When it comes to getting married in Greece, one of the most beloved part of the festivities is to get the marital home prepared for the bride and groom. In the past, this was a gesture made by the friends and family to help make the bride and groom feel welcome in their new home together, and it also gave them the opportunity to bless their marriage with prosperity and fertility, as well as presented them the opportunity to bestow them with gifts. These days, many couples live together before they are married, but this doesn’t stop friends and family from still executing this tradition!
“To Krevati”, or the art of decorating the marital bed, is an offshoot of this. While friends and family get together to prepare the home for the newlywed couple, they take extra care in blessing the marriage by decorating the bed in a special way. Here’s more information about it:
About To Krevati – Decorating the Marital Bed
“To Krevati”, directly translated as “The Bed”, is the Greek wedding tradition where friends and family of the bride and groom take the time to decorate the marital bed. When Greeks say, “To Krevati” in association with a Greek wedding, everyone knows that they are referring to the tradition of decorating the marital bed. Tradition dictates that it is single women who should do this, but these days, anyone is welcome to do it. The tradition has been practiced in Greece for centuries and is said to have its roots in Ancient Greece.
Getting the Groom’s Approval
Decorating the marital bed, or “To Krevati”, is done in stages. Friends and family start making the bed. In some cases, they go as far as buying a new bed for the bride and groom. They set the bed up with linens, bed spreads, pillowcases, and some simple decorations, such as throw pillows. At this stage, the husband-to-be is called on to approve the bed. Once he does, the more elaborate decorations are added.
Symbolically Decorating the Bed
After the groom gives his approval, the rest of the decorations are added. These include symbolic elements that are chosen to bless the marriage with luck, prosperity, and fertility. Money is added to symbolize prosperity, and there is enough cash usually papered onto the bed to make a substantial gift in its own right. A baby is usually placed on the bed to symbolize prosperity. However, sometimes a doll is used over a real baby, depending on the situation. Finally, rice is thrown on the bed to symbolize the process of “putting down roots”. This is designed to symbolize the couple with a stable and happy home. After that, people decorate the bed with other festive elements, like rose petals, jewels, and glitter.
As you can see, “To Krevati”, or decorating the marital bed, is a beloved tradition as part of the Greek wedding. You should consider encouraging your friends and family to do this at your own wedding!