Traditional weddings
Traditional weddings
Many small rituals that make it unique
The Greek wedding begins in the moment of the promises. The man goes to the woman's house and officially asks for her hand. The celebrant is also invited who places the wedding rings in the left hands of the bride and groom and blesses them. The engagement acquires the tone of an eternal oath and initiates the consecration of the new family nucleus.
The day before the wedding there is the preparation of the wedding bed in the presence of friends, relatives and the future husband. All the bride's dowry is displayed and 4 girls, strictly virgins, prepare the marriage bed. The groom examines it and if it is not to his liking, he is authorized to take it apart and have it redone. Once the thalamus has been perfectly prepared, all those present will throw money and coins on the table as a sign of auspicious wealth, while the children of the family present are allowed to jump on the bed as a wish for prosperity.
On the wedding day, the bride is rigorously prepared by the women of the family, while the groom will be prepared by the men of the house who will take turns patting him on the back to entice him to take the big step.
The bride is accompanied by the arm of her father and older brother (or closest male in relation) the two almost dragging the bride towards the entrance of the church. This gesture is a symbol of support and approval from the head of the family. On the island of Lefkada this rite is accompanied by musicians playing traditional music.
The bride is handed over to the groom outside the church. The bride and groom enter the church holding a white candle and their right hands joined as a sign of their future union. This is called the Rite of the Candles.
Then begins the ritual of the wedding rings where the priest puts the wedding ring on the right ring finger of the bride and groom, this ritual is repeated 3 times. In fact, all Greek wedding rituals are repeated three times to symbolize the holy trinity and the mutual exchange of vows of the bride and groom.
The bride and groom are crowned by the Kumbari (witnesses) with a garland of white flowers and precious stones. The garlands are joined together with a white ribbon. The garland is placed on the head of the spouses 3 times. Note the term Kumbare still used today in the Neapolitan dialect to indicate the witness at a religious event such as marriage, confirmation or baptism.
The wedding ends with the three laps around the altar made together with the celebrant. Orthodox marriage, unlike our Christian one, has no legal value.
The reception is the richest part of Folklore: we all remember that the Greek wedding is famous for breaking dishes. It starts with a plate full of money, grain and sweets broken at the feet of the bride and groom and then in turn the relatives can start breaking plates in honor of the bride and groom between dancing and singing. There are no envelopes full of money, but money thrown in the air on the bride and groom or pinned on their clothes while they dance. Great effort at the end of the party to collect all the money thrown on the ground.
The most complex and beautiful weddings are visible on the island of Lefkada.
