Symbolic Meaning of Koufeta

December 10, 2009 in Koufeta | Tags: , | Leave a comment

This picture of white koufeta is from Carol and Pete’s Wedding web site.

Whilst browsing around the Greek Stephana website i found this explanation about koufeta:

“The Wedding Favors The sugar coated almonds (koufeta), which were placed on the tray with the crowns and which will later be offered to the guests are also symbolic.

In the early days of the Church, honey dipped almonds were offered to the newlyweds by the priest.

The white symbolizes purity. The egg shape represents fertility and the new life which begins with marriage. The hardness of the almond represents the endurance of marriage and the sweetness of the sugar symbolizes the sweetness of future life.

The odd number of almond is indivisible, just as The Bride and The Groom shall remain undivided.”

Greek Stephana is one of the leading websites for Greek wedding products such as stephana, bonboneries and martyrika.

How many Koufeta will you put in your bonboniere?

Related articles that you might like:

 

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Photography by Christos

December 8, 2009 in Photography | Tags: | Leave a comment

This is a photograph of a Greek wedding by Christos.

Christos really knows how to capture the true essence of a Greek wedding. View Christos’ wedding portfolio at his website: www.photographybychristos.com

“Christos is a boutique photographer and is devoted to capturing the joy of your affair and providing his valued customers with a lifetime of wonderful memories, Working along with Christos, Christos will offer you creative and spontaneous photography throughout your day. Christos style of photography is a mixture of photojournalism, fashion, contemporary and traditional photography. Christos will journalistically capture all the fun and touching moments of your day. These are so much more than just photos of your event, they will become your cherished memories. They will allow you to relive the fun and romance of your special day, year after year.”

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How to Choose your Koumbari

December 7, 2009 in Koumbari | Tags: | Leave a comment

 They say that your Koumbaro is like your best man but in the Greek Orthodox Church the Koumbaro does a lot more than just organise the bucks night and give a speech…

The Role of the Koumbaro

During the wedding ceremony, the Koumbaro puts the rings on the Bride and Groom and then crosses the Stefana over their heads. The Koumbaro also takes the first steps with the newlyweds as they walk around the church during the Dance of Isaiah. 

It can be said that they the Koumbaro has strong spiritual connection to the Bride and Groom and will be a part of their life forever. When the newlyweds have their first child the Koumbaro goes on to Christen the child and then becomes the Nouno (Godfather).

The Koumbaro has a significant spiritual role in the couples life and so the decision is not always easy. Here are a few points to consider before choosing your Koumbari:

  • How many Koumbari do you want in your bridal party? Just one Koumbaro or a combination of Koumbari?
  • Is your Koumbaro Greek Orthodox?
  • Do you want your Koumbaro to Christen your children in the Greek Orthodox Church?
  • If you have more than one Koumbaro, where will each person stand?
  • Is your Koumbaro prepared/aware of the financial obligations associated with the role?
  • Do you think that your Koumbaro will accept the role when you ask him?
  • Does your family know your Koumbaro?
  • Is your Koumbaro a friend to both the Bride and the Groom?
  • Is your Koumbaro married? Will his wife stand up at the alter also?

What else should the Bride and Groom consider before choosing their Koumbaro?

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Koumbari Combinations

December 7, 2009 in Koumbari | Tags: | 1 comment

There are many different combination of Koumbari that are acceptable in the Greek Orthodox Church. When you are choosing your Koumbari you can decide how many people you want to be a part of your wedding ceremony.

Here are some examples of acceptable Koumbari combinations:

  • One Koumbaro (One Best Man)
  • Two Koumbaros (Two Best Men)
  • One Koumbaro and One Koumbara (One Best Man and One Maid/Matron of Honour)
  • One Koumbara (Just one Maid/Matron of Honour)
  • One Koumbaro and One Maid of Honour (Where only the Koumbaro does the rings and crowning)
  • Koumbari (A Koumbaro and Koumbara who are already married)

I have also heard that in Greece, the Bride and Groom can have as many Koumbari as they want. Apparently they do not have a full bridal party with bridesmaids and groomsmen like we do in Australia and in America. The people who stand next to you at your wedding are often called your ‘Koumbari’. (Im not sure how true this actually is)

Do you know of any other acceptable Koumbari combination?

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Should I Wear My Engagement Ring on The Left Hand?

November 29, 2009 in Engagements, Rings | Tags: | Leave a comment

In the Greek Orthodox Church the Priest puts the rings on the right hand of the Bride and the Groom.

Some people then change the rings to their left hand and others keep the rings on their right hand.

I plan to keep my wedding ring on my right hand but what should i do about my engagement ring?

I have recently been told that you should only wear your wedding band on your right hand and that your engagement ring should stay on the left.

So should i wear my Engagement ring on my left hand?

Related Topics That You Might Like:

Your Wedding Ring… Left or Right Hand?

The Ring Goes on the Left Hand…Right?

What Should the Koumbari Pay For?

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