It’s summer and it’s officially wedding season in Greece! As most people want to get married during the summer months - and why wouldn’t they?- every year, once Easter is over, the wedding season starts and lasts until early October. The vibrant culture of Greece could not miss out on the weddings, the traditions are endless! One of the most distinguishing features, though, is the wishes we give at a wedding. Greek wedding wishes are full of warmth, love, and some phrases you probably won't hear in other languages.
Here's a friendly guide to the top 5 of what we wish to the happy couple and their families.
Η ώρα η καλή! [(I óra i kalí) - Literally translating to "May your time be good," this phrase is typically said to the couple before the wedding day, as the preparations take place. It implies the time of the wedding as a blessed and happy event. We basically wish good luck and a perfect wedding to the couple.
Να ζήσετε! (Na zísete) - This translates to "May you live (a long life)." It’s the most common wish you'll hear at Greek weddings and it’s given to the newly married right after the wedding service is over. This may sound weird and “incomplete” to non Greeks, but actually encapsulates the wish for a long and happy life together. Very often -especially in the written speech, in wedding cards etc- we do write more than that, ex. Να ζήσετε ευτυχισμένοι και αγαπημένοι!” = May you live α happy and loving life together!
Να σας ζήσουν! ((Na sas zísoun) - This literally translates to "May they live for you!" and it’s a wish for the parents and the close family of the newlyweds. It implies that the long and happy life that we wish for the couple will bring them joy and pride too.
Πάντα άξιος!/ Πάντα άξια! (Pánta áxios!/ Pánta áxia!) - Meaning "Always worthy!" This wish is directed at the koumparos or koumpara. The koumparos (best man) and koumpara (maid of honor) play a significant role in Greek weddings, especially during the crowning ceremony with the stefana (wedding crowns). This is the set phrase we use after the wedding to wish them to always be honored and worthy of the significant role they played in the wedding.
Και στα δικάς σας! (Kai sta diká sas) - This translates to "Here’s to your joy/marriage!". Yes, Greek culture extends wishes to the unmarried friends and family members, encouraging them to follow in the newlyweds’ footsteps. “Και στα δικά σας” is a wish directed at the unmarried guests, hoping they too will soon experience the joy of marriage.
There is much more you can wish for the couple and the family, these are just the Top 5 you will definitely need to know if you attend a Greek wedding, which by the way you are going to enjoy a lot - trust me! Remember, the joy of a Greek wedding is not just in the celebration, but also in the beautiful, cultural nuances that make every moment memorable. The Greek wedding wishes reflect the importance of family, happiness, and prosperity in Greek culture. So next time you’re at a Greek wedding, try out these wishes and see their faces light up!
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