Family celebrations and events are significant in every
culture and each has their own defining elements. In particular, weddings are
probably the biggest, craziest and loudest spectacles in all cultures. Greek
weddings clearly fit this category – so much so that Hollywood decided to
explore the concept and create the cult classic My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I was recently fortunate enough to be the
best man at a cousin’s wedding which I decided to take the opportunity to bust
or confirm some of the crazy antics which made the film so hilarious. Similar
to the film, my cousin’s fiance was also not Greek Orthodox. Unlike the film
though, she did not have to be baptized to get married in a Greek church.
Another difference to the movie was there was no spitting at the bride and
groom as they walked through the church, although I do know from firsthand experience
that this ritual is legitimate and practiced at traditional weddings.
Being the best man in a Greek Orthodox wedding also comes with significant responsibilities. Part of the traditional role includes helping the bride and groom to pay for certain parts of the wedding including the bonbonniere (small gifts to guests), the church and the bux party. Also, throughout the wedding ceremony the best man has several responsibilities. This includes crowning the bride and groom with the stefana (wedding crowns) and follow the priest in a circle to symbolize their lifetime commitment.
The reception is also a large part of a Greek wedding. After
the delicious food is served and gone, speeches are said and drinks are drunk,
it becomes time for the Greek dancing. These dances are communal and most
involve people linking arms and forming a circle and dancing in unison, such as the Zorba. Another
famous Greek dance is the Zembikiko (drunk man’s dance), which involves random,
unsteady movements and clapping around a glass of alcohol and ends with the
person sculling the drink. It is typically the last dance of the night.
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