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nm1999

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This is a very sweet custom, that is not very common in other areas of the world. In Greek culture, as a promise to the bride, the groom buys the brides shoes. In many cases, the bride will choose the shoes and allow for the husband to get them for her as a gift as many brides do not want surprise shoes on the day of her wedding. Did anyone have this tradition of their wedding? I am wondering how common it is these days.
 
My SO was born and raised in Greece, I was born and mostly raised in the USA. Our wedding is this summer and we won't be doing that because it's not the tradition in either of our family's villages.
 
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My SO was born and raised in Greece, I was born and mostly raised in the USA. Our wedding is this summer and we won't be doing that because it's not the tradition in either of our family's villages.
What traditions will you be doing, if you don't mind me asking
 
What traditions will you be doing, if you don't mind me asking
Hmm. Off the top of my head, we will put money and a baby in a bed before the wedding, there won't be any bridesmaids or groomsmen (we will only have 2 koumparoi - 1 koumparos and 1 koumpari). Because the wedding is in Greece, I will wait outside of the church for her and everyone will stand outside with me. Her dad will drop her off in a car then she'll walk up to me, and we'll walk into the church together with everyone following behind. There will also be no flower girl or ring bearer.. we have paranifakia (young girls who walk with the bride) who will walk with my SO and hold the train of her dress, and paragamproi (young boys who walk with the groom) whole will follow behind me.
Also, the wedding will start late in the afternoon (after 5pm).

At the reception the first song to be played will be miroloi (a lament) - it's our version of a moment of silence and it is always done as the first song of wedding receptions. Additionally, we will have a band and you can request songs to be played for you or someone else - when you request a song played for you or someone else, you usually give the band money as a tip. Also, it's tradition to shower the band with money by throwing up a lot of bills around the band, so that's going to happen too.
 
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Hmm. Off the top of my head, we will put money and a baby in a bed before the wedding, there won't be any bridesmaids or groomsmen (we will only have 2 koumparoi - 1 koumparos and 1 koumpari). Because the wedding is in Greece, I will wait outside of the church for her and everyone will stand outside with me. Her dad will drop her off in a car then she'll walk up to me, and we'll walk into the church together with everyone following behind. There will also be no flower girl or ring bearer.. we have paranifakia (young girls who walk with the bride) who will walk with my SO and hold the train of her dress, and paragamproi (young boys who walk with the groom) whole will follow behind me.
Also, the wedding will start late in the afternoon (after 5pm).

At the reception the first song to be played will be miroloi (a lament) - it's our version of a moment of silence and it is always done as the first song of wedding receptions. Additionally, we will have a band and you can request songs to be played for you or someone else - when you request a song played for you or someone else, you usually give the band money as a tip. Also, it's tradition to shower the band with money by throwing up a lot of bills around the band, so that's going to happen too.
I had no idea that they play a miroloi at the beginning of the wedding reception. Is it a way of honoring passed family members? This sounds like a beautiful tradition. I have seen people honor passed loved ones in many different ways at their weddings depending on the culture that they are from.
 
I had no idea that they play a miroloi at the beginning of the wedding reception. Is it a way of honoring passed family members? This sounds like a beautiful tradition. I have seen people honor passed loved ones in many different ways at their weddings depending on the culture that they are from.
Yes, but I'm not sure how widespread it is throughout Greece, but unlike America during out moment of silence, people get more emotional in our villages - they will start crying.
 
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Yes, but I'm not sure how widespread it is throughout Greece, but unlike America during out moment of silence, people get more emotional in our villages - they will start crying.
I can imagine how emotional this is, especially at a wedding. I also find that Greek people are more comfortable showing their emotions and they are more passionate. Thank you for sharing.
 

Where did plate smashing come from?

When Greeks feel happy and are dancing and have a good time, they've been known to smash plates. I've seen it! It's not just a tourist thing - but they don't do it much because I am sure they won't want to smash their expensive dish wear.

I was just at a wedding and they had purchased plates to smash - so basically they were cheap throwaway plates that actually smashed really well. I almost wonder if they were made for the purpose...

It got me thinking - where did this tradition come from? Does anyone know?

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.

Gift Ideas for Greek Christenings

I've had to go to a log of Greek Christenings lately, which means that I know exactly what to do when it comes to gift. I have noticed some gifts traditionally appear. Aside from money, which is also appropriate, here are some ideas:

1. Icons
In Greek religion and culture, icons are considered not just as works of art but as holy objects that help people feel closer to God. Gifting an icon is an incredibly powerful way of expressing love and well wishes to the baby. An icon symbolizes a bond that will stay with the child for a lifetime, and it can hang in their room for years to come. It is an unusual and thoughtful gift that will make a lasting impact.

2. Silver Baby Spoon and Fork Set
A silver baby spoon and fork set is an elegant and memorable gift idea. In Greek culture, silverware is traditional, signifying the precious nature of the sacrament. It is both practical and meaningful and can be passed down through the generations.

3. Christening Outfit
If you're looking for a less traditional gift idea, consider gifting a beautiful christening outfit. This is typically taken care of by either the parents or godparents, so I would check before you buy something.

4. Book of Blessings
A book of blessings containing prayer and passages of faith is an exceptional gift. It is a sentimental and thoughtful gift that will go a long way in nurturing the baby's faith and spiritual growth. Moreover, it is something that the child can revisit years later, reminding them of the love and support they received from their family and friends at the Christening.

Netflix Show about Alexander the Great

I just noticed there was a show about Alexander the Great on Netflix. How is it?

I have been noticing some buzz that it's fairly controversial, but those who are unhappy about it ... I can't tell if they actually know about him, or if they are just upset about how he was depicted.

I am trying to figure out if I want to watch it so your honest reviews are welcome.

I have studied Alexander the Great a little bit and no a bit about his life, so I am sincerely hoping it's worth my time. I am between shows at the moment.

Greek tradition of hanging onions on the door?

I just came from my friend's house and I saw there were onions hanging on the door! I asked them about it and learned it was a New Year's tradition. Here's what my research pulled out:

The Greek New Year is celebrated on the 1st of January, but the preparations for the celebration begin on the New Year’s Eve. As per tradition, the Greeks hang onions outside their house, balcony, or anywhere visible to attract good fortune, prosperity, and luck. The onions are hung, infused with various symbols like coins, bread, honey, and olives, representing prosperity, food, and success. This concept reminds the Greeks of their grandmothers, who hung onions outside their homes and gatherings during special occasions, especially New Year’s Eve.

Beyond the symbolic value of the onions, for Greeks, hanging onions also has medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Onions can purify the air and keep away harmful bacteria and impurities due to their sulfur compounds. Additionally, they are believed to have great health benefits and can help boost your immunity, reduce the risk of cancer, and regulate cholesterol levels.

Hanging onions is also a fun activity that the family enjoys together. Everyone gathers around and writes their wishes on the onions and ties them with a red thread, symbolizing good fortune. The onion is then hung outside the house, allowing the wishes to come true. The onions can also be collected at a later stage and used for cooking, acting as a souvenir that remains with the family for the rest of the year.

The notion of hanging onions is an ancient tradition in Greece, and the country takes pride in it. The ritual dates back to ancient Greece, where they were hung on doors and windows to keep away evil spirits and other unwanted energies. In Greece, the land of myths and legends, the onion symbolizes the new life that arises from the depths of the earth, representing hope, fertility, and growth.
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