The custom of avoidance in traditional and modern wedding ceremonies of Avars

Basing on the ethnographic research materials, the author describes the features of the wedding avoidance ritual among various peoples of the North Caucasus. The article presents classification of avoidances and restrictions, traces the transformation of the rite during Soviet times determined by the simplification of the many forms of communication, as well as at the present time - due to the emergence and spread of new forms of communication (telephone, Internet, and so on).