Koufeta, Dragees, Confetti, Bomboniere Boubouniera………Traditions of Jordan Almonds

The Europeans call them almond dragees, Greeks call them Koufeta, the Italian culture most commonly refers to them as confetti from the word confection, and the French particularly prefer to say almond dragees. One of the most common traditional favor candies used today is the Jordan almond. The gift of sugar-coated Jordan Almonds or sweets is a tradition over 3,000 years old in Greece, Europe, Italy, French and Middle Eastern where they are also known as Almond dragees. Many names are given to the Jordan almonds depending on the culture in which are referred to.

For the origin of Koufeta, confetti or Jordan Almonds given as favors we must look back to the ancient Romans, who celebrated births and marriages with the distant ancestors of today's confetti favors. But until the Renaissance they - and other sweets - were made with honey. The introduction of sugarcane into European kitchens in the 15th century marked the beginning of the modern era for confetti. In the Renaissance, as in antiquity, confetti or koufeta were not just for ceremonial use. They were real sweetmeats made of candied fruits, or with almonds, dried fruits, aromatic seeds, hazelnuts, pine nuts or cinnamon, covered with a hard coating of sugar. And they were habitually served not only at wedding banquets but also at many important meals. The tradition of the presence of Jordan Almonds/Koufeta during important occasions has led to it becoming symbolism for special occasions, especially for christenings baptisms, weddings, bridal showers, communions, confirmations, graduations and religious ordination ceremonies. Almonds in uneven numbers of three, five, seven or nine are given as tokens of good fortune and happiness.

According to a beautiful fable in Greek mythology, a young man called Demophon (Theseus' son) fell in love with a lovely Tracian princess, Phyllis. Before the marriage ceremony Demophon is informed that his father has died in Athens and he must return for the funeral. He promises to come back by a certain day but cannot return until three months later. By this time Phyllis is sure that she will never see her lover again and eventually she died of a broken heart. The Gods were touched by her love and transformed her into an almond tree. When the desperate Demophon returned to find Phyllis turned into a flowerless tree, he embraced her, and the tree burst into bloom, proving his undying love. Therefore the almond came to symbolize impetuous youth and immortal love.

Almond history: Part of the plum family, the almond tree (Prunus amygdalus) is native to North Africa, West Asia and the Mediterranean. The English word almond is derived from the French amande, which in turn is a derivative of the old Latin and Greek word for almond "amygdalus", literally meaning "tonsil plum." Ancient Romans also referred to almonds as "Greek nuts," since they were first cultivated in Greece. Almonds date back in print to the Bible. A recipe from the Forme of Cury, dating back to 1390, uses blanched, ground almonds in gravy for oysters.

Thophrastus in Ancient Greece was content to record the phenomenon of its sudden blossoming. Ancient Pagans thought almonds symbolized virginity. Some even used almonds as an emblem of the Virgin Mary. While symbolizing virginity, almonds were also used as fertility charms and marriage blessings. Modern Czechs, Italians, Russians, Romanians, Armenians, Bulgarians and Greeks see them as good luck and long life--and give out the nuts at weddings, christenings baptisms and confirmations.

Many other nationalities also use koufetta. The general significance of the Jordan almond is that fresh almonds have a bittersweet taste, which represents life. The sugarcoating is added with the hope that the married couple's life will be more sweet than bitter.

The almond tree grows freely in Syria and Palestine: it is mentioned in Scripture as one of the best fruit trees of the land of Canaan and there are many other biblical references to it. Almonds, as well as the oil pressed from them, were well known in Greece and Italy long before the Christian era.

Koufeta Symbolism in Greek Culture: These tasty sugar coated nuts, called Koufeta in Greek, are said to represent many things. The bittersweet almond taste is symbolic of life itself. The sugar coating is the hope that life will be blessed with more sweetness than bitterness. In Greek culture, to ensure sweetness and purity in the marriage, "koufeta" boubounieres must be filled with an odd number of white candy-coated almonds. The odd number is indivisible and symbolizes how the husband and wife will share everything and remain undivided. The white symbolizes purity; the shape of the almond symbolizes never-ending love.

Middle Eastern wedding custom dictates that 5 Jordan Almonds pieces are presented to each wedding guest as wedding favors. The number five represents five wedding wishes: health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity. In the Middle Eastern wedding culture the candy covered almonds are considered aphrodisiacs and are always on hand.

Other Uses for Koufeta in Greek Tradition: Koufeta - the Greek name for Jordan almonds - are placed on the wedding tray along with the wedding crowns stefana. This tray (usually silver or stainless steel) is also decorated with rice. Koufetta are also used in the decoration of favors, usually wrapped in plain tulle or dainty handkerchiefs. Sometimes, the wrapped koufetta are tied onto a wedding favor, also called a bombonierre or boubouniera. Incidentally, odd numbers of koufetta are used in the favors because odd numbers are indivisible, symbolizing how the wedding couple stand as one and share everything.

