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paharo45

Active member
My cousin is getting married and she wants to implement some older traditions into her wedding. I'm helping her plan it so I'm doing a little bit of research. Do you have any tips?
 
One tradition is that the wife steps on the husbands foot at the altar! It's supposed to signify that the woman isn't scared of the husband when the preist when he says "the wife should fear the husband"
 
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A traditional Greek weddign dance is the Syrtaki! Make sure the dj/band plays a nice traditional one so everyone can join in
 
There's a traditional song to dance the Syrtaki to... the bride needs to lead it, and it is expected that she shows off a bit. The bride leads, the groom is next in line, and then the wedding party forms the rest of the line. Song is called Ωραία που 'ναι η νύφη μας - orea pou einai nifi mas. There are other traditions, too. It depends what you want:

 

Getting a Greek costume made?

I'm looking to have a traditional Greek costume made, and I want to ensure that it is as authentic and high-quality as possible.

It's for festival season but I don't know if I am in over my head. This could be anything from the iconic fustanella worn by men to the beautifully embroidered dresses seen in various regions across Greece. I’m open to suggestions on materials, designs, and specific regional styles that would make for a remarkable and authentic piece.

Could anyone here recommend a tailor or a shop—either within Greece or internationally—that specializes in creating traditional Greek clothing? It’s essential that they pay great attention to detail and use high-quality materials to capture the spirit and beauty of Greek traditional attire.

Additionally, if you have any advice on what specifics I should communicate to the tailor to ensure authenticity, or if you know of any resources where I could find patterns or detailed descriptions of traditional costumes, I would greatly appreciate it.

Greek Naming Traditions?

I have noticed that in Greece, there are some traditions associated with naming their children. Although some Greek families in the United States have done this, many have seemed to lose the traditions.

Does anyone know what some of these traditions are? I am helping a friend name his upcoming child... Here's some of what I have learned:

1. Firstborn daughter names after maternal grandmother
2. Firstborn son named after paternal grandfather
3. Firstborn son named after father

Those are the ones I have figured out. I don't know what is traditional from Greece and what has just been made up amongst Greeks in the US.

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

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!

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