For a long time, Korean culture was in the shadow of Japan and China. Indeed, Koreans have learned a lot from their illustrious neighbors. However, the development included three stages: partial borrowing, transformation in its own way and unification with local customs. Recently, Europe and the USA have become such “donors”. The country continues to be filled with a synthesis of cultures, acquiring a new modern look.

In a calm flow of pictures cheapened by traditional Korean music, the director brings it to winter Seoul. She shows the snow-covered temple where the brides have attached their congratulations to the branches, she accompanies the couple to the tower high above the gray metropolis, where the lovers, as a sign of their devotion, attach a hundred other locks to the lattice. Traditional and modern customs are intertwined, the director tells in episodes that pass without comment. At first you can only hear the old Korean story with its South Germanic languages, in which two ginsengs, like a man and a woman with a figurative wedding, celebrate their debut in human society.

For example, Korean music has a lot in common with Japanese and Chinese. But she has a triple rhythm, while her “colleagues” have a double rhythm. Chinese motifs are strong in traditional painting, as in calligraphy. But the paintings stand out for their expression and bright colors. Pottery was borrowed from China, but in Korea it received in-depth and expanded development. Products began to be made more elegant, giving them a delicate bluish-green color.

The traditional wedding design is such a sensual symbolic item that should not be missed in the classic marriage ritual. This is ensured by the experts of professional professional organizers whose ultimate improvement of the party ultimately gives them a whimsical touch.

Ulrike Ottinger looks at and describes things and her magic. Korean wedding designs include small, carefully selected items wrapped in colorful fabrics, such as foods that stand for future happiness. One sees the experienced custodian of custom in his old business when packing and follows his messenger, who carries the box in an intricate winding strap to the bride's house, because knots in luggage can be called planu by evil spirits.

Communication with Europe and America influenced clothing. Before this, hanbok was worn: for men - a jacket and trousers, for women - a blouse and skirt. Today, this national clothing is worn only on holidays, but is still called the “face” of the people. Modern Korean culture has changed and is relatively wedding traditions. Nowadays, ceremonies are held in a church or wedding palace, followed by a traditional part with classical outfits.

All the rigor of traditional ritual is lost when you attend celebrations in one of Seoul's large hotels. In front of the camera, the rituals laughed again and again. All guests no longer have gears, head movements, games around Trockenobst's symbolic nutrition. But in Ulrike Oettinger's slices of Korean happiness, the pleasure of "Old in New" is directly shared.

The Christmas holiday is a secular holiday for the birth of Jesus and the highest Christian holiday. Christmas, which begins with the Advent season, is one of the three main festivals christian church, Happy Easter and Pentecost. The holiday of love includes a variety of customs: a Christmas crib and a festively decorated Christmas tree are considered secular symbols here. Traditionally, at the beginning of the Advent season, romantic Christmas markets in Germany open their doors in many places and cities. read more.

The close interweaving of religion and culture of Korea

Religion has had a strong influence on the country's traditions. In the early period, people worshiped Heaven and animals - this is how totemism arose and myths arose. This belief became the basis for shamanism, which significantly influenced early culture. During the Ancient Joseon period, people believed in the spirits of ancestors, sky, water and sun. South Korean culture still conveys echoes of these beliefs.

A mixture of customs, shamanism, partying, sacred worship - the annual Walpurgis combines Celtic and Germanic traditions, as well as Catholic custom. On the other hand, St. Walpurg's Day is celebrated, the Catholic abbot who is also named after the Phantom Night.

Embedded in a complex custom, the Eucharistic procession in which the Gospel is proclaimed ends with Pentecostalism. Easter is an ancient religious ritual in the form of a procession. After the Osternerntag community has bowed before the start of the procession, the Easter horsemen surround the homeland, are blessed and go to Ros with choral songs to announce the joyful message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Subsequently, the traditional Easter market takes place in Bautzen.

Koreans believe that the soul does not immediately go to another world; it stays with its family for some time. Several thousand shamans still practice in the modern country. One of the simplest shamanic rituals is rubbing palms together for good luck before a trip or to improve health.

The behavior of the residents is largely determined by Confucianism, enriched by the national spirit. Strict hierarchy is used. Already at the first meeting they ask about age, education, marital status and positions. This is how one’s own place is determined in relation to a new acquaintance.

