Wedding Traditions Of Western Europe's South Central Region
The wedding traditions of Western Europe are deep in the continent's history and lore
. Some traditions have been incorporated into today's more modern traditions and rituals as seen throughout Europe. In Western Europe's south central region, which includes Italy, Greece and Switzerland, those traditions are still evident.
Italy
- A wedding engagement in old Italy was quite often done between the families of the potential bride and groom. If the father of the bride had questions regarding his future son-in-law, the deal would be off. Another consideration was lineage, also known as Italian Genealogy.
- Often the potential groom would send over a masciata, or more commonly known as a messenger, with a message for the father of the potential bride. If the father accepts, the couple would then marry. If he does not, no wedding would take place.
- In some parts of Italy, it is custom for the couple to walk to the chapel together. The people of the region would set up obstacles along the way for the bride, so they can get a reaction to her situation. These reactions often set a tone for the kind of bride or mother she will be. If she stops to help a child, then she will be a good mom. If she picks up a broom, her house will stay clean, etc.
- In some regions of Italy, the couple is expected to saw a log in half prior to arriving to the chapel cutting it with a double handed saw. This is a representation of their partnership in their marriage.
- The tying of a ribbon in the front of the chapel represents the couple's bond.
- Older Italian churches recommend not marrying on Lent or Advent and should also be avoided during the months of May and August.
- An Italian folklore is to fight off evil spirits. For example, the groom may carry in his pocket a piece of iron. The bride will wear her veil so that she can hide her face from the jealousy ridden spirits. However, a torn veil is usually considered good luck.
- Marriages on Sundays are considered the luckiest day of the week.
- Until the rings are exchanged, it is thought to be bad luck for the bride to be wear gold on her wedding day.
- Wanda and 'confetti are foods served as good luck and for fertility. Wanda is fried dough twists with powdered sugar. 'confetti is almonds that are candy covered.
- Traditional Italian gourmet food is often served at Italian receptions. Reception guests can be served as much as 14 courses along with drink.
- Italian wedding cakes are usually multi-layered and are often served with coffee and espresso.
Greece
Greece has a variety of different wedding traditions when it comes to their past. You have the old traditional, the new modern and you have the Greek Orthodox. Below are just a few traditions that have adorned the Greek wedding for many years.
During a wedding ceremony:
- To honor the Holy Trinity, the bride and groom may walk together around the altar three times.
- Brides often wore red or yellow wedding veils as the bright colors symbolizes fire and is thought to protect her from demons and other evil spirits.
- Diamonds are thought of as the teardrops of the gods and that the diamond would reflect the flames of love.
- Quite often, the best man would place wreathes or crowns on the couple that were made from orange blossoms. The wreaths, or crowns, were usually linked together by a ribbon made from silk. This symbolized that the new couple were to be treated as the day's king and queen.
- The bride may also carry a small amount of sugar during her wedding that symbolizes a sweet life. She may also carry ivy, which meant endless love.
- A Greek reception is often the party of the year and can last all night long. The reception often includes food, drink and of course the circle dance, among others. For good luck, dishes are smashed on to the dance floor and Koufeta, a candy coated Jordan almond are served to the reception guests.
Switzerland
- To represent maidenhood, a bride to be wears a traditional wreath or crown.
- After her wedding vows and ceremony are over, the crown or wreath is then burned. If it burns fairly quickly, then the bride will have good luck.
- To represent fertility, a pine tree is planted in the newlywed's yard of their new home.
by: Nicole Sanchez
Salient Features Of A Los Angeles Wedding Coordinator Shopping Tips For Wedding Gifts How To Have A Fun Wedding Reception On A Budget How to Select the Wedding Planner that's right for you Wedding Gown Fabrics Wedding Rentals - What You Should Know About Wedding Rentals Wedding Rentals - Plan a Theme Wedding For Less Ideas For A Perfect Wedding: The Wedding Planner Comes San Diego Wedding Planners Facilitate Your In The City Getting Married In San Diego – Easy With A San Diego Wedding Planner The Importance of Wedding Entertainment Look Fabulous On Your Wedding Day With Couture Wedding Dresses Why choose a professional wedding photographer