Full Circle Eventi – Making Imagination A Reality

It’s March! Time to think about one of our favorite drinking celebrations! St. Patrick’s Day. While I will save the traditional information for another day, as well as the Irish traditions, I thought it might be nice to visit a neighboring country for their wedding customs. Our neighboring country today is the island of Wales. I was delighted by this quaint tradition carried on event today and expanded to show affection for loved one’s beyond just the wedding day.

(Cadwyn)

The Welsh Love Spoon

The custom of carving and giving Welsh Lovespoons originated in Wales hundreds of years ago as a courting tradition. A man who wished to marry a particular girl carves various symbols, such as hearts, keys or bells, into a wood spoon, showing his intentions for engagement and marriage. Today he buys flowers, chocolates or jewelry as a token of affection. Centuries ago in Wales, the young lover would also give gifts of sweets or cakes; but they would also give a special, more personal gift to the object of their desire, the Welsh Love Spoon.

Men spent hours carving the spoon with their hands, in the hope that the girl would accept it. If the girl accepted the spoon, she would demonstrate her interest in him and they would commence on a relationship, which is the origin of the word ’spooning’.

This was a custom that was not confined to Wales, but happened across Europe, especially in Celtic countries. Because the rural peasant people used wooden spoons to eat and prepare food, they had to carve numerous simple spoons for this purpose. It is very likely therefore the more intricate carvings developed naturally from this, and the most beautiful spoons were kept to give as gifts.

Young men had a lot of time on their hands during the long winter evenings, and while some would turn to poetry or composing songs, others would carve all kinds of things such as kitchen utensils or toys for the children from spare pieces of wood.

It is easy to imagine a young man after a hard day’s work, in a period of no radio or television or cars, spending his leisure time during dark evenings carving a spoon for the girl he loved. Spoons could also suggest food on the table, and a cozy family life, which would impress on the girl his ability to care for her and a family.

No other country in the world produced such a variety of design and carving techniques; and the young men put a great deal of time and thought into their creations. Wales was a poor society whose youth could not afford presents of expensive jewelry, and therefore they would do their utmost to create as beautiful spoons as possible.

The custom was widespread across Wales and there is no evidence to suggest that certain areas favored certain designs. It is impossible to know how many love spoons were produced; many were very delicate creations and although they would not have been used for eating or cooking they could have been easily broken. The earliest existing examples come from the 17th century, and it is possible that the shape of spoons lying together suggested the pattern of lovers lying together.

There has been much debate on the significance of the different symbols and motifs used in the carving of lovespoons. Many of the young carvers were shy and unwilling to show their emotions, and this would attempt to convey their true feelings through the use of various symbols. Over the centuries, many more symbols and motifs have been added and as the love spoons became more elaborate and decorative, they have become collectables.

(The Welsh Touch)

Many of the symbols to convey love have been used from the earliest spoons, and are familiar throughout Europe. For instance, a chain would mean a wish to be together forever, a diamond would mean wealth or good fortune, a cross would mean faith, a flower would mean affection, or a dragon for protection etc. Click here to see a list of many symbols that are frequently carved into Love Spoons.

Traditionally, the spoons were carved from one piece of wood. The most popular wood was sycamore, but we also have examples of using yew, oak, boxwood and even fruit trees such as apple or wild cherry. Wood with a close grain had to be dried because fresh wood could split as it dried. The carver would use a trunk and split it in half before forming the rough shape of the spoon in one of the halves.

If the young man succeeded in capturing the girl’s heart, then the spoon would be treasured and proudly displayed on one of the walls of their home, much as a wedding photograph would be today. It is quite possible, that a popular girl would receive several spoons from would-be suitors; but it is unlikely that a youth would spend too much time and effort if he did not think he had a realistic chance of winning the girl. When a girl accepted the spoon, the young people would more than likely then embark on a relationship and be seen as a ‘couple’ by their community.

It must be remembered that the custom of ‘engaging’ and having a Wedding ceremony was not common in rural Wales until the end of the 18th century, and the majority of young couples would simply co-habit.