A tradition with worldwide fame: The “Game of Suffering, Dying and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ” is performed every ten years by numerous laureates from Oberammergau. The last five days of Jesus' life are depicted in a 6-hour giant production at the Passion Theatre. The Passion is one of the most important religious events in Germany.

We often see scenes of traditional marriages in movies or dramas, but we don't always know what each detail or tradition weighs against. In this post we will talk about the main features of wedding rituals in Korea. In Korea, marriage between a man and a woman is the union of two families, more than two people. Following the values ​​of Confucianism, the process of these ceremonies is often long and tedious: preparation, meetings between the two families, exchange of gifts, wedding night, and respect for parents after the honeymoon.

Society is based on the principle of five relationships: there are certain standards of behavior between subjects and the ruler, spouses, father and son, old and young, and friends. Many Koreans believe that the state is successful thanks to this approach. Only 1% of the population will say that they profess Confucianism, but its principles have largely determined habits, traditions and behavior styles.

During the Joseon era, couples married in adolescence, often being a woman several years older than the man. Professionals matched marriage candidates, and even new couples often met for the first time on their very wedding day. Families considered many factors in the decision, consulting shamans who predicted the couple's future.

The groom usually went to the bride's home for the ceremony, where he stayed for 3 days before taking his wife to his family home. This ceremony included many small rituals with many bows and symbolic gestures that always controlled their emotions and kept them calm.

The cultural features of Korea were also influenced by Buddhism. Its echoes can be found in the peaceful and non-aggressive nature of the inhabitants, a deep philosophical attitude towards life and people. Buddhism penetrated through China in the 4th century AD. e. During the Goryeo Dynasty, it was the official religion, so it influenced all areas. Thanks to Buddhism, thousands of temples, icons, statues, literary works. Religion influenced painting, architecture, and music. The most famous historical monument is Seokguram Cave Temple. Buddha's birthday is still celebrated in the spring - noisy and bright.

An ordinary woman, not a noble one, wore only clothes full of color and beauty usually reserved for royal princesses on her wedding day. In their dresses they wore embroidered peonies and a phoenix, symbolizing wishes for prosperity and descent. Also in China, young brides wore elegant ceremonial costumes, which in turn served as shrouds when they died. Similarly, Japanese women wore mechazud, a distinctive long-sleeved kimono embroidered with cranes and turtles, symbolizing longevity and good luck.

Wedding rituals are the most common and ancient ceremonial traditions in Korea and Asia in general. Regardless of the nation, people or time period in which it was produced, and despite the different types of wedding ceremonies, the messages and desires in the process have always been common: to shape happy family, live together for a long time and have many descendants.

Taoism also had its influence. Like other religions, it was changed into the Korean way. Taoism reflected a strong desire for longevity, happiness and health. Its symbolism is still used in everyday life. For example, hieroglyphs symbolizing longevity and happiness are applied to household items.

Origins of national traditions

The cultural history of Korea is intertwined with the Korean Peninsula, but its earliest inhabitants are not considered the ancestors of the Koreans. The birth of the nation is associated with the Neolithic era. Many cultural features were laid down in ancient times. The formation of the nation took place under the constant threat of invasion, and this was also reflected in traditions.

Gift exchange has great importance. Just like Korea has ham, gift box, which the groom gives to the bride a few days before the wedding, Japanese guys also deliver ears, seaweed, white thread and a fan as gifts to their future women. Interestingly, in China, the bride can answer the groom with a brush, ink, ink and a book.

The group, dressed in certain costumes and dark faces, approached the house, singing: “Sell the ham, sell the ham!” The bride's family then quickly came to the door and offered money to the group. Through amusing negotiations, with many laughs, the group of friends were bribed until finally she brought the ham. The truth is that the 3 countries shared similarities and differences in ceremonial materials. While the Koreans included wild goose, the Japanese used pheasant and grouper, and the Chinese their ancestral boards.

Thanks to hunting and gathering, a belief in animals and spirits arose - this is how totemism appeared. Its reflection is in myths that have survived to this day. A surge in development came with the appearance of bronze, which came from Manchuria. Later, settlers arrived from the north, thanks to whom the culture of Korea was enriched - they surprised us with unusual ceramics and successes in production. The Iron Age era came from China - coins, smooth ceramics, metal mirrors, elegant daggers, and figurines appeared.

