Mystery of Crowning

[4] Within the Byzantine Rite, the crowns are considered symbols of authority for the new "domestic church" formed by the creation of a new family.

The liturgy of the crowning is accompanied by multiple prayers, Psalms, and hymns that intend to emphasize the solemnity of the service; Ephrem the Syrian's "Christ the Heavenly Bridegroom" is recited.

[1] Within traditional East Syriac Rite practice, the crowning ceremony is celebrated separately from the Holy Qurbana and not considered a sacrament.

The ceremony is preceded by the sharing of a cup of mixed water, hanānā (dust from the tomb of a martyr), and wine, which mirrors the presence of Jesus Christ in Communion and is symbolic of the couple becoming one body.

[8][9] Crowning was formally a standard practice of the Saint Thomas Christians, and served as a publicly-celebrated foil to the betrothal, which was typically held among the family.