Meaning behind the Greek Orthodox wedding crowns

There’s no lack of traditions when it comes to Greek weddings. In fact, tradition is core to how and why things are done. But be aware there are Greek wedding traditions and Greek Orthodox traditions. Sometimes they may seem the same, but for those who are part of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church, they don’t have much say in their wedding plan because they have to follow the Greek Orthodox liturgy. Among these Greek Orthodox rituals is a custom that goes back to the 11^th century–the Greek orthodox wedding crown. This ancient Greek cultural ritual is considered one of the most important among the Greek Orthodox wedding traditions.

 

Greek Orthodox wedding crowns

Traditionally these martial crowns also known as Stefana (crown in Greek) were crafted from flowers, foliage, or even precious metals. Then and now they represent signs of wisdom, justice, integrity, glory, and honor. Today’s Greek Orthodox wedding crowns are available in a number of styles and during the ceremony they are presented on the Stefana tray along with sugar coated almonds (koufeta). 

 

Greek Stefana crowns ritual

Within the Greek Orthodox wedding proceedings, the crowning ceremony typically takes place after the betrothal (ring exchange). No vows are spoken by the couple to one another because their commitment is to God to care for and love each other unconditionally. For this reason, instead of facing each other, they face the altar (representing God). Instead of vows, the Stefana crowns placed on the heads of the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony mean they are married. 

 

The Stefana crown ritual starts with the priest blessing the crowns in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Then he places one crown on the bride and the other on the groom. This crowning symbolizes that they are the King and Queen of their household which they will oversee with love and faith. Then, the Koumbaros (the best man or wedding sponsor) swaps the crowns back and forth between the bride and groom three times as the couple walks around the altar three times to signify their marital journey through life together. Finally, the crowns are tied together with a ribbon to symbolize the couple's union. The crowns represent wisdom, justice, integrity, glory and honor. Finally, the priest blesses the couple before removing the crowns.

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Photo credits: Stefana Margaret, Stefana Margaret

Meaning behind Jordan almond wedding favors

Jordan almond wedding favors are a common tradition that carries a special meaning with it. In the Greek wedding tradition, these candy-coated almonds are known as koufeta. I’m thinking that may be connected to the generic word used for this candy which is confetti. In the Italian wedding tradition, they are called coriandoli. As wedding favors, these sugared almonds are placed in pretty boxes or tulle bags called bomboniere which are often personalized with the couple's names and wedding date.

Koufeta meaning in the Greek wedding tradition

In the Greek tradition, the bride and groom share little bombonieria (favors) filled with koufeta right after the ceremony as they greet their guests. In America, this tradition is slightly altered as they are included as one of the wedding favors at the reception. This wedding tradition finds its roots in Eastern Orthodox weddings and has been practiced for more than 3000 years, although back then the almonds were honey dipped. The salty-sweet combination is thought to symbolize life’s ups and downs and the hope that there will be more sweet than bitter. These favors typically include an odd number of almonds which represent the indivisible power of the couple’s marriage. Five is the most traditional number of almonds included in these wedding favors as each almond is thought to symbolize five hopes for married life: health, happiness, fertility, wealth and a long life.

Meaning of Jordan almond wedding favors in the Italian wedding tradition

In Italy, these bomboniera are crafted by hand using silk, organza, tulle, ribbon and flowers and may be filled with confetti, almonds, or chocolates. A little tag (bigliettino) from Italy is attached. When using almonds, traditional Italian weddings include five Jordan almonds which represent five wishes for the bride and groom: health, wealth, happiness, children and longevity.

As with any wedding tradition, you can adjust the Jordan almond tradition to make it your own. Pack the almonds in small decorative boxes, serve a handful in a champagne glass or a small glass bowl. However you decide to present these special wedding favors, be sure to include a small card that explains the meaning with your guests using this traditional poem:

Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat
To remind us that life is both bitter and sweet.
Five wishes for the new husband and wife –Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life!

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