Today as well as being a gift of affection or a memento of a visit to Wales, Lovespoons are given for many special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, births, engagements, christenings, house warming and St. Valentine’s Day. Another great idea for your wedding favors – share your lovespoon with your guest in various forms.

Welsh Lovespoon Store

The 2010 Winter Games are now officially completed. All the medals have been handed out and the flag has been passed to the new holders preparing for the 2014 Olympic Games. Sochi, Russia now bares the flag to be flown over the upcoming games. Years of preparation are now in motion for this Russian city to answer the expectations of the world and stage a truly innovative Games that showcase modern Russia, leaving a lasting legacy for sport and society.

So in honor of the Winter Games of 2014, I decided to dedicated today’s tradition exploration to center in the cultural root of Russian wedding. While we will certainly be coming back to the “innovative” side of modern Russia in an upcoming feature this week, let’s take a look back at some wedding day delights.

A traditional Russian wedding spans multiple days, normally 2, but can be spread out into more. Similar to a civil ceremony here in the West, Russian couples are required to conduct a civil ceremony at the ZAGS—department of registration of civil statuses, that is also responsible for registrations of births and deaths, divorces etc—to ensure the legality of their wedding, regardless of religious ceremony.

There are, of course, many traditions we can discuss, but I want to focus today on just one delightful tradition during the reception—don’t worry, others will make their way into the list in the future. Food and drink are a large part of a Russian wedding. It is said a Russian Wedding is an event where everybody must be drunk. No one will be surprised if people drink themselves to unconsciousness at the wedding – and many do. Having plenty of food is typical for any Russian function, and a wedding is no exception. If you have enough liquor and food, the wedding is basically ready.

Of course, we are custom here to plenty of food and drinks at our affairs, and paired with drinks are well written toasts (well at least a few, and a bunch of spontaneous ones). Unlike the simple toasts conducted in the West, by the best man, maid of honor, parents and perhaps the bride and groom, toasts at a Russian wedding are conducted by practically every guest. The night is orchestrated by the witnesses, as traditionally there is no best man or maid of honor. The witnesses continue running the reception, reading jokes and poems, and sometimes ask the new couple questions to make fun of them; eventually announce the toast itself: “Za molodykh!” (“For the newlywed!”). Witnesses encourage each guest to say the next toast, usually according to seating. A small lull of 5-10 minutes is permitted between toasts to allow guest to eat and talk and then the next guest gets up and says the toast.

While each guest offers their wishes to the new couple, the first toast is the most important and sets the tone for the one’s to follow. Here, we’ve arrived at the most popular and prominent Russian wedding tradition. For the first toast people usually drink Champagne, and after the first sip somebody says “Gor’ko!” (“Bitter!”); it means the vine is bitter. All guests together start to shout “Gor’ko! Gor’ko!” To make the vine sweet, the newlywed couple must kiss each other. They must stand up and kiss each other for as long as possible, and all the guests start counting “1, 2, 3, 4, 5…” while they are kissing. If the kiss does not satisfy the guest expectation, they can insist that the vine is still bitter, and request another kiss. This happens after almost every following toast, so the couple has lots of kissing during the wedding.

Western brides beware; I think it bitter wine might join the ranks of bells, clinking glasses and cheesy love songs! Pucker up to your new hubby for this new kissing trend! “Gor’ko, gor’ko, gor’ko!”

“Something old, something new, Something borrowed, Something blue, And a silver sixpence in your shoe”.

This well known little rhyme originated during Victorian times and is still commonly practiced for good luck. In America, this is a very commonly upheld tradition.

Traditionally, the “old” would have been the garter of a happily married woman, with the thought being that her good fortune would be passed down along with it.

Of course today, there are so many sources for garters, be a simple one you caught at someone else’s wedding, or having it custom made to match your colors. Speaking of which, there is a fantastic garter maker who hand makes special garters for brides around the country. Julianna Smith makes premade garters or any custom garter to suit your needs. Be they your sweethearts college school colors, your wedding colors, or just a special surprise for your sweetie when he’s searching, Julianna’s got a garter for you!

