There was a strong turnout of people at the Saturday opening of the third annual Equinox Art Exhibition titled Greek Weddings under the Southern Cross, organised by the Democritus Association.
Art lovers, as well as representatives of Greek community organisations, came to hear cultural historian and literary translator Dr Konstandina Dounis, who opened the exhibition.
Dr Dounis is an expert in Greek-Australian immigrant stories and literature. Her research, The Shadow and the Muse: Journeys within the thematic tapestry, examined Greek-Australian women’s writing.
Before her speech, the traditional song “I told you mother marry me and don’t give me to foreigners, or you will regret it” was sung, which brought tears to many.
Dr Dounis reflected on the ritual of the Greek wedding and its role as a critical marker of migration and settlement in Australia. She also spoke of the often challenges met by many Greek women who married through the traditional proxy method, any having never met their prospective husbands until they stepped off the ship, with only a tiny black and white photo to go by.
The Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, also spoke and, in his heartfelt address, said that the exhibition reminded him of the Greek film Brides.
The event was filled with songs from all over Greece that were sung at weddings and others related to immigration. The exhibition attendees were surprised when they were gifted wedding bonbonniere at the end of the speeches.
This collection of black and white wedding photographs from the 1950s and 1960s was welcomed by the Diaspora who attended.
Greek Weddings under the Southern Cross open from 4 – 12 November at the Steps Gallery, 62 Lygon St, Carlton (Melbourne)
