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.
 

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.

Why Greeks Roast a Whole Lamb on the Spit on Easter Sunday?

A quote from excellent posting below!
"John, the author of one of the four Gospels, called Jesus the Lamb of God in John 1:29 and John 1:36. In the story, Abraham had to sacrifice an animal, such as a lamb or a ram, as an important part of the Jewish religion. People offered God restitution for the sins they committed.
However, Christians no longer need to engage in sacrifice because Christ died on the cross for their sins, thus becoming the sacrificial lamb."

Since Pascha, or Easter, is the day when we commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice, we eat lamb in remembrance of this selfless act
https://greekreporter.com/2024/05/0...ast+a+Whole+Lamb+on+the+Spit+on+Easter+Sunday

Greek Easter Holy Week Liturgies!

What is kefi exactly?

I have always found the concept of kefi to be intriguing, and I would like to learn more about it from those familiar or even vaguely aware of this notion. From what little I understand, kefi seems to embody a unique blend of joy, spirit, and passion, deeply ingrained in Greek culture. It's more than just a word; it's a lifestyle, a form of expression, an unbridled enthusiasm for life.

However, I'm curious to know about the deeper nuances and applications of kefi. How does kefi manifest in day-to-day life, not just in Greece, but wherever one might find joy and enthusiasm? Is it something that can be consciously cultivated, or does it spontaneously bloom in moments of happiness and high spirits? It seems like it really permeates the culture, especially in Greece.

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?
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