When attending a Greek wedding, it’s essential to have an understanding of the traditional events and customs that may unfold. As many Greek Orthodox weddings follow specific rituals, being familiar with these symbolistic elements will enrich your experience. With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to appreciate the unique aspects of the ceremony and reception, from ceremonial customs to lively dance performances.
What to Expect at a Greek Wedding
While other Orthodox weddings may share similarities with Greek Orthodox weddings, there are distinct cultural and religious elements that set them apart. The traditions observed during these ceremonies are deeply rooted in Church teachings or passed down through generations of Greek customs. As a result, both faith and heritage play a profound role in shaping the wedding experience.
To gain insight into what makes a Greek Orthodox wedding unique, it’s essential to explore the various ways Greece celebrates its culture through time-honored ceremonial customs.
Greek Wedding Dates
In planning a wedding, couples often consider the best months for their big day. In the United States, June, September, and October are the most popular choices. However, in Greece, January and July hold special significance. These months are dedicated to Hera, the goddess of marriage and fertility, as per Greek mythology. Interestingly, only January was initially devoted to Hera, until the Romans translated her name to Juno, shifting the focus to June.
While these dates are auspicious for weddings, Greeks do avoid certain times without obtaining permission from the ceremonial priest. Specifically, they steer clear of 40 days prior to Christmas and Easter (Lent), as well as the first two weeks of August, which honors the Virgin Mary, and August 29th and September 14, commemorating the death of Saint John the Baptist and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, respectively.
Koumbaro and Koumbara
In Greek Orthodox weddings, the Koumbaro and Koumbara play a significant role as sponsors. To be eligible for this position, one must have a good standing with the Church, ruling out non-Orthodox friends and family. The Koumbaro typically assumes the role of best man, while the Koumbara takes on that of maid of honor. This duo often becomes godparents to the newlyweds’ children, highlighting the importance of their relationship.
Their responsibilities are akin to those of a traditional maid of honor and best man, including helping the couple prepare for the ceremony and reception, as well as participating in the actual ceremony. During the ritual, one sponsor will exchange rings while the other presents crowns. Traditionally, both sponsors would gift the newlyweds a silver tray to hold these sacred items; although this custom has largely fallen out of practice today.
For further insight into the role of Koumbaros and Koumbaras or to explore becoming a sponsor for a Greek Orthodox wedding, interested individuals can consult Saint Demetrios.
The Signing of the Shoes
A little-known Greek tradition dictates that the identity of the next-to-marry single bridesmaid can be revealed by a rather unconventional method: inscribing names on the bottom of the bride’s shoes. Before the ceremony, all of the bride’s unmarried friends will scribble their names onto the soles of her wedding shoes. The bride will then wear these enshrined footwear throughout the ceremony and reception.
At day’s end, any names that have been scuffed off are likely to be soon embarking on their own nuptial journey. Interestingly, this custom bears some resemblance to the English tradition of the bouquet toss, where the bridesmaid who catches the tossed flowers is thought to be next in line for marriage.
Bridal Entrance
In a traditional Greek Orthodox wedding, the dynamics of the guest experience are turned on their head compared to more familiar Western-style weddings. Instead of awaiting the bride’s arrival in a church or other formal setting, the groom and guests typically gather outside the venue to await her entrance. This unique approach adds an air of excitement and anticipation to the proceedings.
The prelude to the ceremony often begins with the bride being escorted by her father to the location where she’ll meet her groom and waiting guests. As a symbol of their love, the groom will then present her with a bouquet of flowers before they walk down the aisle together, accompanied by all the attendees.
Once the priest gives the signal, the guests will take their seats and the ceremony can begin.
Service of Betrothal
In a traditional Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony, the priest guides the couple through two distinct components: the Service of Betrothal and the Service of the Crowning. The latter half of the ceremony commences with a series of prayer requests offered on behalf of the newlyweds, followed by the blessing of the sacred wedding rings.
During this segment, the priest bestows blessings upon the rings thrice, first on the groom, then on the bride, symbolizing the Holy Trinity comprising the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Following this ritualistic exchange, the Koumbaro or Koumbara assumes a central role, performing the same tripartite ring exchange with the priest.
