Thessalian Marriage Services
What is Gamos?
Gamos is the Greek word for a wedding ceremony, and it is important to remember that Thessalian weddings shine and sparkle. There is joy, laughter, loud music, mountains of food, and spiraling lines of lively dancers. In Thessalian tradition, most of the social customs surrounding the wedding festivities are modern interpretations of ancient Greek customs dating back centuries. Both the ceremony itself and the customs associated with marriage express the idea of human joy as joined with the joy of the gods when two people are united in sacred wedlock.
The Ritual of Marriage
Through the ritual of marriage, the church joins a couple in a sacred union. During the ceremony the couple commit themselves to one another and to raising a Thessalian family in a Thessalian home. The goddess Hera, in turn, bestows Her blessings on them that they may live in harmony and peace for life. The service consists of beautiful hymns and prayers extolling marriage and emphasizing its responsibilities.
The service is conducted around a small altar on which wedding crowns, two wedding rings, a cup of wine, and two white candles have been placed. These objects are used symbolically throughout the service. In addition to these items, there should be three young women who represent the Fates who each hold two colored cords symbolizing the vows that are to be taken by the couple.
What is the Wedding Rite?
The wedding proper takes place highlighted by the following:
The Candles
The marriage couple each hold a lighted candle during the service. The candles remind the couple of the light of the gods who are with them throughout the ceremony and their coming life together.
The Joining of Hands
The couple joins right hands as the clergy reads the vows which they are to promise to one another. As each vow is made, a blessing from the Fates is declared and the cord is draped, thus binding their souls together through sacred vows. When all the vows have been taken, the couple will tie the cord into a knot, thus sealing their marriage in the eyes of the Fates, the Gods, and the Church.
The Crowning
Crowns (stéphana) joined with a ribbon are worn by the couple who are to be respected as king and queen in their home and family. The family unit is known as the oikos (household) and is viewed as the couple’s own kingdom. The proper running of the oikos is the job of both and a balanced household, financial success, and progress are the responsibility of everyone including children. Thessalians take great pride in their oikos. As this crowning takes place, the blessing of Hera and Zeus is invoked upon the couple. “O, King and Queen of Olympus, crown them with honor and glory.”
The Common Cup
Wine plays an important role in all Thessalian celebrations and rituals. The newlywed couple share a common cup of consecrated wine, symbolizing the sharing of all that life will bring — the joys, sorrows, love, and pain.
The Circumambulation
Led by the clergy, the couple circles the altar three times while wearing their crowns and holding hands. The koumbáros(a) follows them, holding the ribbon that joins the crowns. The circumambulation is important because it represents the couple’s first steps together as one soul. There steps should be slow and calculated, as any type of stumbling is viewed as a bad omen. Some clergy may shower the couple with rose petals during the circling as a blessing from Aphrodite to promote a strong physical relationship between the couple.
Near the end of the ceremony the clergy removes the crowns, charging the newlyweds: “Be magnified, O bridegroom, as King of your household, and blessed as Odysseus, and increased as was Croesus. Go your way in peace, performing in honor the virtues of faith. And you, O bride, be magnified as Queen of your household, and rejoiced as was Penelope, and increased as Aspasia, being happy in your union, keeping the paths of the faith, for so the Gods are well pleased.”
The couple are proclaimed as husband and wife, at the conclusion of the service. Just before the crowns are removed from their heads, the clergy invokes the Fates’ blessings once more. “O Sisters of Fate, bless these your committed acolytes who, by your providence, are now joined in the spiritual union of marriage.”
Marriage Services
For Non-Thessalian People
The Thessalian clergy, with their deep-rooted connection to philosophy and reverence for diverse beliefs, have recognized the importance of love and union transcending religious boundaries. They understand that each couple is unique and deserves a wedding ceremony tailored to their personal beliefs and desires.
With utmost respect and inclusivity, the Thessalian clergy offer pagan wedding services that celebrate the sacred bond of love, regardless of one's religious affiliation. These ceremonies blend the timeless wisdom of ancient Thessalian customs with the couple's individual preferences, creating a harmonious and meaningful experience for all involved.
Through their extensive knowledge of ritual, the clergy weave together elements of nature, symbolism, and spiritual practices, crafting a ceremony that honors the couple's love story and aspirations. Whether it's invoking the blessings of the gods and goddesses, performing rituals tied to the natural elements, or incorporating meaningful symbols, the Thessalian clergy bring a profound sense of authenticity and depth to every wedding they officiate.
The Thessalian clergy's commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the wedding day itself. They strive to foster an environment where all couples, regardless of their spiritual path, feel embraced and supported throughout their journey. This approach has gained widespread recognition, attracting couples from various backgrounds who seek a truly unique and spiritually enriching wedding experience.
With the Thessalian clergy's willingness to embrace diversity and honor the power of love, couples can embark on a remarkable journey where ancient traditions harmoniously unite with personal beliefs, culminating in a truly memorable and transformative wedding celebration.