This week, bride2b Candida explains the traditions of her Greek Orthodox ceremony
Hi everyone
I haven't been around for a couple of weeks as work has been manic and then I was ill (isn't it always the way!) This week I've been working on the info to send to our guests to take the confusion out of the day by explaining a bit about what happens at a traditional Greek Wedding. So I thought I'd share the traditions with you as well (along with a beautiful photo of the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in London's Bayswater where Damien and I will marry.)
The Greek Orthodox Wedding Ceremony
The marriage ceremony of the Greek Orthodox Church is steeped in ritual and symbolism. Each of the acts that you will observe has special meaning and significance and are deeply rooted in religious and social traditions. They are performed three times in order to invoke the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Best Men and Best Women
Greek Weddings have numerous Best Men and Women. Guests elect themselves to be a Best Man (Koumbaro) or Best Woman (Koumera), by accepting a buttonhole or corsage at the Church. The Best Men and Women sign their name on a ribbon that is distributed at the Church during the service. This is usually done by close friends and relatives who ultimately give a set contribution of money at the reception. The First Best Man on behalf of the Bride and Groom collects this money at the reception. The Rings
A Greek Orthodox marriage is a double ring ceremony. The Priest makes the sign of the Cross three times over the heads of the couple with each ring, then he places the rings onto the right hands of the Bride and Groom. The First Best Man removes the Groom’s ring whilst the Maid of Honour removes the Bride’s ring. The rings are the swapped between them three times.
It is now the turn of the Best Men and Best Women to perform the same ritual. The Best Men and Best Women congregate down the aisles by the side of the Bride and Groom. Simultaneously, a Best Man and a Best Woman approach the couple and exchange rings just once in the same way described above. It is said to be unlucky for a Best Man and Best Woman to perform the exchange of rings if they happen to be a couple!
At the end of the ceremony, Best Men and Best Women sign a long length of ribbon (as mentioned previously) with their congratulations, serving as proof of their participation in the ceremony.
The Priest now unites the right hand of the Bride and Groom. The hands are kept joined throughout the service to symbolise unity of the couple.
The Crowning
The Crowns are symbolic of the bond between the couple and of the glory and the honour with which God crowns them in the sacrament. The First Best Man and the Maid of Honour exchange the Crowns in the same manner as they exchanged rings. The Common Cup
The rite of the Crowning is followed by a reading of the Epistle and the Gospel which describes the marriage of Cana of Galilee where Christ performed his first miracle. In remembrance of this blessing, the Common Cup containing wine is given to the Bride and Groom from which they sip three times. This is the Common Cup of life denoting the mutual sharing of joy and sorrow, the token of a life of harmony. The drinking of wine from the Common Cup serves to impress upon the couple that from that moment on they will share everything in life. The Ceremonial Walk
The Priest now leads the couple followed by the First Best Man and the Maid of Honour three times in a circle around the Holy Table on which are placed the Gospel and the Holy Cross. Both husband and wife are taking their first steps as a married couple, and the Church, represented by the Priest, leads them in the way they should go forward in life.
The Reception
At the reception another tradition follows. After all the guests have enjoyed their meal, we will perform a special traditional dance with a handkerchief and it is at this point that all the guests are invited to present their gifts. At Greek Orthodox weddings all the gifts are money and this is pinned on the Bride and Groom whilst they are dancing.
The Dancing
During the course of the evening we hope you will participate in some of the traditional Greek dancing to Bouzouki music. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the steps – that’s half the fun! The Bride will then dance with her Best Women and the Groom with each of his Best Men. Sorry to disappoint all you ‘die-hard’ Greek restaurant fans but plate smashing does not take place at Greek weddings!