The ceremony reaches its climax as the newly engaged couple accepts the rings in the presence of God, solidifying their commitment to one another through an additional prayer.
Service of the Crowning
In a Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony, the Service of Crowning follows the Sacrament of Marriage. This service commences with the exchange of lit, white candles, symbolizing the couple’s acceptance of Jesus Christ into their lives. The bride, groom, and priest then join hands as the priest recites three prayers in reverence to the Holy Trinity. Next, the priest blesses the wedding crowns before placing them on the groom and bride’s heads.
The Koumbaro or Koumbara subsequently exchanges the crowns between the couple thrice, a testament to their union. These crowns may symbolize the couple as King and Queen of their own home or allude to the Crown of Martyrdom, signifying the sacrifices they must make for their marriage. Following this exchange, the priest reads from the Bible, recounting the Cana and Galilee wedding where Jesus transformed water into wine.
The couple is then presented with a single cup, known as the Common Cup, which they share thrice, symbolizing their new life together. In the final stage of the Sacrament of Marriage, the celebrant leads the groom and bride around the altar table three times for the Dance of Isaiah, expressing gratitude to God and joy at receiving His blessings. Upon completion, the marriage between the happy couple is officially sealed through the Greek Orthodox Church.
Koufeta
In Greece, a traditional wedding reception custom is to present guests with Koufeta, sugar-coated almonds wrapped in odd-numbered quantities. This gesture holds profound significance, as the hardness of the almond represents the durability and strength required for a successful marriage, while the sugar coating symbolizes a sweet and harmonious life ahead for the couple.
Furthermore, the odd number of Koufeta is intentionally chosen to convey that the union between the pair will not be divisible – much like odd numbers cannot be separated evenly. This thoughtful gesture serves as a heartfelt expression of the couple’s commitment to one another, reinforcing the bonds of matrimony and setting the tone for their future together.
The Last Dance
In stark contrast to American wedding traditions, newlywed couples in Greece tend to save their first dance for later in the reception. The playlist often features a blend of contemporary chart-toppers and traditional Greek tunes, paying homage to their cultural heritage. Some ancient customs have even seen guests pinning money to the bride’s dress as a symbol of good fortune and financial prosperity.
While this tradition has evolved over time, modern couples may opt for a more laid-back approach by simply scattering cash across the dance floor. To be on the safe side, it’s always a good idea to bring some spare change along, just in case the happy couple decides to keep the tradition alive.
Questions About Greek Wedding Traditions
Who pays for a Greek wedding?
In a traditional Greek Orthodox wedding, it’s common for parents to cover some or all of the venue and ceremony expenses. Additionally, the Koumbaro (male) and Koumbara (female) will typically be responsible for providing crowns and candles used in the ritual performances. As for modern couples, they may still choose to contribute financially towards their special day, depending on their individual circumstances.
How long is a traditional Greek wedding ceremony?
In a traditional Greek wedding, the ceremony typically unfolds over a duration of around 45 minutes to an hour. The lengthy process is rooted in the various customs and prayers that the Greek Orthodox priest must perform, lending depth and significance to the proceedings.
Why do they spit on the bride in Greek weddings?
In many cultures, it’s believed that certain superstitions can bring good fortune to newlyweds. One such tradition involves a guest playfully pretending to spit on the bride, not as a way to disrespect her, but rather as a harmless ritual to ward off any evil spirits that might try to disrupt their special day. This peculiar practice is rooted in ancient Greek custom, where guests would spit three times as a nod to the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
By performing this symbolic act, they hoped to protect the bride and groom from any potential misfortune that might arise on their wedding day.
Conclusion
In Greece, rich matrimony traditions dating back to ancient times continue to thrive, with symbolism woven throughout every traditional wedding ceremony. From superstitions to Orthodox beliefs, each custom has been passed down through generations. As you attend your first Greek wedding, you may find yourself bewildered by the unfamiliar rituals and customs. But fear not! By understanding these time-honored traditions, you’ll be better prepared for the big day. And who knows?
You might just fall in love with the culture as you witness the couple’s commitment to each other through a stunning display of tradition and joy.
