Cypriot Wedding Traditions Revealed

Cypriot weddings are steeped in tradition and ritual, with celebrations lasting three days. The days are known as Oi Paramoni, O Gammo, and O Antigammo, with each day's rituals lasting from morning to morning. The celebrations include music, dancing, and an abundance of food. Cypriot weddings traditionally take place in a church, with the groom waiting for the bride at the entrance, holding her bouquet. The bride is given away by her father, and the couple walks up the aisle together. During the ceremony, the couple wears ornamental crowns called Stephanas, which are joined by a ribbon to symbolise their union. They also exchange rings three times and perform the Dance of Isaiah, a ceremonial walk around the gospel table. After the priest blesses the couple and removes their crowns, guests throw rice or rose petals, symbolising wishes for the couple's longevity and happiness. The reception features traditional Cypriot food, music, and dance, including the newlywed dance where guests pin money to the couple's clothing.

The Red Scarf Ceremonies

On the day of the wedding, the bride is dressed and ready to leave for the ceremony. Musicians play and sing as the bride's parents, chief bridesmaid (koumbara) and close friends gather around her. They say their goodbyes and offer their blessings and well-wishes for her new life. Then, the bride's father wraps a red scarf three times around her waist and head. The musicians sing a song calling for the mother, who then wraps the scarf around her daughter's waist and gives her blessing.

A similar ceremony takes place at the groom's house. The best man (koumbaros) shaves the groom—the "last shave"—while musicians play and sing. The groom's parents then bless him by wrapping the red scarf around his waist.

The red scarves are also part of another pre-wedding ritual called the Zosimon ritual. The scarves are tied and untied around the waists of the bride and groom by their parents, and sometimes other relatives. This is done to wish the couple fertility and to protect them from the evil eye as they begin their new life together.

The red scarves are a key feature of Cypriot weddings, symbolising the couple's commitment to each other and their place in Cypriot culture.

The Shaving of the Groom

After the groom's "last shave", the best man dresses him in a shirt, waistcoat, cravat, and a dark suit. The groom's friends and family then wrap a red scarf around his waist, symbolising fertility. The groom then departs for the bride's house, accompanied by his family and companions, before they all head to the church together.

The Holy Smoke Ritual

The Kapnisman ritual involves burning incense and dried olive leaves in a small, highly decorative silver vessel called a "kabnistiri". The family members of the couple will pass this censer over the bride and groom three times, allowing the holy smoke to envelop them. This act symbolises purification and protection, ridding the couple of any negative energies or evil spirits as they embark on their new life together.

In some variations of the ritual, rose water is also used. It may be sprinkled on the couple or used to wash the hands of the guests, bringing luck and prosperity to all in attendance. The ritual is usually accompanied by traditional music and songs, creating a festive atmosphere.

The Kapnisman ritual is an ancient tradition that has been passed down through generations in Cypriot culture, and it continues to be a cherished part of wedding celebrations even in modern times.

The Wedding Procession

On the day of the wedding, the bride and groom each go through a preparation process at their respective homes, surrounded by their families and friends. The bride-to-be dresses in front of her family, with her bridesmaids and maid of honour adding accessories and makeup. Meanwhile, the groom is dressed by his best man, or "koumbaros", in a traditional shirt known as the "vraka", with a belt and purse.

The groom and his family then arrive at the church and wait outside. The bride makes her entrance, accompanied by flower girls and family, and walks up to the steps where her groom is waiting.

The bride's parents hand her over to the groom, and they enter the church together to stand before the priest. The ceremony can last 45 minutes or more, with religious chants from the priest. The couple wears connected headbands called "stefena", which are exchanged three times, and the wedding rings are placed on the fourth finger of the right hand, in recognition of God's right hand that blesses. The priest says a prayer over the couple, wishing them God's blessings.

The couple then performs the Dance of Isaiah, walking three times around the table that holds the Gospel and the Cross, with the best man and chief bridesmaid walking behind them, holding the stefena in place. The priest blesses the couple, removes the headbands, and asks God to grant them a long and happy life. Finally, the priest separates the couple's joined hands, signifying that only God can separate them.

The newlyweds are now officially married and exit the church, offering guests sugared almonds, or "koufetta", as they leave. The guests toss rice at the couple, wishing them happiness and prosperity.

The Newlywed Dance

The dance is a lively celebration, with the couple, their families, and guests forming a circle and moving to the rhythm of traditional music. Known as the "sirtaki", the dance symbolises the couple's joy and togetherness, as well as their entrance into a new phase of life surrounded by their community.

The dance takes place midway through the wedding reception, which often continues into the early hours of the morning. The reception is a party where guests enjoy traditional Cypriot food and drinks, including local wine and an array of exquisite dishes unique to the region.

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