Traditions > Weddings
Weddings
Wedding customs (Hochzeit) likely varied in detail across the different German colonies in Russia. The following is an account of the nuptial procedures in the colony of Norka in the Volga area. Many people from Norka settled in Portland,
The process of marriage took a definite form of order. This was brought about either through the mutual consent of the young people involved, the instigation of their parents, or the intervention of a matchmaker. The first two situations were more common in Norka.
The process of marriage took a definite form of order. This was brought about either through the mutual consent of the young people involved, the instigation of their parents, or the intervention of a matchmaker. The first two situations were more common in Norka.
Wedding photograph of a Volga German couple in the Albina district from the early 1900's. Written on the back of the photo is "This picture is Elizabeth Bauer". This photograph courtesy of Stacy Hahn.
A young man wishing to marry would first receive permission from his family. He needed their approval of the young girl he had chosen for his wife and her family. Of course, this would be no problem if the young man's parents arranged this union.
After receiving his family's blessing, a group would visit the young girl's home to ask her parents for their daughter's hand in marriage. This group consisted of the young man, his father, and godfathers who played a big part in their godson's wedding. There was no doubt an air of courtesy with the father doing most of the talking. He would expound on the merits of his son and what a wonderful wife their daughter would be. The girl would be given a gift from the young man's mother. If the girl's parents consented, there was much hand-shaking and gaiety, which called for drinks and refreshments. Sometimes, the girl's family would not readily accept, requiring another visit.
The German term referring to a married couple was Sie sind gefreit. This is comparable to the English term "They are engaged." A man who took part in these wedding activities was called a Gefreiersmann.
The wedding date would typically be set at this time, generally in the winter, as more time was available for preparation. No marriages were performed during the Lenten season. Spring followed with warmer weather, which meant the resumption of fieldwork. Weddings were also observed during the week, so the celebration did not extend into the Sabbath.
Shortly after the marriage agreement was done, the families attended a dinner. This added to the festivity and was referred to as a Wunghoff.
Three consecutive Sundays before the wedding date, announcements of the impending marriage were made at the church services. This gave anybody a chance to speak out against this union.
The invitation to the wedding was made by the godfathers and close male friends (Gefreiersmanner) who carried canes to which the bride-to-be tied a ribbon. Going from home to home in the evening, the invitation was given by this group in the form of a poem:
After receiving his family's blessing, a group would visit the young girl's home to ask her parents for their daughter's hand in marriage. This group consisted of the young man, his father, and godfathers who played a big part in their godson's wedding. There was no doubt an air of courtesy with the father doing most of the talking. He would expound on the merits of his son and what a wonderful wife their daughter would be. The girl would be given a gift from the young man's mother. If the girl's parents consented, there was much hand-shaking and gaiety, which called for drinks and refreshments. Sometimes, the girl's family would not readily accept, requiring another visit.
The German term referring to a married couple was Sie sind gefreit. This is comparable to the English term "They are engaged." A man who took part in these wedding activities was called a Gefreiersmann.
The wedding date would typically be set at this time, generally in the winter, as more time was available for preparation. No marriages were performed during the Lenten season. Spring followed with warmer weather, which meant the resumption of fieldwork. Weddings were also observed during the week, so the celebration did not extend into the Sabbath.
Shortly after the marriage agreement was done, the families attended a dinner. This added to the festivity and was referred to as a Wunghoff.
Three consecutive Sundays before the wedding date, announcements of the impending marriage were made at the church services. This gave anybody a chance to speak out against this union.
The invitation to the wedding was made by the godfathers and close male friends (Gefreiersmanner) who carried canes to which the bride-to-be tied a ribbon. Going from home to home in the evening, the invitation was given by this group in the form of a poem:
Ich bring eich einen schönen Grüss Von Braut and Brautigam. Sie lassen euch bitten insgemein Ihr sollt auch Hochzeitsgaste sein.
Bis den kommenden Dienstag ist das Fest So stellt euch ein ihr lieben Ggst. Steckt ouch Messer and Gabeln ein Es wird was zum verschneiden sein.
Ein Altos Schaf and eine Lahme Kuh Die kommen ganz gewiss dazu. Ein Schwein ist plötzlich umgekommen Das wind gewiss dazu genommen.
Und sieben Hühner and ein Hahn Müssen alle auf einmal dran. Ddse alle sind so fett Wie ein gedörtes Wagenbrett.
Unsere Ves Analies Sie backt die Kuchen Sauer and süss. Das . kann man, glauben fir gewiss.
Sie backt sie ja nach ihrer Art Sie macht sie vie ein Wagenrad. Sie hat rote Haaren and Sommerflecken Das Essen wird vortrifflich schmecken.
Es sind auch Musikanten da Die spielen Hopsa Trallalla. Mit Pfeifen, Geigen and Dudelsack Da kann man tanzen nach dem Takt.