In any case, everything had the same meaning: the desire for harmony and longevity, the ability to live together in happiness. More specifically, the delivery of the wild goose to Korea occurred shortly before the wedding. A friend gave the bride's mother a goose. This goose represented a life partner, this gift meant that he took care of his daughter throughout his life.

The wedding finally took place at the bride's family home. At the beginning of the ceremony, the mother's spouses entered the place and lit candles. Their flame represented the desire for a bright future for the new couple. After the bride and groom entered, each at their own time, the groom was placed on the east side of the wedding table while she stood on the west. After this, the couple finally met face to face. They then washed their hands, symbolizing that they were both clean in body and mind for the ceremony.

Later development occurred independently, but with significant influence from neighboring China. Class stratification played a big role: wealthy people wore luxurious jewelry and used expensive items. This time is associated with the technology of creating household items from bronze, which could compete with the Chinese.

Finally, Korean wedding banquets were very simple: the only thing that was absolutely necessary was noodle soup. These banquets are actually called guk-su san, “noodle banquets.” And the truth is that these noodles symbolize the desire for a long and happy life.

Here the wife was already offering dates and chestnuts, symbols of children, to her husband's parents, and they were sitting at the table with other symbolic proposals. The parents, as a final gesture, threw these chestnuts to the bride and groom, who should try to take as many as possible.

In addition, a couple of bits are one of the dates to determine, depending on how bit they are, who will be the “head” of the family. Even today, as we know, marriage is very important in Korea. Although age drags on, the fact is that most Koreans are eager to get married. Most couples opt for a more Western wedding, although often, after that "big wedding", they will celebrate a smaller ceremony in traditional ways.

Way of development

Since the emergence of the Three States, which later united into one, the continuous history of Korean culture begins. Initially, the people still believed in spirits and were confident in their responsibility for different directions. Later, Confucianism appeared, which was adhered to regardless of religion - it regulated relations between people.

When someone asks a Korean about the origin of the Korean nation, he will definitely answer the myth of Dangun, the man who is considered the father of the Korean people. There is a close relationship between shamanism and Korean culture, and mythological stories such as the Dangun myth are colored in every way by ideas of shamanism. Many elements of shamanism still influence the way Koreans live and think, and many experts argue that it is one of the most dynamic forces in Korean culture and has even designated it as Korea's native religion.

Then Buddhism came from China, and society favorably accepted the religion. Only in Silla (one of the three states) was the new trend treated with hostility. But through the efforts of the ruler, it was established as another national religion. Buddhism had a positive influence on architecture - they began to build temples and pagodas that served as educational centers. Hieroglyphic writing began to spread, which was also borrowed from China. It was adapted: conversations were conducted in the native language, and hieroglyphs were used to write it. Since Chinese and Korean belong to different language groups, the task was not easy.

Korean shamanism, also called musicism 무교, is a word with the same root as the word shaman in Chinese. Despite this, shamanism is a practice that extends from Central Asia to Siberia to Mongolia, reaching Korea and other Asian countries, mixing with its culture and its religions. However, in Korea, shamanism has not lost its identity, despite the fact that Taoism and Buddhism penetrated the peninsula. Shamanism is a religious practice closely related to the spiritual practice of the shaman.

It is formed by two horizontal lines representing heaven and earth, connected by a vertical line, around which we see two human figures that symbolize two shamans performing a ritual dance. Therefore, in shamanism, the shaman is responsible for bringing the two worlds, heaven and earth, into communication through rituals that include many elements associated with music and dance.

"Golden Time" of Korean Culture

The culture of South Korea received significant development during the unified Silla (VII-X centuries). For two centuries, the state was not affected by war or other external conflicts. This made it possible to focus on the development of culture. Royal palaces and Buddhist temples appeared in the capital. Some famous monuments(such as Seokguram Cave Temple and Bulguksa Temple) were created by craftsmen who had deep religious beliefs. The role of Confucianism increased. Achievements can be considered the casting of copper bells, the oldest printed publication, the cave temple and the work of the first famous poet– Choi Chiwon.

Characteristics of Korean Shamanism

Therefore, the shaman acts as an intermediary between spirits, gods and people. As we already said, characteristic feature Muism is that it is entirely associated with the figure of the shaman and his role as a bridge between two worlds. Other main characteristic shamanism is that it tries to solve human problems.




