Greek food relies heavily on olive oil, wine, fish, and lamb. As carols evolved into a Christian tradition, they became hymns, having little relation to any type of dance. Another example is that someone that compliments a baby, a child or even an adult for its beauty, has also to spit three times on the complimented person so that he doesn't give him the bad eye (mati). Christmas in Greece. A popular tradition is small village children travelling from house to house on Christmas Eve singing 'kalanda', the equivalent of Christmas carols and offering their good wishes. OPENING DAY CEREMONY. 40 Adorable Characteristics which Make Greeks Special. From Epirus’s love of klarina (clarinets) and dancing the tsamiko, to guns firing, here is a look at some of the wonderful traditions that we love about Greek weddings.  A large onion, skeletoura, Scilla Maritima, the squill bulb or sea onion, used by Greeks in ancient times to worship Pan, God of the wilds and of nature, is hung above the door.  Whoever finds the lucky coin has good luck and good fortune for the rest of the year. The hobgoblins are known as kallikantzari in Greek. They vary from place to place, and in many areas have been updated or watered down to suit modern living. Here’s a list of 15 most popular Greek New Year customs and traditions: Children are up and about, bright and early on New Year’s Eve and go from house to house, singing the KALANDA, Greek Christmas Carols, usually only the one, same song,  accompanied by a triangle. 20 Ancient Greek Myths About 20 Ancient Greek Flowers, Archangels Michael - Gabriel - Raphael - Fallen Angels - Lucifer, Mammon, Asmodeus - A celebration of Angels, 20 Amazing Ancient Greek Inventions Still in Use Today - The Greeks Did it First, 20 of the Funniest and Dirtiest Nonsensical Greek Wisecrack Expressions and Phrases, 20 Everyday English Phrases, Sayings and Idioms With Greek Origins, Meraki - Greek Word of the Day - Doing it With Love, Passion and a Lot of Soul, 26 Famous Movies Filmed in Greece and the Greek Islands, 21 Weird Greek Superstitions - Customs and Traditions. Toward the end of Holy Week, which is between Palm Sunday and Easter, the preparations for Easter come to a climax. And more? This helps ensure luck, health, happiness and prosperity for the coming year. Boston MA, 02110 United States. The Greek equivalent of the Christmas tree is the ‘karavaki’, or  Christmas boat, a wonderful tradition, which after falling out of favour, I’m glad to say, is making a comeback…big time! It is a custom in Greece to get engaged before getting married. Rivlin praised by Greek Patriarch at traditional Christmas reception This year's reception, in compliance with Health Ministry regulations, was online. Greek Christmas Elf Lore . The bells ring continuously and people throw fireworks. Related. The hobgoblins are known as kallikantzari in Greek. (Misbehaving children wake up with zero gifts.) Traditions and superstitions vary from island to island, from villages to villages and from region to region. The Good Saturday Dinner takes place after midnight and consists of mayiritsa, tsoureki (Easter cake) and red eggs. Mischievous and even dangerous sprites called the Kallikantzaroi (or Callicantzari), prey upon people only during the twelve days of Christmas, between Christmas itself and Epiphany on January 6th.Descriptions of them vary, and in one area they are believed to wear … On the island of Thassos, burning embers are removed from the fire and put onto a heat – proof surface, then, whilst making a wish, olive, or oak leaves, are spread over the hot embers. In this case, an expert in xematiasma must tell a special pray to release the person in pain from the bad effects of the evil eye.  Greece is no exception and seems to have more than its fair share of Christmas and New Year celebrations. Today, in small villages of Epirus, people can still be seen at Christmas time, walking about with a flaming yew branch, wishing a merry Christmas to one and all. It was gathered at both mid-summer and winter solstices, and the custom of using mistletoe to decorate houses at Christmas is a survival of the Druid and other pre-Christian traditions. Saint Vassilis, or Agios Vassilis, has much in common with Saint Nicholas; Both are known for their compassion, kind heartedness and their commitment to helping the unfortunate, both bring gifts around Christmas Time, one, just a little later than the other. Easter is the most important celebration for the Greeks, even