Traditions are such a beautiful part of any culture and these Greek Wedding Traditions are some of our favourites.
While many modern Greek weddings don’t really practice this as much, it still exists. The making of the bed involves the couple’s friends and family coming over to help prepare the bed of their new home, and “lucky” items like rice, coins, and money are thrown onto the bed for a happy and prosperous life. A young child or baby then rolls around on the bed to ensure fertility!
After the Bride is dressed, she writes a list of all her single friends on the bottom of her right foot! Why? Well, the Greeks believe that the names that get rubbed off by the end of the night are next in line to Wed!
Placing sugar inside the bride’s glove is said to ensure a sweet life, and adding a gold coin to the inside of her shoe will bring financial prosperity. Iron is said to ward off evil spirits throughout the day. So the groom puts a piece in his pocket.
Couples invite an odd number of guests and invite an odd number of attendants to stand beside them as odd numbers are considered good luck.
The best man, or koumbaro, will shave the groom’s face on the morning of the ceremony as a symbol of trust before other close friends step in to help to dress him.
On the Bride’s side, the maid of honour, or koumbara, leads the friends to help to get the bride ready for the ceremony.
Yes, it’s true; a very old Greek tradition is to spit on the happy couple. But, not literally. Guests will pretend to spit on the Bride and Groom to protect them from any evil spirits on their big day! This is generally done three times for greater luck.
In smaller Greek villages, there is an old tradition of pinning money to the bride’s dress at the reception during a special dance. When the couple dances near, the guests will toss a whole wad of bills at them. It’s optional for guests to participate, but bring a few dollar bills if you want to join in the festivities. The money symbolizes helping the couple get established. This is a Greek Wedding tradition we can definitely get on board with!
Odd numbers of Koufeta aka sugar-coated almonds are beautifully packaged and given to guests right after the wedding ceremony. They symbolize purity, fertility, and the endurance of marriage!