Another characteristic is the unification of opposites. In a state of trance, the shaman unites this world with the other. But this union cannot be achieved without conflict or pain. In all shamanic rituals we will find elements of pain, death and resurrection.

The Koreans preserved the idea of ​​a national-cultural community, embodying it in the 10th century - the state of Koryo appeared. For the first time the country became united, items began to be produced to glorify the country on Far East. Goryeo was famous for its celadon-coated porcelain, bronze mirrors and vases. Despite its dependence on the Mongol dynasty, the country managed to preserve its traditions. However, many art monuments were destroyed and craft skills were lost.

Peter's era in Korean

The next turning point occurred in the 15th century. This is a period of intensive development of Korean culture - it is compared with the era of Peter I in Russia. In the XV century. They created the Korean alphabet and there was almost universal literacy. Already in our time it was included in the list of masterpieces of world heritage. Koreans consider language a form of art and are proud of its script. Positive changes affected art, literature, printing and music.

There was even a special department at court that helped organize the life and work of artists. The first acquaintance with the achievements of European culture took place. Translations were carried out using Chinese sources scientific books Europe. This gave impetus to the development of various sciences: astronomy, geography, history.

At the turn of the XVI-XVII centuries. Christianity began to penetrate into the country - representatives of the ruling class were interested in it. Later, conflicts arose with the Europeans and the “closed borders” policy was strengthened. The state maintained close ties only with China and traded with Japan. Local residents rejected Western culture.

Culture becomes widespread

In the XVII-XVIII centuries social and economic changes, the status of the common people increased. South Korean culture has become more popular. Singing stories (pansori) became widespread, and folk tales began to be written down. The same trends affected painting - artists began to depict terrain and scenes from the life of ordinary people, and their own style was invented in calligraphy.

Western canons

In Korea, the period from the 17th to the mid-19th centuries is considered the “transition to modern society.” One of important points– the emergence of modern agricultural technology. Productivity increased, which gave impetus to the growth of cities. As a result, the demand for artisan products increased. The production of fabrics and the creation of metal utensils began to develop.

In the 19th century, the idea became popular that the experience of technology and production should be adopted from the West. But at the same time it is necessary to maintain the ideological basis public life. There was even a slogan: “Eastern way, Western technology.” There was still European influence, but borrowings were adapted to local conditions.

Test for the culture of a nation

The cultural characteristics of Korea were tested during Japanese colonization. The conquerors declared the Korean language and traditions to be only a branch of Japanese. In 1937, the Korean language was banned from being used in government institutions. Japanese began to be called the “native” language. Koreans were forced to give up their names and call themselves in the Japanese manner. Most publications were banned and even wearing national clothes was not allowed. It was an era of humiliation for the nation, and Korea still cannot fully forgive Japan for this. Indeed, as a result of the confrontation, the country was divided into two parts.

Cultural life of the country today

One of the echoes of the past that is intertwined with modernity is the holidays. Moonlight occupies an important place in the cultural history of Korea. New Year and Chuseok, which traditionally continue to be celebrated. There are other holidays associated with the cult of nature, agriculture or work.

Customs fill the lives of Koreans and continue to be passed on from generation to generation. The influence of religion on culture turned out to be very strong and remains a powerful incentive for its development and preservation. Shamanism, Confucianism and Buddhism are closely intertwined, exerting a creative influence on traditions. The culture is not only rich, but also resilient. Thanks to borrowing, she only became richer. Residents love the country and its features very much; this is a matter of national pride.

Cultural achievements

The culture of South Korea is at a high level, and evidence of this can be seen in various examples of art. Delightful products made from celadon and ceramics with a grayish-greenish glaze are famous throughout the world. Porcelain items with blue designs are interesting. In painting - paintings with ink on silk or mulberry paper. Folk and court dances (cheongjemu, ilmu) were invented . Impressive and National Costume Hanbok, which is characterized by smooth lines. Women's outfit - with rich embroidery and a luxurious bright skirt. IN old times a norige decoration was invented, which was attached to clothing. This decor was chosen depending on social status or season. Unusual architectural monuments have been preserved:

  • Astronomical Tower of the Silla capital Gyeongju.
  • Seokguram Cave Temple.
  • 8th century Buddha statue.
  • The ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace.

These objects are famous throughout the world and are considered national landmarks of South Korea. Modern culture Korea is also home to original gardens. The principles of shamanism play a large role in their creation. When creating gardens, local craftsmen try to avoid anything artificial. Koreans try to bypass nature itself, giving green corners a natural look. One example is Phosokchon, built during the Silla era.

