Almonds

Tradition and History of Jordan Almonds

JORDAN ALMOND TRADITIONS

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.

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.

GREEK WEDDINGS Sugarcoated almonds in traditional Greek weddings are called *koufeta*. They are placed in little bags in odd numbers and are served on a silver tray. Odd numbers are indivisible, symbolizing how 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.

MIDDLE EASTERN WEDDINGS Candy-covered almonds, considered aphrodisiacs, are always on hand (have too many and you may leave the reception early!).

A SWEET IDEA Jordan Almonds make great wedding favors -- wrap a cluster in tulle tied with ribbon, pack a few in boxes (made of sugar, straw, paper, metal, or plastic), stuff some in decorative bags, or pour a handful into champagne glasses or glass bowls. 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 filet mignon). Consider using this Jordan Almonds poem:

Jordan Almonds for Thee

Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat
To remind us that life is both bitter and sweet.
Five wishes for the new husband and wife --
Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life!


Tradition suggests using five Jordan Almonds for each guest. One to signify health, one for wealth, one for longevity, one for fertility and one for happiness.

Wow great info!!! Thanks!!!

I love love love love the poem...I might even do that now!

Plus I love those stupid things...i would probably wound up eating most of them anyway!

If you are planning on doing them this site is the cheapest I have found them!


http://www.economycandy.com/store/category.aspx?SID=1&Category_ID=75