more than Christmas. The couple exchanges wedding rings that are worn on the left hand. When two people say the same thing together at the same time, they immediately say piase kokkino (touch red) one to another and both have to touch any red item they can find around them. . In Greece, the Carnival is called "Apokries". Unlike the western belief, in Greece, the unlucky day is Tuesday the 13th and not Friday the 13th. In Greece, the engagement period may last for years and it is like a commitment to the families. It is the celebration of the heroic OXI (NO): most Greeks put a Greek flag on their windows and balconies, while a parade takes place with the participation of school students and the army. Ho Ho Ho, it’s New Years’ Eve, and Santa’s arrived with his sack full of presents. The period is viewed by Christians as the amount of time it took the three magi, or wise men, to travel to Bethlehem for the Epiphany, the revelation of Jesus Christ as the savior and the son of God ("epiphany" is from the Greek word for "revelation"). If someone sees a black cat, this is supposed to be bad luck for the rest of the day.  At midnight, it is taken down, and in the morning, the children of the family are whacked on the head with it, in order to wake them up, so they can attend the church service for Saint Vassilis! To avoid the matiasma, those who believe in it wear a charm, a little blue bead with an eye painted on it. 51. Nancy Gaifyllia.  After midnight, the Vassilopita is sliced and handed round by the head of the family. After the wedding, these rings will be worn on the right hand. Furthermore, most of the traditions and festivals still celebrated today are religious. Free Events. At midnight, on New Year’s Eve, the lights are turned out and the pomegranate is then hurled to the floor, or at the door, where it smashes, spilling out its seeds, the more seeds the better! January: Poseidon: the Sixth Month of the Attic Calendar in Ancient Greece and it Belonged to Women! Yet some Christmas traditions have a spiritual meaning. 52. After the procession returns to the church where the believers kiss the image of the Christ. And, of course, baklava, layers of phyllo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, covered in sweet syrup.  This, I have heard of, it actually means a stone covered with moss, or, depending on who you ask, it only needs to be wet. There is something about Christmas that brings the best out of people. But as 2021 approaches, GCT shares some Greek New Year Traditions which we hope will bring health, luck, happiness and prosperity to the New Year! Greek Father Christmas is not Saint Nicholas, but Saint Basil (or Vasilis), being Greek and true to form, he arrives late, a week late; on New Year’s Eve. Where to stay? Christmas trees were introduced to Greece in the 1830s by King Otto, but didn’t really become popular until about the 1940s. The Greeks are very superstitious and believe a lot in religion but also in supernatural or paranormal phenomenon. Greek Christmas Traditions and Customs A mother’s melodic lullaby, granddad’s legends, Christmas carols, Cretan serenades, traditional dances and many others. Christmas Day is the first of the Twelve Days of Christmas. No confusion with this one, I think it’s practiced in many countries throughout the world, it certainly is in Britain. Kalanda: Carol Singing – Greek Christmas Traditions. Now this is a custom I had not heard of, neither had MGG (My Greek God), but, on seeing a picture of the skeletoura, (Squill, sea onion), I realised I had seen them hanging about in Greek houses, at New Year, usually with the bulb part wrapped in foil.  Like SAINT NICHOLAS that is, a jolly, red-clad, chubby chap, sporting a long white beard. Apart from a national celebration, this day is also a religious celebration dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. GreekBoston.com. Because of the terrain, goats and sheep are more commonly raised, so beef dishes are rare. Some Greeks, especially in villages, believe that someone can catch the evil eye, or matiasma, from someone else's jealous compliment or envy. Do you like On their way, in the black of night, to visit baby Jesus, the three kings, gathered dry yew branches, set them alight, and used them as torches to light  the way. Christmas celebrations in Greece officially last for 14 days, starting on Christmas Eve and ending on Epiphany (6 January) with the ‘Great Blessing of Water’. Photo slideshare net. After reading about the traditions, get also informed about the Greek language. The Greeks also thought that it had mystical powers and down through the centuries it became associated with many folklore customs.  