What does a Koumbara do?

The Koumbaro or Koumbara does play an important role during the marriage ceremony because their role absolutely needs to be performed by an Orthodox Christian in good standing. He or she is responsible for exchanging the wedding crowns, or Stefana, three times during the ceremony.

What is a Koumbaro in Greek?

The Koumbaro is the male sponsor of the union and is always the best man. The female is called the Koumbara and will be the maid or matron of honor. Non-Orthodox friends are allowed to be in the wedding party but cannot be sponsors.

Can you have two Koumbari?

Usually there is only one koumbaros, but some priests allow two. These are the people who perform a few of the rituals during the wedding ceremony, and in the future, it is said that they become godfather or godmother of the first-born of the couple.

What does Koufeta mean?

In traditional Greek weddings, sugar coated almonds are called koufeta. They are placed in little bags in odd numbers and are served on a silver tray. Because odd numbers are indivisible, this symbolizes that the newlyweds will share everything and remain undivided.

What does the Koumbara pay for?

The koumbara serves as the sponsor or witness of the wedding for the Greek couple. As an ecclesiastical witness, the koumbara must meet specific requirements set forth by the church. She must be a member of a Greek Orthodox Church or an orthodox church, depending on which the ceremonial church requires.

Who can be a Koumbara?

Traditionally there is only one Koumbaros or Koumbara, but increasingly many priests permit couples, or Koumbari [plural]. In mainstream weddings traditionally there is the Maid of Honor and Best Man, which can also exist in Greek weddings, and usually are reserved for members of the wedding party that are non-Greeks.

Why do Greeks break plates?

Origins of the practice are murky, but it may have begun in ancient Greece, and is said to have brought about the idea of kefi, which translates to good spirits and fun. Some also believe that breaking plates can ward off evil spirits or, at a wedding reception, bring good luck.

Do Greek brides wear veils?

Ancient Greek brides also wore veils of yellow or red to represent fire and frighten away evil spirits, though brides today wear a traditional white wedding gown for purity. “But the Greek bride does carry a bouquet of white flowers to symbolize purity,” says Theodore Zois of Ariston Flowers.

Why are Jordan almonds used as wedding favors?

Jordan Almonds are a traditional wedding favor that share a deep meaning in both the Greek and Italian culture. These five almonds signify for the newlywed couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity.

Who pays for the wedding Greek?

The bride’s parents traditionally plan and pay for the reception. The guests have something of a financial role at the reception as well, however: Guests at a Greek wedding are encouraged to pin money to the bride’s gown as she dances.

Does your Koumbara have to be Greek?

In the Greek Orthodox wedding, the bride and groom must select either a Koumbaros [male] or Koumbara [female], who acts as the official ‘sponsors’ of the marriage. However, the Koumbaros or Koumbara must be Orthodox to be a part of the ceremony. In fact no other member of the wedding party has to be Orthodox.

Why do Greek brides get spit on?

Guests will pretend to spit on the Bride and Groom to protect them from any evil spirits on their big day! This is generally done three times for greater luck.

What are the duties of the koumbara at a wedding?

The duties she has to perform include exchanging the wedding rings and the wedding crowns for the couple during the ceremony, as well as holding the ribbon tying the crowns as they take their first steps around the altar as married people.

What does it mean to be a koumbara / O?

Being a koumbara/o is a very high honor, although there are some responsibilities. Firstly re-honor – you are immediately considered as part of the family. You are usually considered for the god parent of the child, again a very high honor, meaning that you are its spiritual teacher.

What are the duties of a koumbaro in the Orthodox Church?

The koumbara is often called upon to be the child’s nouna. She is asked to be the witness to the child as she was to the wedding. If she accepts the honor, the koumbara promises to help raise the child to live a life following the Orthodox Church and its beliefs. Greek Boston: Should You Be a Koumbaro or Koumbara?

What are the requirements to be a koumbara?

As an ecclesiastical witness, the koumbara must meet specific requirements set forth by the church. She must be a member of a Greek Orthodox Church or an orthodox church, depending on which the ceremonial church requires.