Crafting Greek Wedding Crowns: Traditions And Step-By-Step Guide

Greek wedding crowns, known as 'Stefana', are an important part of Greek wedding ceremonies. They are placed on the heads of the couple during the ceremony and are made from two wire circles, often silver, and decorated with pearls or ribbons. The crowns are joined by a long ribbon that sits at the back of the couple's heads. The crowns are usually exchanged three times over the couple's heads by their best man or woman, invoking the holy trinity and signifying the worth and complementarity of the couple. The Stefana is a longstanding tradition, dating back to ancient Greece, where crowns were made from olive branches, vines, or lemon blossoms.

Choosing the materials

Wedding crowns, or 'Stefana' in Greek, are an integral part of the religious ceremony in Greek Orthodox weddings. The crowns are placed on the heads of the couple during the ceremony, crowning them as the king and queen of their new family.

The materials used to make the crowns have changed over time. In ancient Greece, crowns were made from olive branches, lemon blossoms, and vine leaves, all of which were plants devoted to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In some parts of ancient Greece, crowns were also made from asparagus, with the belief that the thorns and rough dirt that the plant grew in symbolised a union of fertility and serenity.

Today, crowns are typically made from silver and gold, and sometimes include pearls or ribbons. If you want to make your own crowns, you can choose from a variety of materials. Here are some options:

• Olive leaves: You can use olive leaves to create a crown that represents strength, peace, and love, as in the Greek myth of Athena and Poseidon.
• Lemon blossoms: Fragrant lemon blossoms can be woven into a crown made of olive branches or vine leaves, adding a beautiful scent and symbolism of devotion to Aphrodite.
• Vine leaves: Like olive branches, vine leaves are pliable and strong enough to twist into a circle, making them a suitable base for your crown.
• Asparagus: Using asparagus in your crown can symbolise fertility and serenity, making it a unique and meaningful choice.
• Silver and gold: You can use silver or gold wire to create the circular base of the crown, and decorate it with pearls, crystals, or ribbons.

When choosing the materials for your Greek wedding crowns, consider the symbolism of each option and how you want to incorporate tradition into your ceremony. You can also get creative and use a combination of these materials to make your crowns truly unique.

The design process

Materials and Symbolism:

Firstly, it is essential to consider the materials used in the crowns, as they hold symbolic value. In ancient Greece, crowns were made from olive branches, lemon blossoms, and vine leaves, all of which were dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Olive branches and lemon blossoms were chosen for their fragrant and pliable nature, making them ideal for weaving into crowns. In some regions of ancient Greece, asparagus was used, with its thorns and the rough dirt in which it grew, symbolising a union of fertility and serenity. Today, crowns are typically made from silver, gold, or bronze, but you can choose materials that align with your personal beliefs and aesthetics.

Crown Shape and Construction:

The traditional Stefana design consists of two wire circles that are placed on the couple's heads during the ceremony. These circles are joined by a long ribbon at the back, which symbolises the unity of the couple. When designing the crowns, ensure the wire is pliable enough to be twisted and shaped into circles while also being sturdy enough to hold any additional decorations you may wish to add.

Decorations and Customisation:

Stefana can be customised and decorated in various ways to make them unique to the couple. Pearls, rhinestones, and Swarovski crystals are popular choices for adding a touch of elegance and sparkle to the crowns. You can also incorporate flowers, such as porcelain flowers or olive leaves, for a more natural and romantic look. Ribbons can be used to add colour and softness to the design, with options to personalise them with meaningful messages or the couple's names.

Display and Presentation:

After the wedding, the Stefana is often displayed in the couple's home as a symbol of their union. Consider designing a beautiful display case, known as a Stefanothiki, to showcase the crowns. The case can be made from wood or metal and may include decorative elements such as gold or silver icons. Additionally, you can offer a silver tray to present the crowns during the ceremony, which is a traditional gift from the Koumbari, or godparents of the wedding.

Incorporating Traditions:

When designing the Stefana, it is essential to consider how they will be incorporated into the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, the crowns are placed on the couple's heads by their best man and/or maid of honour. The crowns are then exchanged three times over the couple's heads to invoke the holy trinity and signify the worth and complementarity of the couple. You can also involve more people in the ceremony by including a ribbon-tying ritual, where guests physically tie the couple together with the ribbon joining the crowns.

By following these steps in the design process, you can create Stefana that not only look exquisite but also honour the rich traditions and symbolism of Greek weddings.

Making the crowns

The wedding crowns, or stefana, date back to ancient Greece when they were made from olive branches, vines, or asparagus, and fragrant lemon blossoms were woven in between. Today, the crowns are usually made from wire and decorated with silver, gold, pearls, or ribbons.

To make your own crowns, you will need:

• Two wire circles, to be placed onto the couple's heads
• A long ribbon, to join the crowns at the back of the head
• Optional: pearls, ribbons, or other decorations

First, twist the wire into two circles of the appropriate size to fit the couple's heads. Then, join the circles with a long ribbon at the back. Finally, decorate the crowns with pearls, ribbons, or other embellishments as desired.

You can also add a personal touch by incorporating meaningful materials or symbols that represent your culture, heritage, or interests. For example, you could use olive branches or lemon blossoms in your design, as these were traditionally used in ancient Greece and hold symbolic value.

If you are not confident in your crafting abilities, you can find many craftspeople on Etsy who can make custom crowns for you. Alternatively, you can purchase traditional Greek crowns online or in Greece, starting at around £200.

Blessing the crowns

The crowning ceremony usually takes place directly after the betrothal, with the groom being crowned first. The priest will then recite a chant or crown blessing, which will be spoken three times. The blessing goes as follows:

> "The servant of God, (name of groom), is crowned unto the handmaiden of God, (name of bride), in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy spirit. Amen."

Once the blessing has been recited, the crown is placed on the bride's head, and the priest will recite a similar blessing, with the names of the bride and groom switched, three times.

After the blessings, the crowns are removed from the couple's heads. In modern times, the crowns are typically made of silver and gold, although in ancient times, they were made from olive branches, lemon blossoms, and vine leaves, which were plants devoted to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The crowns are usually displayed in the couple's home after the wedding as a symbol of their union.

Displaying the crowns

Displaying your Greek wedding crowns, or Stefana, is an important part of the tradition. The Stefana are usually displayed on a silver tray, along with rice and koufeta, before and during the ceremony. The tray is placed on a small table at the front of the church.

After the wedding, the Stefana can be preserved and displayed in your home in a Stefanothiki, or display case. This symbolises that the husband and wife are the king and queen of their own kingdom. You can buy these online or in Greece, with prices starting at around £200.

Frequently asked questions