01.03.2014

Each nation has its own customs and traditions that characterize the stages life path people. And the Koreans are no exception in this case. The Koreans have four such stages, which have also been preserved among the Koreans of Kazakhstan. These are the so-called “four tables”. Holidays of the “four tables” are truly family celebrations. The first and second tables are the sacred duty of parents towards their children; the third and fourth, in turn, are the return of debt to parents by grateful children. The first table is the first anniversary of the child’s life, the second is the wedding, the third is the sixtieth birthday, the fourth is the funeral and wake. If for some reason a Korean did not celebrate on one occasion, a taboo was placed on subsequent celebrations. So, if a child died before reaching one year of age and did not receive the “first table” in connection with this, then he should have been forgotten, no wake was celebrated for him, and no visit to his grave.

If the family hero of the day did not have a “wedding table,” then on the eve of his 60th birthday, he was sure to have a wedding first, even if by that time he already had children and grandchildren.

The custom of the “four tables” unites the Korean family, makes it monolithic and friendly, contributing to the preservation of national traditions.

Now let's try to describe all four tables separately. The “first table” occurs when the baby turns one; Koreans consider the first year to be the beginning of a child’s life. Only from this moment does the cub begin to truly be considered a person. Every Korean child needs to celebrate his time; this is considered a sacred duty of parents. There is not a single Korean family where this date is not celebrated.

It is customary to celebrate holidays in grand style, just as other nations celebrate weddings. It is believed that the richer and more crowded this day is, the fuller and happier the child’s life will be. It is usually customary to set the table for a child in the morning, from about 10 to 12 o'clock. Koreans have a belief that girls should set the table early so they don’t end up being old maids, and boys should set the table later so they don’t get married early. Before the child is brought to the table, he is dressed in everything new, always bought with his father’s money. The child is brought to a table on which various objects are laid out: money, a pen, a notebook, a book, scissors, threads, three cups of national bread “chaltegi”, beans, rice. A child's future is determined by what he chooses first. As soon as the child grabs the first three objects, he is taken away from the table so that he does not grab other objects. If a child chooses a pen, notebook or book, it means he will be capable, striving for knowledge, educated. If a child chooses money, he will live comfortably and in abundance; if there are threads, then he is waiting

long life. However, if a child chooses rice or bread, this does not bode well: he will be frail and in poor health, and will live in poverty. Therefore, “bad” objects are placed on the table away from the baby. Guests and relatives always give the child money. The fun continues all day.

"Second table"

Modern Koreans, like their distant ancestors, attach exceptional importance to marriage. This is one of the four main events in life, and perhaps it is celebrated most solemnly. Marriage in the minds of many Koreans in Kazakhstan to this day remains not so much a personal matter of two young people, but rather a matter concerning their clan and family.

Marriage is usually preceded by matchmaking. This act is accompanied by certain rituals. Thus, only elders from the groom’s family can be matchmakers. This could be the father himself, his older brother, and only as a last resort, if there are none, the groom’s mother. In the absence of parents, the groom's elder brother or the elder brother-in-law - the elder sister's husband - can act as matchmakers. As a rule, divorced people, widows, widowers, and remarried persons do not have the right to marry. Having received the consent of the bride's parents, the parties agree to hold a "chencha" - an engagement party, which is fully financed by the groom, but is held in the bride's home. At “chenchi,” the groom’s relatives seem to demonstrate their financial capabilities. It is considered obligatory to present the bride's family with a goose - a symbol of marital fidelity. At the engagement, the mother or the eldest woman from the groom’s family must show everyone present gifts for the bride. The gift includes: a piece of material, underwear.