A special tradition in some Greek villages is to decorate the matrimonial bed with handmade linens, coins, flowers, and koufeta. Babies of friends and family are gently rolled on the bride-to-be's mattress. This is said to bring fertility, happiness, wealth and success.

Another Greek tradition says that if an unmarried woman places the koufeta under her pillow, she'll dream of her future husband. For modern Greek wedding and Baptism favors, white Organza, Silk or Satin Favor Boubounieres tied with ribbons are filled with 5 Jordan Almonds.

Creativity with Jordan Almonds: Modern brides and other people are very creative with the traditional Jordan Almonds Koufeta. Traditionally white Jordan Almonds have been used for all special occasions and events; however Jordan almonds are available in pastel colors of either ivory, green, light blue, light pink, lavender violet or as an assortment in order to coordinate with the wedding or the Christening Baptism décor. Thus Koufeta have been incorporated into very creative and unique favor ideas for the special events and the reception tables. You can put a spark into your wedding favors or any favor for any special event you might have and they are very unique. Your guests will be surprised by the creativity used to include the metallic or pastel tones in wedding favors or your Christening Baptism favors. Creativity with Jordan Almonds can include a classic tradition in a very modern wedding.

Brides use pastel Jordan Almonds in creative Jordan almond favor holders to put a twist on an old tradition. Jordan Almonds have even been incorporated into chocolate heart-shaped almonds to create a unique wedding favor treat. If you have a baby shower for a boy, then you can mix white and baby blue color almonds to coordinate your event and add color, elegance and sophistication to the baby shower tables. If you have a baby shower for a girl, then you can mix white or ivory and light pink color almonds to match with your occasion. The same thing you can apply for a Christening or Baptism for a boy or a girl. And what a unique and innovative idea if you have twins, to mix the colors of blue and pink almonds and create exquisite favors and present something different. You can use your imagination and the result would be extraordinary! You can decorate your reception tables with silver plates filled with colorful almonds and create an elegant effect.

Five almonds can also be incorporated into ribbon flowers, also well known as Coccarde Favors.

Almonds and your health: Almonds are an ancient food; archaeologists even found almonds in King Tut's tomb. Spanish missionaries brought almonds to California, which produces 100% of the US supply, and 80% of the world supply. On the nutrition front, almonds koufeta high in monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol-free, they can help reduce cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. They are also high in Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant which helps prevent the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. One ounce of almonds contains about 10% of the recommended daily allowance of calcium, a great non-dairy source for vegetarians. Almonds are often recommended as a building food for those who are underweight. Almond oil has homeopathic and cosmetic applications.

Almond storage: According to the Almond Board of California, packaged almonds can be stored in unopened packages or boxes in a cool, dark place up to 2 years. There is no need to worry about buying the almonds too soon, or them going stale. These candy almonds koufeta have a 2 year shelf-life!

Conclusion: Anyone chooses to present the tasty Jordan Almonds or Koufeta Dragees as favors; it is a symbolism of cultural tradition and a very special occasion. Everybody loves to receive gifts... and everybody loves almond candies and chocolate! Centuries ago, wealthy aristocrats introduced the idea of giving bomboniere to celebrate weddings, anniversaries, christenings, communions and other special occasions. In current times bomboniere are attractive gifts of sugared almonds contained in layers of tulle or lace tied together with satin or organza ribbon, decorated with artificial flowers or embellishments of wired pearls and crystals. Modern alternative ideas are attractive favor boxes, organza bags or pouches filled with confetti almonds koufeta. A candy almond favor is a small gift or keepsake given to guests of your special event and also those who are unable to attend. The giving of favors is now practiced worldwide and has become international. Favors make a wonderful lasting gift and memory of any event.

Source Box: You can create your own favors with our elegant bomboniere ideas, supplies and accessories and fill them with delicious sugared almonds or chocolate dragees. With a personalized ribbon with your name and the date of your wedding, christening or any other special event you might have, your favors will be ready and you will enjoy their preparation and the satisfaction of your own outcome!

ApollonianOccasions offers a great selection in bomboniere boubounieres and Jordan almonds koufeta supplies and decorative accessories. Whether you have a wedding, a christening baptism, a baby or bridal shower, anniversary, engagement or any other special event, please take a look at www.apollonianoccasions.com website to see a selection of fine quality products. Apollonian Occasions helps simplify the decision-making for every one of you: http://www.apollonianoccasions.com

Article written by Helen Marakis