Greek Traditions Community

Tips for Decorating the Wedding Bed - To Krevati

1 - 2 of 2 Posts
ssherie_

ssherie_

Active member
I've never decorated a wedding bed before, but I’ve been hearing more about the tradition of To Krevati and I’d really love to honor it. The groom’s family is from Greece, and while I’m not Greek myself, I want to surprise them by including something meaningful from the culture. I know it involves decorating the couple’s bed with linens, flowers, money, or even baby items for fertility—but beyond that, I’m not sure how to do it properly or respectfully.

Do you have any tips for setting up the Krevati? Are there specific items I should include—or avoid? Does it happen the night before the wedding, or earlier? Is it more symbolic or do guests actually gather for it?
 
Last edited:
Greece, often done the night before the wedding. Close friends and family gather at the couple’s home, and it’s a lively, joyful event.

Traditionally, unmarried female relatives help make the bed with fresh linens, often embroidered or new. Guests may sprinkle the bed with rice (symbolizing prosperity), rose petals, coins, and sometimes almonds for fertility and sweetness. Baby clothes or toys are placed to bless the couple with children. Music and dancing are common. It’s as much a party as a ritual.

If you want to do it respectfully, keep it joyful and celebratory, avoid anything overly personal or modern that might break the symbolism, and ask a Greek friend or relative to lead the sequence. That way, you honor both the spirit and the etiquette of the tradition.
 
1 - 2 of 2 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Greek Tradition of Founouria?

Hi everyone! I was recently talking to a relative about Greek traditions, and they mentioned something called Fanouropita—a cake made in honor of Saint Fanourios. I had never heard of it before and now I’m so curious!

From what I gathered, people bake this cake to ask Saint Fanourios to help them find something lost, or even to reveal guidance or clarity in life. But I’m wondering—what’s the full story behind this tradition? Is it something you do on his feast day (August 27th), or can it be done anytime?

Also, what’s the significance of the cake itself? Why is it made with exactly 7 or 9 ingredients? I’d love to hear how your family does it—do you offer a prayer, light a candle, or share the cake with others?

Would appreciate any personal stories or recipes too. Thanks in advance!

Greek Baptism Traditions?

I’ve been to quite a few Greek baptisms over the years — mostly family and friends’ children — but I realize I’ve never really stopped to think about the deeper traditions behind them. For me, it’s always been a joyful occasion with a big gathering, lots of food, and plenty of dancing afterward.

Lately though, I’ve been curious to learn more about what actually happens beyond the surface. I know the godparent (nouno/nouna) is important, and I’ve noticed the priest using oil and the baby being dipped in the font, but I don’t fully understand the meaning behind those rituals.

Are there particular customs that make Greek baptisms unique compared to other Christian traditions? Do certain items always have to be provided, or does it vary by family? And are there regional differences across Greece in how the celebration is done?

How does your family celebrate?

I’d love to hear how everyone here celebrates Christmas in their own Greek way, whether you’re in Greece or part of the diaspora. Every family I know seems to have its own version of the holiday, shaped by region, faith, and generations of habits. Some homes revolve around church and fasting, others around baking marathons and big family tables, and others around quiet gatherings with just a few people.

Do you celebrate on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both? Are there specific foods that absolutely have to be on your table every year? Do you make Christopsomo, melomakarona, kourabiedes, or something unique to your family’s region? I’m especially curious about traditions that came from grandparents or villages that maybe aren’t as common anymore.

If you feel like sharing, I’d love to read about the rituals, foods, church customs, music, or even small personal traditions that make Greek Christmas feel like Christmas to you.

Favorite Greek Christmas traditions?

I’m curious to hear everyone’s favorite Greek Christmas traditions, especially the ones that feel extra meaningful or unique to your family. I’ve been learning more about Greek culture and food this past year, and now I’m fascinated by how the holidays are celebrated in different regions.

I know about a few of the well-known traditions, like baking melomakarona and kourabiedes, decorating the small wooden karavaki (Christmas boat), and, of course, the incredible Christmas and New Year’s feasts. But I’d love to learn more about the customs that don’t get talked about as often.

Do you follow any local traditions from your village or island? Do you bake certain breads, sing kalanta, or do something special on Christmas Eve or St. Basil’s Day? I’m especially interested in the rituals that have been passed down through families. I am learning about Greek cooking and also about the culture.

Engagement Traditions in Greece?

I’m curious to learn more about traditional Greek engagement customs. Are there any specific rituals or celebrations that typically happen when a couple gets engaged in Greece?

I’ve heard of the “arravonas,” which I believe is a formal engagement ceremony where both families meet, and sometimes there’s an exchange of rings and blessings. Do people still do that today, or is it more of a past tradition?

Are there certain foods served during an engagement gathering? Do people bring gifts? And is it usually just close family, or a bigger celebration?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s experienced or witnessed a traditional Greek engagement—whether in Greece or the diaspora. Are there any regional variations? Do any of these customs still carry over into modern times?

Thanks in advance for sharing your stories or family traditions. There are some people in my family who are pretty close to being engaged (fingers crossed!)
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