"Third Table"

Today, various anniversary celebrations organized by adult children in honor of their elderly parents remind us of the traditional veneration of the oldest family members by Koreans. But especially significant and obligatory is the celebration by children of the 61st anniversary of their parents, i.e. the first year of a new century, determined by a 60-year cycle. It is usually customary to celebrate this anniversary if by that time all the children in the family who have reached adulthood have started families, all of them have had weddings, and there is no misfortune. Otherwise, this anniversary is postponed and celebrated already at 2, 4, 6 years, but it is imperative that this date in Korean is already odd. National clothes are sewn for the hero of the day, which he must wear for the first half of the holiday, and in the second half he can change clothes. The spouse, friends, and relatives should sit next to the hero of the day. The toastmaster introduces the children of the hero of the day and their families to everyone present. Each of the congratulating children pours a glass of alcohol for the hero of the day and serves it to him with only two hands. Then the person congratulating his children, wife or husband makes a national bow - “ter”. This is a special national tradition in which you need to kneel, rest your hands on the floor and lower your head low, demonstrating respect and obedience. It is customary for Kazakh Koreans to do “ter” once. After the children, his relatives congratulate him, strictly observing the hierarchy. Only after observing all the rituals do the guests begin the meal. Relatives and friends always try to sing songs in honor of the hero of the day or play something on a national instrument. Children and grandchildren have been preparing a kind of family concert for a long time for the hero of the day and are very happy if they manage to please him.

It is usually customary to give money to the hero of the day, and everyone present strives not to lose face. Many parents then divide this money between their children.

"Fourth Table"

The death of a person is perceived both by representatives of other nationalities and by Koreans as an extreme, greatest grief, morally obliging all relatives and friends of the deceased to actively participate in the funeral and commemoration ceremony. Providing proper honors to deceased loved ones is seen by Koreans as the most important duty of all adult family members. That is why in Korean families, funerals of loved ones are arranged very solemnly, in accordance with traditional ritual.

After death, the Korean receives his last, “fourth table”. This is the last duty of children to their parents, the fulfillment of which is associated with all kinds of special rituals and ceremonies. By leaving behind children, a Korean thereby fulfills the most sacred duty on Earth, ensuring posthumous honors and prosperity for himself and all deceased ancestors.

Immediately after a person breathes his last breath and leaves for another world, he must take off a piece of clothing - it could be a T-shirt, shirt, blouse, etc. Having taken it, you need to go to the corner of the house, building, or to the balcony and stand facing the sunrise, holding in outstretched hand the thing taken from the deceased, shout out his personal name three times with the words: “chabiko kadegao!” This ritual is called “honu purunda” - calling the spirit of the deceased.

The deceased must be dressed in the same way as the living: first they put on underwear, then a suit or dress, and then outerwear.

Clothing must be made of three layers. The older child pours a glass. Then boiled pap rice is placed in a cup of water in three portions. After this, you need to do “ter” three times. The vodka is poured into a separate cup, into which the rest of the vodka poured for the deceased by other relatives will then be poured. Relatives should cry and moan loudly. The coffin with the body of the deceased must be carried out only through one threshold or through a window. If there are many rapids, then at each threshold three notches are made with an ax. Young girls, children and pregnant women are not allowed to go to the cemetery, and their husbands are not allowed to dig a grave or install a fence or monument. The deceased's clothes are burned in the cemetery. Mandatory funeral dishes are rice porridge “pap”, a cup of clean water, a spoon, a fork, funeral pancakes, Fried fish, boiled pork with lard, salads, sweets, fruits, cookies, peeled eggs. Then the “ter” ceremony is performed. The next day, all loved ones go to the cemetery and set the table again. This is considered the first year of commemoration. Then this ritual is performed on the day of death 2 years later. After this, it is considered that mourning is lifted.

There are only three days on which you can go to the cemetery. The permanent date is April 5-6. These days are called “hanzok”. You need to go to the cemetery in the morning. On these days you can touch the grave, clean it, wash it, etc. During the rest of the year, touching the grave is strictly prohibited. Another parent's day falls on May 5th according to the Korean calendar. "Tanya" day. On this day you cannot touch the grave either. The third day of the commemoration falls on August 15th according to the Korean calendar and is called “chisogi”.

Koreans even prepare the coffin in advance, during their lifetime. It is believed that if a person has everything prepared in advance, he will live longer.

Marriage is preceded by matchmaking. Matchmakers can only be the elders of the groom's family - the father, his elder brother, and only as a last resort, if there are none, the groom's mother. Having received the consent of the bride's parents, the parties agree to hold a chencha - an engagement ceremony, entirely financed by the groom, but held in the bride's house. All close relatives and friends of the bride and groom are invited to the ceremony. It is considered obligatory to offer the bride's relatives a goose - a symbol of marital fidelity, a special "shock" bread - chaltegi, made from a special variety of glutinous rice, as well as white rice cakes - timpeni.