What Are Jordan Almonds?
These fancy,
sugarcoated candies are rich in flavor and in cultural meaning, particularly at Italian and Greek weddings. Fresh almonds have a bittersweet taste, which represents life; the sugarcoating is added with the hope that the newlyweds' life will be more sweet than bitter.
Jordan Almonds and Greek Weddings
In traditional Greek weddings, sugarcoated almonds are called
koufetta. They are placed in little bags in odd numbers and are served on a silver tray. Because odd numbers are indivisible, this symbolizes that the newlyweds will share everything and remain undivided. Tradition holds that if an unmarried woman puts the almonds under her pillow, she'll dream of her future husband.
Jordan Almonds and Italian Weddings
At traditional Italian weddings, five almonds signify five wishes for the bride and groom: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. These almonds decorate each place setting as favors, tucked into pretty boxes or tulle bags called
bomboniere that are often personalized with the couple's names and wedding date.
Ways to Package Jordan Almonds
Wrap a cluster of almonds in tulle and tie it with a ribbon, Italian-style. Or, pack a few almonds in
boxes -- made of anything, from sugar to straw, paper, metal, or plastic. Toss a few into decorative
bags, or pour a handful into champagne glasses or glass bowls on the tables. No matter how you package, attach a little card with a note explaining the almonds' meaning (so guests know they're not just an intermezzo between the salad and the entree). How to? Consider using the Jordan Almond poem.
-- The Knot
See More: Wedding Favors
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