The “new” stood for the couple’s new bright and happy future together.

What is traditionally new? Of course your dress is new, jewelry is often new, and undergarments . . . those are almost always new! Sexy or practical, always the question of the day! While sexy always makes you feel amazing, knowing you have a naughty little secret awaiting your groom under your gown of purity, structure to hold you in place could prevent any wardrobe malfunctions during the day.

Angelica
- a 100% silk garter with ivory silk ribbon and bow. £19 from Myla Lingerie; Love
- a cream coloured frilly lace garter with blue silk ribbon and bow £25 from Agent Provocateur; Alborea
- a luxury lace garter with satin trim and adjustable side-ties. Embellished with a Swarovski crystal and blue satin bow. £19 from Valisere Lingerie; Betsy
- silk satin knickers and matching garter with a lace ruffle and opulent bow. £49 from Myla Lingerie

boudiche

“Something borrowed” was usually a much valued item from the bride’s family. It symbolized prosperity within the new union, but would bring that good fortune only if it was returned to the family.

Clearly something borrowed can come from anyone, but it means the most when it comes from those closest to you.

“Something blue” came from an ancient tradition in which the bride would wear a blue ribbon in her hair as a symbol for fidelity.

Updo Princess

Placing a silver sixpence in the bride’s shoe was to ensure wealth in the couple’s life. Today brides often slip a penny inside their shoe before the ceremony in place of the difficult to acquire silver sixpence. As such, the rhyme is often adapted to “…And a lucky penny in your shoe”

Looking for a way to hold on to that penny you lugged around in your shoe all day, check out Belle Merce’s Soulmate necklace. They can stamp the date of your wedding into the penny and create a special necklace to cherish, and possibly pass down in the future!

There is absolutely no way I can cover the Olympic Opening ceremony inspiration without including the incredible Northern Lights! I was absolutely astounded at the imagery they were able to recreate with light. The Northern Lights are one of the great wonders of the world, and the interpretation for the ceremonies is certainly right up there.

Yesterday I covered the less colorful side, but as I said before, I love, love love, color; so this imagination board was a ton of fun! And this makes two multicolored boards now – whoever would have thought!

Chairs inspired by First Nation Traditional Costume?

Continuing my imaginative inspiration from last week’s opening ceremonies, I created two neutral color board, which if you know me, it a bit more of a challenge. I love, love, love color. Take the color away and I am left with a neutral palate that I am still mastering. So here’s a glimpse at the more subtle earthly combinations. With a splash of color – but it’s really in the mix – check out the First Nation’s logo!

(Couple, kaftan, mosaic table, bridesmaid, dragon fly hairpin, umbrellas, antler table, shoes, Inukshuk favor, red door)

While the images are beautiful, I cannot forget to share with you cultural knowledge within the boards. The rock formations, which you’ve seen on as the template for the Vancouver Olympic Games, draw their history from the aboriginal inhabitants of Canada. These people-like figures of rock are called Inukshuk. The Inukshuk, which means “likeness of person,” was first used by the Inuit People to mark trails, indicate caches of food, and locate nearby settlements as well as good places to hunt or fish. Most of the Canadian arctic is dominated year round by permafrost and only has a few natural landmarks which could be used for orientation, that’s why Inukshuk are used as directional marker.

The rock Inukshuk embodies the spirit and persistence of the Inuit who live and flourish in Northern Canada, one of the world harshest environments. Inukshuk’s represent strength, leadership and motivation. The Inukshuk makes a fantastic favor as a homage to the First Nation people of Canada.

(bride, First Nation logo, place setting, cakes, centerpiece, table numbers, Inukshuks, rock table setting, bridesmaids, flowers, shoe, bride)

I was inspired by the opening ceremonies Friday in Vancouver. What an amazing spectacle and event! Isn’t it amazing how much can be done with lighting and fabric. Ok, so there are a lot of other things involved. I also love the incorporation of the First Nation cultural elements into the ceremony.

