Many actions performed during Orthodox sacraments are deeply symbolic. Individual items used during worship can symbolize various truths of Christian doctrine and morality. The crowns worn on the heads of those who are married in the temple are no exception. They carry a hidden meaning.
Crowns like royal crowns
The first meaning of the symbolism of the crowns used at the wedding can be considered the wearing of the royal crowns on the heads of the spouses. That is, newlyweds who begin the sacrament of wedding not only create a unit of society - a family, but also a small Church.
All the greatness of the personalities of the newlyweds can be determined by the names of the king and queen. As the king rules the state, so the spouse must control all family affairs and be the head of the home Church. The wife, like the queen, should be of great femininity and be the keeper of the family hearth.
It should be noted that for the only time a man is allowed to wear a headdress while reading the gospel at a wedding. Even the archpastors of the Church take off their mitres before reading the Word of God, and the newlyweds remain in the crowns. This is a figurative expression of the Church's reverence for those who are married.
Crowns as a symbol of martyrdom
Another symbol of the crowns can be considered martyrdom. This means that now the newlyweds, having witnessed their marriage before God, undertake to arm themselves against the sinful desires of the body. Newlyweds should not only confess Christ's faith in their hearts and souls, but also set an example with their whole lives.
The confession of faith, according to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, should be even to death. That is, the Orthodox should not renounce God in difficult life situations. An example of the steadfastness of faith are the holy martyrs, who even endured death for the name of Christ.
The newlyweds are put on crowns as a sign that now the two of them are obliged to preserve not only the purity of family life, but also the Orthodox faith. Together, in unity, the newlyweds should strive for the moral ideal - Christ. And for a pious life, according to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, the Lord will honor his children with imperishable crowns of the Kingdom of Heaven.
