The hilarious film, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” taught many of us a bit about Greek families and their customs. If like us you were obsessed with the film. You will already be aware of these customs and rituals, that are a part of all Greek weddings. If you aren’t, you will hopefully find this post quite enjoyable and informative.
Greek Weddings and Traditions
Greek wedding traditions have their roots in ancient customs and religious rituals. If you have ever attended a Greek wedding, perhaps you are familiar with some of the them. These traditions unite the Greek people around the world.
Unmarried Bridesmaids
Writing names of unmarried bridesmaids on the bottom of the bride’s heels, strange, but true! The bride, before getting into her bridal gown, writes the names of all her unmarried friends and bridesmaids. Wheresoever, name gets worn off by the end of the night are those lucky women who will soon hear the wedding bells ringing. Once the bride gets dressed, she leaves with her father for the alter, stops and stares back at her house before getting to the church so that her future children take after her family’s side.
Money Pinning
Surprisingly, the newlyweds are the last ones to share the dancing stage together. In Greece, the last dance is solely reserved for the bride and groom. But that isn’t weird. What’s weird is that during the dance, all family members and relatives come up to the bride and groom and pin money on their clothes. Another way the couple makes cash involves the bride cutting off the groom’s tie and selling its shreds to the guests.
Breaking Crockery
Smashing of plates and platters has remained a sign of rejoicing a momentous occasion. So, no need to be alarmed if you find women of the house breaking and smashing plates on the table, against the walls, or on the floor. To them, it is supposed to bring good luck to the newlyweds and signifies the times for celebration.
Baby Rolling
Possibly the weirdest of all. As the bridesmaids are done decorating the bride’s bed, a baby is thrown onto the bed. Why? It’s because according to the Greeks, this ritual guarantees fertility. It is also believed that the sex of the first baby the couple welcomes in to the world will be the sex of the child thrown.
Sooner or Later, Everyone’s going to Fight:
It may sound a bit clichéd, but all Greeks have a short temper. So during weddings, where the whole town is invited, one can expect a lot of bickering and anger which ultimately results in a fight. Questionable opinions will be shared, judgments will be passed and a few beer bottles will be smashed before the elders put water on the burning flames.
While in Greece
Now that you are in Greece, it would be a shame, more like an insult to Greece, that you don’t visit the breathtaking Greek islands. Book a luxury yacht today with Deep Blue Yachting to make your vacation even more memorable.
Captain Cliff
Greek weddings are celebrated to the full. I have lived in Greece for several years now and I have been lucky enough to attend a few of them. Their families are everything to them. I think this is one of the things that makes them such nice people. I will be happy to answer any questions, or comments that you may have. So please feel free to leave them.
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