Crowning Ceremony (Eastern Orthodox)

The crowning is the centerpiece of an Eastern Orthodox wedding ceremony. Garland wreaths are often fashioned into ornate crowns as a symbol of glory and honor. Crowns can also be made of orange blossoms, myrtle leaves, or sometimes used to represent the royalty of marriage. The koumbaros presents the couple with two crowns joined by a white ribbon, symbolizing their union. The priest then places the crowns on the couple’s heads while they face the altar. The koumbaros swaps the crowns on the couple’s heads here times, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. According to ancient custom, the crowns are to stay with the couple for life — some couples are even buried in them.

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