Talk:Russian braid

English slightly unclear

"One large and long braid was worn by girls in active search for a groom, while two braids which were tied around the head meant the girl was in marriage."

This isn't quite correct English, but unfortunately I am not sure exactly what it means. My guess would be:

"One large and long braid was worn by a girl or woman who wanted to find a husband, while two braids tied around the head indicated that the girl or woman was married."

However, it is possible that it could mean, "engaged," (i.e. has informally promised to marry a particular person) or "betrothed," (has formally promised - i.e. made a legal or religious contract or vow, but not having completed everything required to live as husband and wife). This distinction is somewhat technical, but the subject seems to call for accuracy regarding it.

Then the next sentence reads, "If a colourful ribbon was woven into a braid, it meant that the girl is for marriage, when two ribbons appeared, it meant that the official groom was found."

Again, the preposition isn't correct, and the wording isn't idiomatic. Does this actually refer to a variation of the custom? It seems to be slightly contradictory. Should it read:

"If a girl or woman wove a single colourful ribbon into her braid, this also meant that she wished to find a husband. However, if she wore two ribbons, this meant she was betrothed."

Or, possibly, "engaged"! If that final sentence should in fact read "married," then the comment about a married woman wearing her hair up in two braids needs qualifying.

This needs attention from someone who knows more about the actual subject than I do :-). If translating, feel free to ping me if you'd like a second opinion - I am a native English speaker (UK).

FloweringOctopus (talk) 18:23, 13 May 2024 (UTC)