Jack Poole, the Vancouver Olympic Committee Board Chairman, said “If it hadn’t been for the full support of the Four Host First Nations in our bid, we likely wouldn’t be talking about Vancouver 2010 today.” So of course the four Host First Nations — a group that represents the four bands whose traditional lands are home to the Vancouver Olympics — were asked to play a prominent part in the opening ceremony on Friday. And more inspiration will follow from that this week!

SO, in the custom of Tradition Tuesday, I researched wedding customs of the Four Host First Nation, or aboriginals of Canada. There are so many original tribes, and similar to the Native American’s of The United State, many traditions cross multiple groups. Here is just the tip of the tundra . . .

Marriage customs involved the groom arriving at the bride’s home at daybreak. He sat at the entrance to the house and was wrapped in a blanket with only his face exposed. The bride’s family ignored him and proceeded with their daily routine. This ritual continued for three days. On the third day, if the bride’s father approved of the match he invited the groom to breakfast. The groom’s father is informed and the wedding ceremony was planned.

Winter was the season for religious ceremonies and celebrations. Religious mediums or shamans performed several rites, including magic against enemies. Both men and women served as shamans, acting in the capacity of spiritual intermediaries and healers. Illness was attributed to wandering souls or to foreign intrusions by an evil spirit. The skill of the shaman depended on his or her ability to rid the sick person of the evil spirit. The shaman presided over periodic fasts that required the participant to abstain from sexual relations and to scrub him or herself with branches in a cleansing ritual. Guardian spirits were prominent and were acquired by individuals during this period of fasting.

Understanding the People

Most First Nations people believe there is a Great Spirit in the universe. This spirit is the source of all life and is embodied in everything. The earth is the Mother of all spirits. The First Nations traditions and culture are greatly influenced by nature.

Here are a few common wedding traditions:

Marriage Requirements
- Pipe Carrier (officiate) determines the responsibilities the couple must perform.
- The bride and groom choose four sponsors. Sponsors – Elders who are well respected and give marital and spiritual guidance to the couple throughout their lives.
- Everyone is invited by word of mouth.
- Bride’s family must make handmade gifts for guests. Gift depends on their talents.

Ceremony

- Ceremonies are preferably outside.
- Water is used as a symbol of purification and cleansing. The bride and groom have a ceremonial washing of hands to wash away past evils and memories of past loves.
- Their commitment is to the Creator. There’s no divorce; if they separate they are still one in the eyes of the Great Spirit.
- Each person makes a declaration they choose to be known as husband and wife, then they smoke from the pipe.
- At the ceremony, the sponsors make a commitment to help the couple.

Wedding Attire

- The bride and groom add rabbit leathers and personal adornments to their traditional skinned attire.
- The bride will wash herself in a body of water (lake, river, ocean, or pond) the morning of her union in order to be blessed by the spirit of the Earth.

Feasting/ Dance

- The food feasted on is indigenous to the location; squirrel, venison, bison, beaver, squash, beans, maize, berries and other fruit.
- The food is blessed symbolizing a happy life together.
- Music is often played by the men. Instruments are water drums, gourd rattles, flutes and whistle

I happened upon this artist by chance, but how fitting for my week of Korean celebration. It didn’t start off that way, but it certainly has ended that way. Check out these amazing custom rings!

If you are looking for a way to make a lasting impression with your future husband or wife, this just might be the most unique impression yet!  Inner message ring by Korean artist Jungyun Yoon!  The custom rings can be designed with a personal saying in the inside like Marry me, Love you or Forever!  The cool thing is when you take off the band those words are impressed into your finger.  Love it!!

I am so enchanted by Korean culture, I’ve decided to share even more this week. What better inspiration than these stunning hanboks?! I told you yesterday, they would surface again, but I didn’t know it would be so soon. Of course there are the more traditional styles, but as we are always looking for cultural fusion, I am head over heels with these designs by Kim Mehee.

