The Traditional Bomboniere of 5 Sugared Almonds (2024)

Posted by Georgina Bennett on 3rd Sep 2014

Sugared almonds are a traditional bomboniere given to wedding guests.

Sugared almonds, also known as Jordan almonds are almonds coated in a sugar candy. Sugared almonds originated in Italy. They are given to guests at Italian weddings, and are usually wrapped in matching tulle tied with a ribbon. The five sugar coated almonds represent health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long life.

Sugared almonds are also very common in Greek weddings. Odd numbers are chosen, such as five because they can not be divided, which represents the unity of the bride and groom. It is also believed that if an unmarried Greek woman places the sugared almonds under her pillow, she will dream of her future husband.

Tulle circles are a perfect way to wrap your Jordan almonds. Simply place them inside the circle of tulle, and tie with a colour ribbon to match your colour scheme.

The Traditional Bomboniere of 5 Sugared Almonds (1)

Organza bags also great for filling with sugared almonds. As they come in a range of colours, you can choose the colour to match your wedding colour theme.

The Traditional Bomboniere of 5 Sugared Almonds (2024)

FAQs

What is the tradition of 5 sugared almonds? ›

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 the sugared almonds in bomboniere? ›

Traditionally five sugar coated almonds represent - health, wealth, happiness, good luck and fertility. Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat. To remind us that life is both bitter and sweet. Five wishes for the new husband and wife. Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life!

What do 5 almonds symbolize? ›

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.

What is the tradition of bomboniere at a wedding? ›

In that case it is called 'bomboniere', a wedding favour. If you look inside, you will find an odd number of sugared almonds inside. Tradition say, that confetti should be given away in odd numbers, 3,5 or 7 for each guest.

Why do Italians give sugared almonds at weddings? ›

Confetti: In Italian, "confetti" means "candied." However, when we speak of confetti in the context of a wedding, we are referring to sugar-coated almonds. These almonds carry a special symbolism, representing the bittersweetness of marriage and the start of a new life together.

How many almonds in a bomboniere? ›

It usually consists of five Jordan almonds in a festive bag, with the almonds symbolizing health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. The bag is typically made of tulle or satin and tied with ribbons.

What does bomboniere mean in Italian? ›

[bomboˈnjɛra ] feminine noun. box of sweets (as souvenir at weddings, first communions)

Why are there five almonds in wedding favours? ›

The actual significance of there being five almonds is that the number five is indivisible which symbolises a strong bond or union between the newlywed couple that will never be broken or divided.

Why did they throw sugared almonds? ›

Meaning. Jordan almonds are given out at weddings all over the world and have been for years. The bitterness of the almonds themselves represents the trials and tribulations of life, while the sugar coating represents the hope that the married couple will embark on their new life together with sweetness.

What is the saying about sugared almonds? ›

The bitter almond and the sweet sugar symbolize the bitter-sweetness of marriage – the almond being the difficulties and the sugar-coating being the good stuff. Traditionally there are five almonds to a favour, representing wishes of good health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.

Why do you only put 5 Jordan almonds as party favors at Italian weddings? ›

Bomboniere: The Jordan Almonds Italian Wedding Tradition

At traditional Italian weddings, five almonds signify five wishes for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.

What is the Italian almond tradition? ›

Wedding Favors:

But, in Italy it's traditional to give guests sugared almonds called confetti. The confetti are packaged in lace and ribbon ("bomboniera") with a specific number of almonds symbol of luck and prosperity. Generally an odd numbers - like five or seven - because they are lucky in Italy.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

Last Updated:

Views: 6403

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

Birthday: 2001-01-17

Address: Suite 769 2454 Marsha Coves, Debbieton, MS 95002

Phone: +813077629322

Job: Real-Estate Executive

Hobby: Archery, Metal detecting, Kitesurfing, Genealogy, Kitesurfing, Calligraphy, Roller skating

Introduction: My name is Gov. Deandrea McKenzie, I am a spotless, clean, glamorous, sparkling, adventurous, nice, brainy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.