law to train her properly in the duties and character of her job as daughter-in-law. I should say that this family is quite different and rather avant garde. They will certainly permit Saganush to travel and visit her family, and not treat her as a slave, a status most young bride's occupy.

After the last introductions are made, a couple of pre-selected older women approach the bride and untie the string the connects the veil with the pole that the man is holding. He also unties his end. They then take the veil and tie it onto her head in the traditional fashion. Everyone claps and stands, as she and her wedding party (groom, Maid of Honor, and groomsman) walk up the aisle to their head table. It is something very akin to the American tradition of the bride walking up the aisle.

Here she is all uncovered and ready to make her way to the table of honor:

Forgive the fuzziness of this shot. There were a lot of people jostling all around her, and it was hard to get a clear picture!