But is has been a very long time since my last imagination board. So . . . to quiet the riots, here are a couple boards inspired by the traditional ceremony hanbok and the westernized prismatic hanbok.

And I can’t leave you without one of the cutest elements I found in my work. If you know me, you know I tend to fancy Hello Kitty!

I decided to step a bit outside my comfort zone this week and talk about a cultural wedding tradition I am unfamiliar with, but I’m looking forward to the day I get to work with this bridal couple! As I am always looking to expand my cultural knowledge and understanding of traditions far and wide, I came across a great wedding planner out of California – My Bride Story. Esther’s site is chalk full of goodies and nuggets of inspiration. Her approach to topics and honesty is refreshing. I’ve gathered a few gems from her collection that I will share with you, of course with my own perspective on the topic.

What I am sharing with you today, as I mentioned before, is beyond my current repertoire of knowledge, and was inspired by Esther extensive information on the Paebaek – the Korean Wedding Ritual. With her permission, I am very excited to be able to share with you a quick video demonstration of the ritual from start to finish! I want to go over the quick basics before you watch so you have an understanding of what is there.

A Paebaek ceremony is a traditional Korean ceremony performed at weddings. The ritual is the groom’s family acceptance of the bride and a way for the bride to pay her respects to the groom’s family.

The engaged couple will enter together dressed in ceremonial Korean wedding attire called hanbok. Their parents, the honorees, will be seated in front of a table laden with various edibles and tea (or soju – rice wine). The couple will bow deeply to the honorees, and then kneel as one pours tea/soju. Once each honoree drinks the tea/soju, they impart wisdom, advice or a wish for the couple’s future.

Finally, the honorees will throw dates (symbolizing girls) and chestnuts (symbolizing boys) which the bride will try to catch in her apron. According to legend, the number of dates and chestnuts caught signifies how many children she will bear. Later in the evening, the couple is supposed to eat the dates and chestnuts that were caught.

Traditionally, as noted above the ceremony is set in respect to the groom’s family, but now often includes relatives on both sides of the family participating and offering blessings to the couple. The ceremony is traditionally limited to family only, but increasingly Paebaeks are performed in front of guest, especially here in America.

In respect to cultural fusion, Korean-American couples incorporate both a Western ceremony and a Paebaek ceremony, with the Paebaek following the Western ceremony, often during cocktail hour.

So now that you have a quick understanding, take a look at the intricacy of this tradition.

Paebaek Demonstration from Full Circle Eventi on Vimeo.

The traditional costume is, for me, the most striking visual of the ceremony, and quite detailed as well. I am absolutely in love with the hanbok! I secretly want to wear one (I guess it’s really not a secret anymore!) I never knew that Sandra Oh, of Grey’s Anatomy, actually worn a modernized hanbok to a few red carpet events, but here’s an images from her hanbok red carpet look. There is so much detail about the hanbok, I think I will have to leave more information for another post! Hee, hee . . .

Full Circle Eventi is happy to announce a new addition to our blog feature. There is so much information out there, and there is no way we could cover it all. While we have featured real weddings and cultural tips over the past few months, we want to expand this tradition by including submissions from other vendors and brides.

If you are a vendor or a bride who would like to share the details of your day with us, we would love to feature you here. Click on the new Email Me form and submit information. You can send pictures and any information directly to submissions@fullcircleeventi.com as well.

Additionally, I have received fabulous feedback from all of you regarding our imagination boards. Many have inquired about how to have a personalized board created for them. It would be my pleasure to create an imagination board to cater to your wedding. Be it a color scheme, a theme gala, cultural fusion display, or modern meets traditional, I am up to the challenge you present. Any ideas you have, send them my way and I will realize your imagination.  Again, checkout the Email Me form and submit your details, or email me directly at submissions@fullcircleeventi.com.

I look forward to hearing from you all soon!

Adding Spice to your life,

Lia