The Big Greek Wedding
These Greeks are an unhurried people. They spend whole days in cafes over a cup of coffee, play backgammon, and since the creation of Hellas, they seek answers to eternal philosophical questions.
It might immediately seem that they do everything without fuss or unnecessary noise. Perhaps, but only if it's not about holidays. The inhabitants of Greece are true adepts of lavish celebrations, and a wedding is celebrated with particular grandeur.
Here, it's not customary to exchange rings and promise eternal love in the company of a couple of witnesses, only to dive back into the daily routine the next day.
For a wedding in Greece, all relatives, close friends, and even barely acquainted people are invited. The number of guests sometimes exceeds 600 people! By tradition, everyone rejoices, sings, dances sirtaki tirelessly, and enjoys exquisite treats for seven days straight.
Wherever the wedding is celebrated, be it a restaurant, hotel, or banquet hall, the venue is lavishly decorated with flowers: extravagant bouquets and floral sculptures in the form of whimsical garlands are everywhere.
All this riot of colors is illuminated by antique candelabras or miniature eclectic lanterns, depending on the taste and preferences of the newlyweds. The balcony in the bride's house is always decorated so that everyone around knows: the girl is about to get married.
The financial side of things is handled by the future mother-in-law and the koumbáros – the best man. The groom's godfather is usually chosen for this role, but a good family friend can also be the koumbáros.
How Weddings are Celebrated in Greece
It is customary to get married on a Sunday. A week before this significant event, the groom sends a gift to his chosen one through friends. Previously, it was customary to give henna, which the bride then used to dye her hair, but now customs are not observed so strictly, and any item can serve as a present.
On Monday, wedding preparations begin. The day is usually stressful, so on Tuesday, the bride rests with her bridesmaids and anticipates the moment of entering a new life.
On Wednesday, the dowry is prepared. If previously these were hand-woven tablecloths and embroidered towels, now a peculiar "tax" is paid with items indispensable in the everyday life of a modern family.
Thursday is one of the most interesting "preparation" days, as it is associated with the ancient custom of "making the bed." The bride's relatives and bridesmaids must impeccably tidy the bed. Few manage this task on the first try – the work is meticulously evaluated by either the groom himself or his mother.
On Friday, wedding bread is baked, and no one misses the opportunity to sprinkle the bride with flour. Greeks believe that if this amusing ritual is not performed, the family will languish in poverty and hardship.
And finally, the long-awaited Saturday! In some villages, it is still believed that if the groom cannot personally slaughter and roast a lamb on a spit on this day, he will make a poor family man. This is a peculiar sacrifice to the gods, preserved since pagan times.
When the future husband completes the task, the dowry is immediately transported to his house, and the groom himself goes with his beloved to the bathhouse to wash up before tomorrow's wedding ceremony.
Previously, a wedding in Greece without a church ceremony was considered invalid. Now, religion in the country is more of a symbol than a dogmatic institution. But even today, so-called "administrative marriages" are regarded as a sign of bad taste.
The Wedding Ceremony in the Best Traditions
On the day of the wedding ceremony, the bridesmaids dress and style the bride's hair, and then hide her in a "secret room" strewn with flowers.
The arriving groom is not allowed into the house for a long time, as a ransom is demanded. But money alone won't suffice – the young man must also have a chicken with him, a symbol of fertility.
While the suitor "deals" with his beloved's relatives, his friend presents the bride with white shoes. In these, she is to meet her betrothed. The cunning bridesmaids, in turn, try to steal the shoes, but the clever bride writes the names of her friends on the soles. Whose name wears off first, that bridesmaid will find her destiny sooner than anyone else. The girls know this, so they don't hide the shoes too far away.
The trials of the "maiden in a snow-white dress" do not end there. Even when the groom is close to his goal, the bride is not supposed to run to meet him with open arms. The girl must resist this encounter in every way and push back with all her might. The stronger the defense, the sweeter the family life will be afterward.
Well, all trials are passed, and the couple, holding hands, walk to the church. Passersby wish them a happy and prosperous life. The more such wishes, the stronger the union will be.
During the wedding ceremony, crowns tied with a ribbon are placed on the heads of the newlyweds. Often, the young couple remains in them until the end of the celebration. Upon leaving the church, the celebrants receive their "bombonieres" – small, cute souvenirs from friends and relatives.
A Feast for the Whole World!
After the wedding ceremony, everyone goes to feast. Greeks are famous for their love of revelry and celebrate weddings for three whole days, sparing no expense on delicious treats and good drinks. The bride and groom are treated like a king and queen.
One dish must definitely be broken, otherwise, luck will turn away from the young couple. Moreover, the plate must be broken on the floor by a person with pure thoughts and a kind heart, preferably a close relative.
No Greek wedding is complete without dancing. The newlyweds set the pace, then the guests join in, forming a large circle. It's not customary to sit on the sidelines when others are dancing!
Closer to morning, the young couple discreetly disappear to try out their marital bed. After fully enjoying each other, the now husband and wife celebrate with everyone for two more days, until someone shouts: "Where have our newlyweds gone?" Everyone looks around, but in vain. The young couple has left for their honeymoon, and no one knows where. So, from whom did the British learn to "take French leave"?
