How to Plan a Greek Baptism Party

The baptizing of a baby in the Greek Orthodox church is a ceremony second only to marriage in its rich symbolism of dedicating the child to Christ. The symbols continue into the party afterward, as guests are presented with special gifts. The plan for a Greek baptism party is not too much different from that of other Christian churches, but there are a few touches that make it unique.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Entertainment
• Food
• Decorations
• Baptism gifts

Plan a Greek Baptism Party

1. Plan well in advance how big you want the party to be. You may prefer a buffet for a few family and friends or a sit-down dinner with a Greek band for your entire church. Know your goal before you begin preparations.
2. Make sure everything is taken care of regarding the food you choose, including cooking, serving and cleanup chores. There are some Greek family favorites, but most Greek Americans do not consider any one dish essential. You might serve a combination of Greek and other types of food, for instance, pastitsio or moussaka along with fried chicken or roast beef.
3. Choose how you want to decorate--simply, intricately or somewhere between--keeping in mind your financial resources. Pick out colors and styles--perhaps pink and frilly for a girl or bold colors for a boy--keeping the religious theme in mind.
4. Look at the various ways to present the traditional Greek gifts. The martyrika can be presented in the receiving line following the ceremony, as the guests enter the party or at the table. The boubouniera should probably be put at individual place settings.
5. Match the style of the martyrika and boubouniera with the decorations you have chosen. There are many different styles, plain or fancy, and a wide price range.
6. Make lists and delegate tasks to friends, family or professionals for before, during and after the party. This will take the stress off you and allow you to better enjoy your day.

Tips & Warnings

• Every aspect of the party should reflect the purpose and meaning of baptism and Chrismation (dedication). Check with the church's orthodox priest if you have a question about what is proper.
• At a Greek baptism, each guest is presented with two gifts--a martyrika (a pin on a decorative ribbon that commemorates their witnessing of the baptism) and a boubouniera (candy-coated almonds in a decorative pouch, napkin or box). The candy represents the sweetness of the baby's future life and the almonds, the bitterness.

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