Greek weddings are wonderful events. 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. Significant rituals are often repeated three times because the number ‘three’ is representative of the Holy Trinity.
Before the Ceremony
A Greek Orthodox practice involves having a formal engagement before the wedding, which is called the Service of Betrothal. This focuses on the ring exchange between the bride-to-be and groom-to-be. The girl’s mother will then present a gift, which is often an article that aids in housework. The groom also asks the father of the bride’s permission for his daughter’s hand in marriage.
The blessing of the rings is done twice. One is made during the formal engagement, and the other is during 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 couple’s right hands.
Today, more customary practices are being changed to fit the times. Yet, there are some that still hold fast and remain true to Greek traditions. A number of important practices are emphasized in this article, although there may be some variations in how you experienced them.
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. 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. Traditional values and unity are exemplified in all aspects of the wedding, like those in other cultures.
Before the ceremony officially starts, wedding guests are asked to wait outside the church for the bride and groom. 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. Guests will be all seated together, not separated according to families like in most cultures.
Two key ceremonies are performed in a Greek wedding: first is the Service of Betrothal followed by the Service of the Sacrament of Marriage. During the engagement ritual, the priest will bless the wedding rings, which will be worn on the couple’s right hands.
The Ceremony of the Sacrament of Marriage encompasses a sequence of prayers led by the priest, at which time the couple has to join their hands to symbolize their union.
Another beautiful part of the wedding ceremony is the crowning. The stefana or wedding crown will be presented to the bride and groom. A stefana is generally made with orange or white flowers, made with a single white ribbon, and this is also interlaced with ivy at times. The crowns signify God’s honor and the ribbon signifies the bride and groom’s unity. 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 then reads the Gospel, bringing to life Jesus’ first miracle – converting water into wine in a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The priest also does the same ritual by presenting wine to the couple and they drink from the cup 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. The throwing of rice signifies fertility and blessedness, which is why guests pelt newlywed couples with rice. The crowns are then taken off and the priest places a Bible between the intertwined fingers of the newlyweds. This signifies that only God has the power to break what He has blessed and united.
At 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.
One difference is in the wedding dance. The Isaiah is performed by the bride and groom, while the Kaslamantiano is performed by the couple and guests forming a circle.
A Greek reception is not complete without vast amounts of good food. Distinct to wedding parties are almonds swathed in sugar. These candies are handed out in odd numbers to visitors. The odd number is a sign that the couple’s union cannot be broken. Traditional meals and beverages are also served.
Greek weddings are very traditional and poetic. The solemn rituals and the symbols all stand for unity between a bride and groom. Greek weddings are quite unique since these are centered on family, friends and, most importantly, ancient Greek traditions.
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