|
At traditional Greek weddings, the groom is expected to ask the father
for the daughter's hand in marriage before the bride.
A betrothal service is held when the engagement becomes official and
the wedding rings are blessed by the priest. During the engagement the
rings are worn on the left hand and once they are married they switch
their rings to the right hand.
For portions of the ceremony the bride and groom are crowned by the
best man (Koumbaros) to show that the couple are the King and Queen.
Crowns are attached by a ribbon or string. This physical tie symbolizes
the couple's spiritual union as husband and wife. The crowns are made
of gold or orange blossoms that are connected to the ribbons of the
crown.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom
walk around the altar three times to symbolize the trinity and their
first walk as a married couple.
At the reception traditional Greek food
is served and candy-coated almonds are given to the guests as favors.
The Greek tradition of the Kaslamantiano,
the Circle Dance (famous from the movie Zorba), is done at the reception.
Guests pin money onto the bride's dress
during a wedding dance. Once the celebration is over a tradition of
smashing dishes on the floor with choruses of “opa” is for
good luck.
The Greek tradition of the Kaslamantiano, the Circle Dance (famous from
the movie Zorba), is done at the reception. Click
here for more wedding traditions from around the world
|
