On Certain Wedding Traditions in Megrelian–Laz (Based on Folklore and Ethnographic Materials)

Abstract

The institution of marriage and the customs associated with it have undergone a long process of development. Marriage, historically formed as a socially conditioned relationship between a woman and a man, evolved and transformed alongside society.
Folk art demonstrates the culture of a nation and reveals its ancient heritage; it contains valuable material that expresses the uniqueness of a people’s national worldview.
In the present study, the discussion of customs serves an auxiliary function and is employed only when such analysis helps clarify the nature of a folkloric monument and thus contributes to a better understanding of the work. The ethnographic observations of a folklorist are always determined by the traditional nature of oral literature.
Within the scope of the present study, Laz and Megrelian wedding traditions are examined, with the aim of identifying their similarities and differences, with particular attention devoted to wedding folklore.
It is worth mentioning that folklore represents a distinctive historical record of a people; therefore, the study of oral folklore materials is particularly important, as they preserve and revitalize folk customs.
Numerous shared features can be observed in Laz and Megrelian wedding traditions, which is natural given that the Laz and Megrelians represent parts of the same Georgian ethnos. Differences between certain traditions are conditioned by religious factors, centuries of close contact with various cultures, and other circumstances.