tulemiks

Tulemiks is a term originating from Estonian culture, generally referring to the period after a wedding ceremony when the newly married couple is celebrated and welcomed into their new life together. It is not a single event but rather a series of customs and traditions that can vary significantly from region to region and family to family. Often, tulemiks involves a welcoming ritual at the threshold of the couple's new home, symbolizing their passage into married life and their integration into the community.

This welcoming might include specific actions such as carrying the bride over the threshold, breaking a plate and sweeping up the pieces (with the number of pieces sometimes interpreted as indicating the number of children the couple will have), or a symbolic offering of bread and salt. These acts are generally meant to bring good luck, fertility, and prosperity to the couple. The duration and intensity of tulemiks traditions can range from a brief ceremony to an extended celebration. While some traditional elements are still practiced, modern tulemiks often incorporates more contemporary forms of celebration and personal expression. The core sentiment remains the same: a joyous and supportive send-off for the newlyweds.