An important aspect of the Christian marriage service, which was once common in many areas and still survives in some, was the crowning of the bride and groom. In the Armenian wedding service, a crown with a cross was worn. Prior to the wedding, on the eve thereof, in the home of the bridegroom, and, separately, in the home of the bride, bride and groom were crowned and seated on a chair, symbolizing a throne. Friends and relatives then danced the circle dance around the crowned person, singing the crowning song. After each stanza, the chorus took the crowned person on a tour of the great Armenian monastaries, declaring in song, "Now you are facing (the Monastery of) the Holy Cross, wearing red and green. May God keep you blameless to enjoy your Queen," or "Now you are facing (the Monastery of) St. Thomas, wearing red and green. May God keep you blameless to enjoy your Queen," and so on.