Why People Give Out Jordan Almonds at Weddings (2024)

Jordan almonds are pretty to look at and satisfyingly delicious to eat, combining a nutty almond center and a sweet candy coating—and they play a role in long-standing wedding traditions around the world.

The treats are especially popular at Italian, Greek, and Middle Eastern weddings, and are steeped in cultural symbolism. One of these symbols is found in the shape of the Jordan almond; the egg shape represents fertility and new beginnings. Their taste also has symbolic value. The delicate balance between the slight bitterness of the almond and its sweet coating serves to remind the newly married couple that life can be, at times, both bitter and sweet.

In Italian culture, Jordan almonds are called confetti. They have been given away at Italian weddings since the 14th century. You’ll usually find five of the candied almonds wrapped in tulle bundles to represent five blessings for the couple: health, wealth, fertility, happiness, and longevity.

For people with Greek heritage, candied almonds aren’t called Jordan almonds, but koufeta. Greek brides wrap the koufeta in groupings of odd numbers—usually three or five of them in a bundle—to represent a couple’s life being indivisible by two. It’s a symbol of the togetherness that comes with marriage. According to Greek superstition, if an unmarried person takes one of these wedding day almonds home and places it under their pillow, that night they will dream of their future spouse.

In Arabic, Jordan almonds are known as mlabbas, which translates to “candied.” The nuts are said to be aphrodisiacs in some Middle Eastern cultures, making Jordan almonds the perfect wedding treat for the couple and their guests.

While most Jordan almonds served at weddings are white, symbolizing purity, they come in many different colors, and aren’t exclusively given out at weddings. You might see pink or blue Jordan almonds at birth or baptisms. And for graduations, anniversaries, and other special occasions, you can enjoy them mixed up into a beautiful kaleidoscope of colorful, nutty candies.

Why People Give Out Jordan Almonds at Weddings (2024)

FAQs

Why People Give Out Jordan Almonds at Weddings? ›

Koufeta: The Jordan Almonds Greek Wedding Tradition

Why do people give Jordan almonds at weddings? ›

"Italians traditionally package these candied almonds in bunches of five to represent wishes of health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity," she says. For some, the five almonds also symbolize a number that can't be divided into two, just like the bond formed by a newly married couple.

What is the tradition of Jordan almonds? ›

In Middle Eastern countries, Jordan almonds are considered an aphrodisiac. Almonds are traditionally given in odd numbers, which are indivisible, symbolizing how the newlyweds will share everything equally and remain undivided, and Jordan almonds are often given five at a time.

What do the five Jordan almonds represent? ›

The perfect wedding bomboniere, which is Italian for wedding favor, includes five Jordan almonds to represent five wishes for the bride and groom. These are health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and a long life.

How many Jordan almonds do you put in a wedding favor? ›

The most common number of Jordan almonds given to guests at weddings is five. This is because five is an odd number and each of the Jordan almonds stands for something that guests wish for the couple. These five things are: happiness, health, fertility, longevity, and wealth.

Do Jordan almonds go bad? ›

A: Jordan almonds can last for over a year if stored properly.

What are the benefits of Jordan almonds? ›

Jordan almonds contains 0.5 g of saturated fat and 0 mg of cholesterol per serving. 40 g of Jordan almonds contains 1.2 mg vitamin C as well as 0.72 mg of iron, 40.00 mg of calcium.

How many Jordan almonds are in 1 pound? ›

1 pound bag. Approx. 113 pcs. Add these chic treats to your dessert display or pop them in small bags to create the ultimate in easy party goodies.

What is the significance of almonds in the Bible? ›

' Then said the LORD unto me: 'Thou hast well seen; for I watch over My word to perform it. '” In Christianity, the almond, with its seed concealed behind an outer hull and a hard shell, symbolizes the purity of the virgin and the hidden godliness within the human shape of Jesus.

How many Jordan almonds is a serving? ›

Brach's
Nutrition Facts
For a Serving Size of 10 pieces (39g)
How many calories are in Jordan Almonds? Amount of calories in Jordan Almonds: Calories 180Calories from Fat 45 (25%)
% Daily Value *
How much fat is in Jordan Almonds? Amount of fat in Jordan Almonds: Total Fat 5g-
14 more rows

What do Jordans symbolize? ›

Air Jordan, over many decades, has been a symbol of not just 'coolness' to those who wear the shoe but of success, perseverance, and the true American dream which is why it's important to recognize the significant impact of these shoes on our society.

How to eat Jordan almonds? ›

The almonds are coated in a hard shell, eat them by placing in mouth for a bit until they are ready for the bite. Enjoy!

What is the symbol of the almond? ›

In the Christian tradition, the almond signifies divine favour and approval, and the purity of the Virgin. The nut is concealed within an outer skin, bringing the idea of the essence hidden within things of little apparent importance: for example, the divinity of Christ hidden within the mortal human form.

Why do they call it Jordan almonds? ›

Some historians believe the candy's name is a distorted version of the French word "jardin," which means garden. Others claim Jordan almonds got their name because they resembled a type of almond that grows near the Jordan River. Many literary documents trace the candy's origin to 1350.

What is the etiquette for wedding favors? ›

If you are giving one favor per guest, present each gift at each place setting or as part of the table centerpiece. If you decide to give each couple a favor, label the wedding favors with the couple's or family's name and place them on a table so that guests can pick them up upon entering the reception.

What is a normal amount to spend on wedding favors? ›

The Average Cost of Wedding Favors

Based on our research, we have found that most couples spend around $2 to $3 per guest on wedding favors. This can vary depending on the number of guests, the type of favors chosen, and other factors such as the location of the wedding party.

Why do we put almonds in wedding favors? ›

Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life! As such, the almonds are considered a symbol of good luck, and the tradition of gifting them as wedding favours spread across Europe. In gifting them to their guests, it is thought that the couple are sharing their luck and happiness with them.

What is the meaning of sugared almonds at weddings? ›

If you want to be faithful to wedding traditions, the sugared almond wedding favours for each of the guests must contain five almonds representing each of the couple's wishes: love, health, happiness, fertility, and long life together.

What is the meaning of confetti almonds at a wedding? ›

Confetti in Italian means “candied”. For a wedding, specifically, it refers to sugar-coated almonds. This has a special meaning at a wedding. The almond symbolizes the bitter-sweetness of marriage and the beginning of a new life. Pack these almonds prettily into Bomboniere: also a special tradition.

Why do Italians give sugared almonds at weddings? ›

They have been given away at Italian weddings since the 14th century. You'll usually find five of the candied almonds wrapped in tulle bundles to represent five blessings for the couple: health, wealth, fertility, happiness, and longevity.

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