Karpathos Islander Wedding, Kew Gardens, NY, 1991
Item Description
Impromptu folk poetry is a long tradition of Greeks from the island of Karpathos. On the wedding day men gather at both homes with players of two folk instruments, one plucking a lyra, the other bowing a lauoto. Recalling the history of the family present they sing rhymed couplets improvising as they go. The couplets celebrate living members as well as those who have passed away.
Katrina Thomas's notes: Greek-Americans from a mountainous island in the Dodecanese began to emigrate to the U.S. in 1965, retaining ties to their villages to which they regularly return. In both the land of their ancestors and in America, they keep time-honored customs of music and dance. On the wedding morning, in the homes of both bride and groom, for many hours male friends and relatives sing original lyrics, honoring each family. The verses are accompanied by traditional instruments, the lyra, its five wire strings plucked, and a lauoto, its three strings, played with a bow. Later, at the wedding reception, after the hired band leaves, a trio of friends plays these instruments, often adding a bagpipe, known as a tsambouna, to perform dance music until early morning.
Photographer's categories: Prenuptial rite , Folk music and song , Folk instruments , Bride , Bridegroom , Honoring