Weddings in Greece are known for their rich cultural heritage and the numerous customs that accompany the ceremony and celebrations. Each custom has its own meaning and reveals a love for tradition and family. Let’s explore some of the most typical Greek wedding customs.
Preparations before the wedding
Engagement
The engagement is the couple’s first official commitment and marks the beginning of preparations for the wedding. Families meet, offer gifts and jewelry to the couple and celebrate.
Preparing the couple
The making of the bed
A few days before the wedding, families, best men and guests carry gifts to the house where the couple will live after the wedding. The single women make the couple’s bed. Guests throw rice, rose petals and money. A child climbs onto the bed to symbolize the wish for fertility.
The wedding day
Dressing the bride and groom
Preparing the bride is a ritualistic process, with her friends and relatives helping to dress her. Similarly, the groom gets ready with the help of friends and relatives. In some areas, it is a for the groom by his friends as a symbolic act of preparation for the wedding.
The procession to the church
The procession to the church is one of the most picturesque moments of the ceremony. Relatives and friends accompany the bride and groom with songs and music, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
The mystery of marriage
The Greek Orthodox wedding includes the sacrament of coronation, where the couple is crowned with crowns, which symbolize their spiritual and physical union. Wine shared from a common glass and walking around the table three times are also important elements of the ceremony.
The rice
Guests throw rice to the newlyweds as they leave the church, wishing them prosperity, fertility and happiness. Rice symbolizes the abundance and stability of marriage.
The celebration
The ceremony is followed by the feast, a big celebration with food, drinks, music and dancing. Traditional songs and dances, such as the hashapiko and kalamatianos, add liveliness and fun to the event. Guests often participate in dances such as the money gift dance, where they offer money to the couple.
The second day of the wedding
In many areas, the second day of the wedding includes additional celebrations and festivals. Relatives and friends continue the celebrations, showing their love and support for the new couple.
The Greek wedding is a celebration full of traditions and customs that strengthen the bonds of family and community. Through these customs, Greeks celebrate the union of two people in a way that combines religious devotion, joy and collective happiness.