Three Major Greek Wedding Customs
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. Several wedding rites are performed three times to represent the Trinity, and so, infinity.
A Few Days Before the Wedding
Greek Orthodox tradition dictates that an engagement service must be done before the wedding ceremony, which is also known as the Service of Betrothal. This focuses on the ring exchange between the bride-to-be and groom-to-be. The girls mother will then present a gift, which is often an article that aids in housework. The groom also takes this opportunity to officially solicit the brides parents for their blessing or permission, specifically asking the father-of-the-bride.
Wedding rings are consecrated on both the engagement rite and the wedding ceremony. After being formally engaged, the couple will then wear their rings on their left hands. Following the wedding ceremony, the rings will then be worn on the couples right hands.
Although many traditions have changed, there remain several practices that are still customarily done; thus, further strengthening Greek beliefs. Here, a number of basic traditions will be highlighted, but keep an open mind since there may be some slight differences in what you may have already seen.
Getting the Wedding Underway
An interesting aspect of a traditional Greek wedding is that couples do not exchange vows, unlike most religions. There is trust that the couple getting married are there for the exact reasons stated in vows, and that there is no need for vows to be read aloud.
Greek wedding ceremonies are both sentimental and representational. Every aspect of the wedding, like in most societies, stand for unity and customary values.
Before the ceremony officially starts, wedding guests are asked to wait outside the church for the bride and groom. When the resplendent bride, who will be typically wearing a veil in orange or red to ward off evil spirits, makes an appearance, guests will then be asked to enter the church following both bride and groom. There are no seating arrangements here; so, people can sit wherever they want. They will not be asked to sit with their families, as with most customs.
Two basic ceremonies make up a traditional Greek wedding: the Service of Betrothal and the Service of the Sacrament of Marriage. The priest will sanctify the wedding rings during the formal engagement, and the rings will then be worn on the right hands of both bride and groom.
During the service of the Sacrament of Marriage, the couple will have to join their hands to signify unity as the priest presides over saying a series of prayers for them.
Another remarkable event that takes place during the wedding is the crowning of the bride and groom. The newly wedded couple will be adorned with crowns made of orange or white flowers that are joined with a white ribbon. This is also called a stefana. The stefana is a symbol of the honor given to the couple by God, and the ribbon represents unity. The Koumbaro or Koumbara, the religious sponsor, assists in interchanging the circlets between the man and wifes heads.
After the crowning of the couple, the common cup ritual follows. The priest then reads the Gospel, bringing to life Jesus first miracle converting water into wine in a wedding at Cana in Galilee. 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. Rice is thrown on the couple by guests as a sign of fertility and blessedness. The crowns are then removed from the couples heads. As the newlyweds leave the church, the priest places a Bible between the pairs linked hands to show that only God can break their union.
The Wedding Reception
Greek wedding receptions focus on the family. It is a time filled with music, laughter and dancing a celebration of the union of two loved ones. Although each party is unique, there are certain rituals that identify them as purely Greek.
The Greek wedding dance is quite unique. The Isaiah is performed by the bride and groom, while the Kaslamantiano is performed by the couple and guests forming a circle.
Greek wedding parties also pay tribute to traditional Greek cuisine. Expect an array of mouthwatering fare, from tasty main courses to luscious desserts. Of particular note are sugar-coated almonds. These are distributed in odd numbers to guests, symbolizing a unification that cannot be separated. Traditional meals and beverages are also served.
Greek Weddings are full of emotions and of imageries representative of long-standing Greek traditions. The beauty of the different ceremonies and the symbols they represent aim to complete a perfect unity for bride and groom. Greek weddings are quite unique since these are centered on family, friends and, most importantly, ancient Greek traditions.
by: Nicholas Kringas
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