Mein Stöchchen bitt um ein Band So mach ich euch noch mehr bekannt. Blitz: Kreutz! Es fällt mir noch was sin Ich schweig ganz still vom Brantewein.
Im Keller liegt ein Fass mit Bier Es krissellt mich ja selbst dafür. Selbst gesehen hab ich's nicht Ein bischen lügen schadt such nichts.
Ei da drausen fliegt ein Spatz Gebt dem Hochzeitsleider einen Schnapps.
A literal translation, of course, loses much of its charm. The following is an understanding of this humorous poem:
I bring you a nice greeting from the bride and groom. They both request that you should be wedding guests.
This coming Tuesday is the celebration, so set forth, dear guests. Bring along your knives' and forks. There will be something to eat.
An old sheep and a lame cow will certainly be there. A pig has suddenly been butchered, which will certainly be taken.
And seven hens and a rooster must all at one time be next. These are all so fat, like a dried-up wagonboard.
Our Aunt Alice bakes the cakes sour and sweet. That one can believe.
She bakes them in her own way, like a wagon wheel. She has red hair and freckles, so the food will taste awfully good.
There will also be musicians who play "Hopsasa Trallalla." With fifes, violins, and bagpipes, one can dance with the time.
On my cane, tie a ribbon to make it known to you. "Blitz!" "Kreutz!" I have forgotten something else I'll keep entirely quiet from the brandy.
In the cellar is a keg of beer. I am attracted to it: I haven't seen it myself, but a little lying doesn't make any difference.
Outside flies a sparrow. Give the wedding inviter a shot of whiskey.
This 1917 wedding photograph of Emily Kaiser and Christ Hicks shows two men (at the far left and right) holding canes tied with ribbons acknowledging the acceptance of wedding invitations. Courtesy of Scott Lewandoske, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
When a household accepted the invitation, they acknowledged it by tying an additional ribbon to the canes, as indicated in the poem. These ribbons or sashes could be very elaborate, and you can imagine how decorative this would be. Drinks were served by the household to celebrate the upcoming wedding. After making several house calls, the invitation delegation could go no further, and as a result, it took several evenings to perform their task.
Another social function was a dance for the younger people on the day before the wedding. This could be described as a last "fling" for the young, unmarried, with their friends.
On the morning of the big day, the groom, his godfathers, and his best men went to the bride's home to take her to church to be married. They called to her to come out of the house. There was much excitement and joy both outside and inside, where the bride and her friends were getting prepared. To tease the groom, one of the bridesmaids would open the door and come out instead. The groom and his friends would express disapproval and call for the bride. You can imagine their reaction whenever an old maid aunt appeared at the door.
There was a procession to the church for the wedding party. Musicians sometimes accompanied them, or they might ride in decorated horse-drawn sleighs. You visualize a German-Russian wedding with snow because it was winter in Russia.
As in present times, the bride wore a white gown and a veil, which was perhaps not as long. The groom wore in his lapel a large flower from which hung a long sash or ribbon. The male members of the party had bands of ribbons and little flowers around their arms and hats. Generally, the couple was escorted by two bridesmaids and two best men.
Another social function was a dance for the younger people on the day before the wedding. This could be described as a last "fling" for the young, unmarried, with their friends.
On the morning of the big day, the groom, his godfathers, and his best men went to the bride's home to take her to church to be married. They called to her to come out of the house. There was much excitement and joy both outside and inside, where the bride and her friends were getting prepared. To tease the groom, one of the bridesmaids would open the door and come out instead. The groom and his friends would express disapproval and call for the bride. You can imagine their reaction whenever an old maid aunt appeared at the door.
There was a procession to the church for the wedding party. Musicians sometimes accompanied them, or they might ride in decorated horse-drawn sleighs. You visualize a German-Russian wedding with snow because it was winter in Russia.
As in present times, the bride wore a white gown and a veil, which was perhaps not as long. The groom wore in his lapel a large flower from which hung a long sash or ribbon. The male members of the party had bands of ribbons and little flowers around their arms and hats. Generally, the couple was escorted by two bridesmaids and two best men.
Photograph of Henry Glanz (son of Jacob and Dorothy Reitz) and Marie Henkel (daughter of John and Alice Block) on their wedding day, March 18, 1918, at St. Paul's Church in Portland. Henry is wearing a white wedding ribbon. It was traditional to have a reception after the wedding which included great food, drink, and dancing. The dancing began with a wedding march led by the attendants followed by the bride and groom, family, and friends. Once the march had been concluded the bride and groom danced. A person would cut in by tapping the groom on the shoulder indicated he wanted to dance with the bride. He would pin money on her bridal dress before dancing with her. Women would pin money on the groom's lapel ribbon. Photograph courtesy of Nancy Cooper, Kathy Hoffee and John Killian.
