1 - 3 of 3 Posts

kcixcy

Active member
I am helping someone plan a wedding. We're Greek but living in the United States. Most of her family is from Greece. We are trying to figure out which traditions to honor!

Some thoughts:

- Obviously getting married in the Greek church.
- Have a fun party after that will probably last all night. We'll need an after party, I think.
- To Krevati - the family is pushing for this one to happen, as it is a huge tradition in their family.
- Writing the names of single bridesmaids on her shoes. The bridesmaids write it, right?
- Learning the traditional wedding dance - not everyone knows it.

What else should we do?
 
Are you going to have bobonieres?

Also, have the family go to her house before the wedding and dance/eat while the bride gets dressed.

If you want to make it more like Greece, have the groom wait outside of the church and have the guests wait outside as well. As the bride approaches the groom you play some type of traditional wedding music (it'll depend on where she is from). When the bride gets to the groom, she is handed off to him then the two walk to the alter with the guests following behind them.

When the bride puts on her shoes, her friends/family says "her shoes are too big" and the father of the bride has to put money in the brides shoes to make them fit.. the amount of times they say the shoes are big and how much money is put into the bride's shoes is dependent on the family/friends.
 
Are you going to have bobonieres?

Also, have the family go to her house before the wedding and dance/eat while the bride gets dressed.

If you want to make it more like Greece, have the groom wait outside of the church and have the guests wait outside as well. As the bride approaches the groom you play some type of traditional wedding music (it'll depend on where she is from). When the bride gets to the groom, she is handed off to him then the two walk to the alter with the guests following behind them.

When the bride puts on her shoes, her friends/family says "her shoes are too big" and the father of the bride has to put money in the brides shoes to make them fit.. the amount of times they say the shoes are big and how much money is put into the bride's shoes is dependent on the family/friends.
This is so cool! This tradition was lost in my family when they moved to the United States.
 

Appropriate clothing for Holy Week services?

I was going to wear a floral dress to the service on Good Friday - I pretty much always do - and someone made a comment that they didn't think it's appropriate because it is a service of mourning.

You know, I guess that makes sense - but I haven't that much of it. What are your thoughts on it? I ended up choosing an outfit that looked a little more somber.

I am curious about the best things to wear through Holy Week! I am assuming the really spring-like colors are best on Pascha?

Learning about hospitality in Greece

I was trying to explain to some non-Greek friends about hospitality in Greece. I feel like it's next level, but how do you explain it?

Could anyone help me explain any of the following:
  • Traditional welcome gestures in Greece
  • Common household customs when visiting a Greek home
  • Etiquette for showing appreciation to Greek hosts
  • Any specific do's and don'ts that a foreigner should be aware of

List of Cretan Dances?

I will be attending a Cretan wedding and am curious about the traditional Cretan dances! I know the dances are slightly different and I want to learn some. I don't know the names of the dances so that I can look them up. I did some research, though. Are any of these dances common at these weddings?
  • Pentozali
  • Sousta
  • Siganos
  • Chaniotis
There's a dance the wedding party typically does in Crete. Which dance is that?

Greek Wedding Traditions Roundup

I am helping someone plan her Greek wedding. I wanted to make a list of all the traditions we need to keep in time for the big day. Did I miss anything?

The Stolisma

The wedding day begins with the ritual of 'Stolisma,' where the bride and groom are prepared separately by their families. It's a moment filled with emotion, songs, and blessings, setting the tone for the day. I had honestly never heard of this. Do people still do it?

The Krevati

An amusing tradition is the 'Krevati' (bed making), where family and friends gather to decorate the couple's future bed with baby items, symbolizing fertility and a happy family life. Money is also often thrown on the bed for good luck and prosperity.

The Crowning (Stefana)

One of the most iconic rituals during the ceremony is the exchange of crowns or 'Stefana.' I believe they need to buy the crowns they want in advance?

Koufeta

No Greek wedding would be complete without 'Koufeta'—sugar-coated almonds given to guests as wedding favors. These bittersweet treats represent the ups and downs of married life and are shared in odd numbers to symbolize indivisibility and shared life.

Thinking about the Greek way of hospitality...

I thought I would ask your thoughts oh Philoxenia - or the Greek way, or art, of hospitality. I noticed this when I travel in Greece. People are so kind, they often go out of the way for us, when I feel that they don't have to! How can one describe this to someone?

From what I understand, Philoxenia is not merely a practice but a deeply ingrained value within Greek culture that extends far beyond the simple act of hosting. It reflects a genuine, heartfelt welcome to strangers, treating them with the same respect and generosity one would show to a dearly beloved friend. This beautiful tradition, passed down through generations, turns the act of hosting into an art form, embodying warmth, respect, and a profound sense of human compassion. There have been so many stories I can think of...

This thought process was triggered because we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - someone in the village had taken on a Syrian refugee. Is this a Greek hospitality thing? Philoxenia?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top