A family wedding this weekend found us exposed to some traditions that were totally new experiences for us. My cousin Carli and her handsome groom, Lupce were joined in matrimony at the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Macedonian Orthodox Chapel. The Chapel itself is among the most gorgeous I have ever seen with detailed gilded paintings of the saints on the walls and ceilings. There was a cantor that sang all the prayers and verses. The bride and groom were crowned with grand crowns in a ceremony that involved blessings and kissing of the crowns. It was unusual, foreign, exotic and very steeped in tradition. But when it was announced 'You may kiss your bride,' we knew that it was official.
Downtown at the Masonic Temple, we were greeted with a sumptuous table laden with any type of hors d'oeuvres that you could imagine. After dinner we were treated to another Macedonian custom that involved the Godfather of the groom, a roasted baby pig, and a parade. Oh, and money thrown about in hopes of some type of feast payment. A Macedonian Junkanoo-if you will! I'm not sure, but it was highly entertaining!
Dancing and sharing bottles were the order of the night and the revelry was in full force when we slipped off.
Among the new things we learned, was the commonality that in any language, marriage is about love, family, spirituality and food-in any language.
Congrats to Carli and Lupce! The best is yet to come! XOXO
P.S.-how cute is my Mom?
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