Greek Orthodox Weddings

3 months ago 05th Apr 14:43

The Reception
There are many traditions surrounding a Greek wedding reception. The evening often begins with a champagne reception separate from the main dining hall before the bride and groom arrive. The guests are then seated followed with the couple making a grand entrance. The couple must walk three times around the dance floor in keeping with the significance of the number three, symbolising the Holy Trinity. The couple then take their place at the top table. As in wedding receptions from other cultures, speeches are usually given during after dinner coffee; this is followed by the cutting of the cake.
It is at this point of the evening festivities that the dancing begins. The bride and groom begin the proceedings with a slow dance. There are a number of traditional dances and often the dancing continues with the Brodon Koumbaro and the groom. The groom will then dance with each of his Koumbaros. Meanwhile, the bride dances a Galamathkianor with the Koumeras, ending with the Sousta for all the Koumbaros. The dancing is then continued with every member of the wedding party having a turn to lead, and two circles are then formed around the bride. There are traditional dances for the mothers, fathers and other family members. It is also traditional to throw money at the dancer as a sign of respect for whoever is dancing. At the end of each dance, the money is given as a tip to the musicians, contributing towards the cost of the band and so being regarded as a gift to the couple. The focal point of the evening is when the famous traditional money dance takes place. The couple dance holding a handkerchief between them and as they do this, the family and guests pin money to the clothes of the couple. Another tradition is the smashing of plates - broken plates symbolize good luck, happiness and the permanence of marriage. Throughout the evening, everyone at the reception gets a turn to dance with the bride. As the guests leave at the end of the reception, they are all given Bom Bom Yara, which are koufeta (almond) sweets covered in white chocolate, wrapped up in netting. Tradition dictates that there must be an odd number of sweets in each package.
Very traditional Greek families will complete the wedding day with the bride going to the home of the groom, where the wedding flag is once again raised. She will then throw a piece of old iron onto the roof to symbolize the strength of her new home.

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