Jordan Almonds: A Sweet Wedding Tradition Explained

Jordan almonds, also known as sugared almonds, dragées, or confetti, are sugar-coated almond candies that are often given out as wedding favours. The tradition of Jordan almonds in weddings dates back to the Middle Ages, when ancient Romans used these tiny candies to celebrate special occasions such as weddings and births. The bitterness of the almonds represents life's tribulations, while the sugar coating represents the hope that the married couple will face fewer hardships in their new life together.

Jordan almonds are given as wedding favours

Jordan almonds, or sugared almonds, are a popular wedding favour, often given out in groups of five. The five almonds are said to represent five wishes for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity. The almonds are usually wrapped in tulle and tied with a ribbon, or placed in boxes or bags.

The tradition of giving Jordan almonds as wedding favours dates back to the Middle Ages, when they were used by ancient Romans to celebrate special occasions such as weddings and births. The custom is steeped in symbolism. The almonds themselves are bitter, which represents the bitterness of life, while the sugar coating is sweet, symbolising the hope that the couple's married life will be more sweet than bitter. The egg shape of the almonds is also significant, symbolising fertility and the hope that the newlyweds will have children.

The number of almonds given to guests is also important. They should always be given out in odd numbers, as this represents the indivisibility of the marriage bond. In the Greek tradition, Jordan almonds are called 'koufeta' and are given as favours only in odd numbers. This symbolises that the newlyweds will share everything and remain united.

Jordan almonds are a meaningful and delicious way to thank your wedding guests and wish the happy couple well.

They are also known as sugared almonds, dragées or confetti

Jordan almonds, also known as sugared almonds, dragées or confetti, are sugar-coated almond candies. They are popular wedding favours, often served in glasses, bowls, boxes, tulle and other attractive vessels.

The name 'Jordan almond' is believed to be derived from the French word 'jardin', meaning garden, as these almonds were historically grown in gardens. Alternatively, the name may be linked to almonds that grew near the Jordan River.

Jordan almonds are typically given out in odd numbers, as this represents the indivisibility of the couple's marriage bond. They are also often given in groups of five, as they are meant to represent five wishes for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.

The almonds themselves have a bittersweet taste, which is meant to symbolise life; the sugarcoating symbolises the hope that the couple's life together will be more sweet than bitter. The egg shape of the almonds is also significant, symbolising fertility and the hope that the couple will have children.

The candy coating is a modern addition

Jordan almonds, or "confetti" in Italian, "koufeta" in Greek, and "dragées" in French, are sugar-coated almonds that are given out as wedding favours. The candy coating is indeed a modern addition.

The first form of Jordan almonds can be traced back to 177 B.C. when almonds coated in honey were served at weddings and other special occasions. The combination of bitter nuts and sweet honey was meant to symbolise the bittersweet nature of life. In the 17th and 18th centuries, when sugarcane became more common in Europe, honey was replaced by the candy coating we know today.

The candy coating's sweetness is meant to symbolise the hope that the married couple will have a life that is more sweet than bitter. The bitterness of the almonds themselves represents life's trials and tribulations. The candy coating is also meant to symbolise the sweetening of the sometimes-bitter nature of life, sending hopes and wishes for a sweet future.

The candy coating's modern addition, therefore, plays a significant role in the symbolism of Jordan almonds at weddings.

They are used in Greek and Italian weddings

Jordan almonds, also known as sugared almonds, dragées or confetti, are sugar-coated almond candies that come in a variety of colours, shapes and flavours. They are used in Greek and Italian weddings, where they are given to guests as wedding favours. The tradition of Jordan almonds in weddings dates back to the Middle Ages, when ancient Romans used these candies to celebrate special occasions such as weddings and births.

Italian Weddings

In Italian weddings, Jordan almonds are packaged in groups of five, symbolising five wishes for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity. They are placed at each guest's place setting, tucked into decorative boxes or tulle bags called bombonieres. Bombonieres are fragrant party favours given at special occasions, often personalised with the couple's names and wedding date.

Greek Weddings

In Greek weddings, Jordan almonds are called "koufeta" and are placed in little bags in odd numbers, served on a silver tray. The odd number of almonds symbolises that the newlyweds will share everything and remain undivided. A Greek tradition says that if an unmarried woman puts the almonds under her pillow, she will dream of her future husband.

The almonds are given in odd numbers

Jordan almonds, also known as sugared almonds, dragées, or confetti, are sugar-coated almond candies. They are often given out as wedding favours, with each guest receiving an odd number of almonds. In the Greek tradition, Jordan almonds are called koufeta and are given in odd numbers to symbolize that the newlyweds will share everything and remain undivided. The indivisibility of the marriage bond is also represented by giving the almonds in numbers that are not divisible by two.

The number five is commonly associated with Jordan almonds because it is an odd number and each almond can stand for one of five wishes for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. These five wishes are captured in a poem that is often included with the almonds:

> "Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat.

> To remind us that life is both bitter and sweet.

> Five wishes for the new husband and wife —

> Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life!"

The odd number of almonds is also symbolic of the couple's indivisible bond and shared life together. The bitterness of the almonds represents the bitterness of life, while the sweetness of the sugar coating represents the hope that the married couple will experience more sweetness than bitterness in their life together.

The egg-like shape of the almonds is also significant, symbolizing fertility and the hope that the couple will have children.

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