Several couples could be married at one service. The wedding parties marched down the aisle with the couples sitting on the front benches. The pastor then gave a sermon. After the sermon, the couple came forward for the ceremony.
As a note of interest, the groom placed the ring on the middle finger of the bride's right hand, and there were no double-ring ceremonies.
The wedding reception was held at the groom's family home. The procession from the church was very festive, and male friends even fired guns into the air. Upon arriving at the home, a receiving line was formed outside, and the invited guests extended their blessings and best wishes.
At this point, the groom's mother would come out of the house to welcome her new daughter-in-law to her new home. The bride was now a member of her husband's family.
The festivities would begin with the brothers of the church singing and saying a prayer. This was then followed by dancing and other social activities. A wedding consisting of much dancing and music was referred to as a Tanzhochzeit (dance wedding), and one with a more religious aspect would be a Brüderhochzeit (Brethren wedding).
The celebration lasted two to three days, with guests arriving and departing. Two meals were served daily: roast beef, dumplings, schnitzsuppe (a dried fruit soup), and other dishes, along with bread.
Russia offered a wide variety of drinks, from potato schnapps to fine grape wine. A punch of hot tea and cognac was served, greatly affecting the participants.
All gifts to the newlyweds were in the form of money. An exception was a beautiful pillow or two made by the bride's godmother. This was passed around to the guests who placed their gifts upon it. When any man danced with the bride, he pinned money to her dress. Coin money was placed in the drinks she was served.
Another activity was to auction off one of the bride's wedding shoes. This would once have been stolen from her and then reappear, displayed on a pillow with great ceremony. A best man was generally expected to be the highest bidder.
The amount of lavishness of a wedding was governed by the means of the families and other economic conditions prevailing at the time. This was the most significant social event in their lives, and they spent as much time and money as they could afford. It was shared by the families of both the bride and groom. So much work was involved in preparing the food that the couple's mothers, as well as relatives and friends of other women, were too busy to attend the church marriage service.
After the wedding, the new wife would assume the duties of the other woman in her home. A cow and a sheep were brought along as her dowry.
She would now live happily thereafter with her new husband, his father and mother, his brothers and their wives, his nephews and nieces, his grandfather and grandmother—and maybe some aunts and uncles.
As a note of interest, the groom placed the ring on the middle finger of the bride's right hand, and there were no double-ring ceremonies.
The wedding reception was held at the groom's family home. The procession from the church was very festive, and male friends even fired guns into the air. Upon arriving at the home, a receiving line was formed outside, and the invited guests extended their blessings and best wishes.
At this point, the groom's mother would come out of the house to welcome her new daughter-in-law to her new home. The bride was now a member of her husband's family.
The festivities would begin with the brothers of the church singing and saying a prayer. This was then followed by dancing and other social activities. A wedding consisting of much dancing and music was referred to as a Tanzhochzeit (dance wedding), and one with a more religious aspect would be a Brüderhochzeit (Brethren wedding).
The celebration lasted two to three days, with guests arriving and departing. Two meals were served daily: roast beef, dumplings, schnitzsuppe (a dried fruit soup), and other dishes, along with bread.
Russia offered a wide variety of drinks, from potato schnapps to fine grape wine. A punch of hot tea and cognac was served, greatly affecting the participants.
All gifts to the newlyweds were in the form of money. An exception was a beautiful pillow or two made by the bride's godmother. This was passed around to the guests who placed their gifts upon it. When any man danced with the bride, he pinned money to her dress. Coin money was placed in the drinks she was served.
Another activity was to auction off one of the bride's wedding shoes. This would once have been stolen from her and then reappear, displayed on a pillow with great ceremony. A best man was generally expected to be the highest bidder.
The amount of lavishness of a wedding was governed by the means of the families and other economic conditions prevailing at the time. This was the most significant social event in their lives, and they spent as much time and money as they could afford. It was shared by the families of both the bride and groom. So much work was involved in preparing the food that the couple's mothers, as well as relatives and friends of other women, were too busy to attend the church marriage service.
After the wedding, the new wife would assume the duties of the other woman in her home. A cow and a sheep were brought along as her dowry.
She would now live happily thereafter with her new husband, his father and mother, his brothers and their wives, his nephews and nieces, his grandfather and grandmother—and maybe some aunts and uncles.
The wedding of Phillip and Lydia Knipple (née Brethauer) on October 2, 1926 in Portland. Back row from left to right: Beatrice (née Helzer) Brethauer and Samuel Brethauer, Rachel (née Brethauer) Shaffer and Jack Shaffer. Photograph courtesy of Jill Gaddis.
Sources
This story was written by William H. Burbach of Milwaukie, Oregon, in 1976. It is based on material furnished by Mrs. Elizabeth Burbach and Mrs. Catherine Rudolph (Reminiscence of the early 1900s). Peter Koch provided the poem. The original story was edited for clarity.
Last updated October 4, 2025