Three Key Wedding Traditions From Greece
Greek wedding ceremonies are remarkable occasions
. These events not only celebrate the union of two people, but these also commemorate Greek history and family values, particularly since weddings are filled with ancient symbolic practices. There are a number of wedding customs done three times to signify the Holy Trinity, which then indicates eternity.
Before the Wedding
A Greek Orthodox practice involves having a formal engagement before the wedding, which is called the Service of Betrothal. Here, the engaged couple exchange rings, after which, the bride-to-be's mother gives a gift, and main choices as offerings are objects for housekeeping. The groom-to-be also requests the father-of-the-bride for his daughter's hand in marriage.
The priest will bless the rings on two occasions: the engagement and the wedding. Prior to the wedding rite, the formally engaged couple will have their rings on their left hands, which will then be transferred on their right hands following the second blessing.
Although many traditions have changed, there remain several practices that are still customarily done; thus, further strengthening Greek beliefs. This piece will mention familiar traditions. Yet, there are some nuances that may be slightly different from what you may have seen in wedding events that you have been to.
Getting the Wedding Underway
In most wedding rituals, vows are exchanged. But this is not so in a Greek wedding, which makes it quite unique. It is understood that the couple who wish to bind themselves in holy matrimony are there for reasons stated in customary vows; hence, there is no longer a need for these vows to be said out loud.
Traditional Greek weddings are not only romantic, but these are metaphorical, as well. All facets that are part of a Greek wedding represent unity and traditional values, which is like most wedding rituals.
Wedding guests customarily await both bride and groom outside the church before the wedding begins. Guests will be seated as soon as the bride and groom arrive, since visitors will be following the couple as they enter the church. Significantly, the bride will be seen in a veil of orange or red, which is believed to ward off evil spirits. Wedding guests will not be asked to sit with their families, as what is customarily done. On the other hand, they will all be asked to sit together.
Two basic ceremonies make up a traditional Greek wedding: the Service of Betrothal and the Service of the Sacrament of Marriage. During the former, the priest will bless the wedding rings and place them on the right hands of the bride and groom.
There is a set of prayers for the Ceremony of the Sacrament of Marriage. This will be led by a priest and the bride and groom should hold each other's hands as a representation of their union.
The crowning of the couple is another unique element of a Greek wedding. The couple will be crowned with a stefana or a Greek wedding crown made of orange or white blooms connected together by a single white ribbon. The crowns signify two important things. The crown itself is a mark that God has "crowned" the couple with honor and glory. Then, the ribbon is a symbol of their union. The Koumbaro or Koumbara, the religious sponsor, assists in interchanging the circlets between the man and wife's heads.
When the crowning ritual is done, it is followed by the common cup rite. The priest reads from the Gospel about the marriage at Cana, where Jesus worked his first miracle of changing water into wine. Then, the priest mimics the actions of Christ by also offering wine to the bride and groom wherein they have to take a sip three times.
The ceremonial walk follows as the couple, adorned with their crowns, circle the altar three times, signifying their first steps as husband and wife. Then, guests throw rice at the couple for fertility and happiness. Then, the stefanas are taken off and the Bible is placed between the couple's hands, indicating that only God can break their union.
At the Wedding Reception
One can describe a Greek wedding reception as traditional, but also fun and lively. A wedding reception is often expected after a Greek wedding. There are, however, definite Greek rituals that make each party unique.
One difference is in the wedding dance. There are two interpretations of a Greek wedding dance. One is the Isaiah, which is a dance performed by the wedded couple. Another is the Kaslamantiano, a dance performed by the couple and their guests as they form a huge circle.
Huge quantities of special dishes and delectable Greek treats also take center stage at any Greek wedding party. Special attention is given to candied almonds. The candied almonds are offered to guests in odd quantities because this means that nothing can ever break the union of the newlyweds. The Greeks offer time-honored food and drinks to wedding guests.
Greek Weddings are full of emotions and of imageries representative of long-standing Greek traditions. To encourage unity and felicity in new unions, all these age-old rituals and symbolisms are brought to life again and again.
by: Nick Kringas
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