Traditional Greek Wedding

A Traditional Greek Wedding: A Celebration of Love, Culture, and Community

Greek weddings are a celebration of love, family, and culture. They are known for their rich traditions, elaborate ceremonies, and colorful festivities. If you are planning a traditional Greek wedding or just curious about the customs and rituals, here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the Greek wedding traditions.

The Engagement

In Greece, the engagement is the start of the wedding celebrations. The engagement ring is usually a simple gold band that is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. The couple’s families meet to discuss the wedding details and to share their love and support for the couple. During the engagement, the families exchange gifts and the bride’s father gives his blessing to the couple.

The Pre-Wedding Rituals

The pre-wedding rituals include a variety of customs and traditions that prepare the couple for their big day. One of the most important traditions is the couple’s visit to the church to receive a blessing from the priest. This is a symbol of the couple’s commitment to their faith and their union. Another important tradition is the “krevati” ceremony, in which the couple’s parents place a mattress on the couple’s bed and cover it with a red and white sheet. This symbolizes the couple’s first night together as husband and wife.

The traditional greek Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is the highlight of the Greek wedding celebrations. It is a religious and spiritual event that celebrates the couple’s love and commitment to each other. The ceremony begins with the couple standing at the entrance of the church, where they are blessed by the priest. The couple then walks down the aisle, accompanied by their parents and godparents. During the ceremony, the couple exchange rings and crowns, signifying their love and commitment to each other.

The Reception

After the wedding ceremony, the reception is the time for the couple and their guests to celebrate and have fun. The reception is typically a large and elaborate affair, with plenty of food, drink, music, and dancing. One of the most important parts of the reception is the “dance of the crowns,” where the couple and their guests dance around the room with the crowns on their heads. This is a symbol of the couple’s love and unity, and it is a highlight of the reception.

The Honeymoon

The Greek honeymoon is a time for the couple to relax and enjoy their newly-wed status. Many couples choose to travel to Greece’s beautiful islands or to other destinations in Europe. The honeymoon is a time for the couple to enjoy each other’s company, explore new places, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Greek weddings are a celebration of love, family, and culture. The rich traditions and customs of the Greek wedding make it a unique and unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests. Whether you are planning a traditional Greek wedding or just curious about the customs, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Greek wedding traditions. So, if you are looking for a wedding that is full of love, culture, and tradition, a traditional Greek wedding may be the perfect choice for you.