This onion is kept in the house until the next New Year, to bring longevity, health and luck. In the Greek Orthodox faith, Easter is the most sacred observance. Written by. It is believed that spitting chases the devil and the misfortune away. Over the years, the word 'carol' changed its meaning, referring only to certain kinds of songs, the word carol became known as Christmas songs.  At the stroke of midnight, someone considered lucky, or a child, due to the fact they are pure and innocent, are sent outside and ordered to re-enter, right foot first, to bring good luck for the following year. As old as Cristianity itself, there are many traditions and customs associated with this season, some quite old and others more recent, like the decoration of the Christmas … In Greece, name days are more important than birthdays. Most of the Christmas traditions in Greece are more or less similar to the West. 101 Federal Street, Suite 1900. Blue is believed to be the color that wards off the evil eye, but it is also believed that people with blue eyes are most possible givers of the matiasma. Eat a special Christmas Eve dinner. In Thessaly, central Greece, on returning from church, girls burn cedar wood, and the boys, wild cherry, whoever’s branch burns first, is the one who shall marry first. Clean Monday or Lent Monday is the first day of the Lent (Saracosti) during which families go for a picnic in the countryside and fly kites. A Christmas and New Year custom in Epirus, Northern Greece. Saint Basil’s water, is simply water collected on Saint Basil’s Day, sometimes blessed by a priest, some say this is done to keep evil spirits away from the house. According to the folk Christmas traditions, the hobgoblins are short, ugly creatures with many deformities. In Greek culture, kissing under the mistletoe was considered an unspoken promise to marry your mate. Greek Christmas Customs & Traditions: Vasilopita, Greek New Year’s Cake. who may be present after midnight on New Year’s Eve, or, on New Year’s Day when they come to visit. The Gazebo at Kister Park - 400 block of South Main Painting Nikiforos Lytras. This is the practice of giving money to children; nieces, nephews, grandchildren etc. Painting by Henry Ryland, Another custom I’m not familiar with, on New Year’s Day, all water jugs in the house are emptied and refilled with “Saint Vassili’s” water” or “Saint Basil’s water”. Non-religious (but fun) Christmas traditions 21. In Greece, the Christmas holiday season lasts 12 days and includes Christmas, New Year and Epiphany. Statue of Saint Nicholas of Bari in the church of San Francisco, in  Betanzos, Galicia, Spain, holding three balls of gold, which represent the legend of the dowry he gave to three unmarried girls.  A stone, preferably covered with moss, is collected from a beach, a river, a pond, basically anywhere there is water, taken home, and left outside the door. Contemporary Greek culture and traditions are very rich and diverse, reflecting Greece's location at the crossing point where the West meets the East and the country's great and turbulent history. However, as soon as December arrives, festivities begin: homes are decorated, and the smell of Christmas treats is in the air. On Epiphany Day, the priest of the village goes from house to house and sprinkles the rooms with blessed water so that the hobgoblins return underground. Christmas in Greece. Even non-Christians observe Christmas traditions such as lighting oil lamps along the perimeter of the home’s courtyard or roof. A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties. Every culture has its own unique, sometimes quirky, customs and traditions. “Real Estate.”), Christmas in America has been filled with traditions, old and new. 9 Greek Christmas Food Traditions. We provide below information about traditional festivities (Name day celebration, Engagement, Carnival, Clean Monday, Easter, Greek Independence Day, The Ohi Day) and Superstitions (the Evil Eye (Mati), Spitting, Black cat, Hobgoblins, Tuesday the 13th, The expression Piase Kokkino).  Even though he has a different name, and arrives a week later, Agios Vassilis looks a lot like Christmas!  The ceremony is often accompanied by giving offerings or gifts to Naiads (Water nymphs). Like many other Christmas traditions, caroling is also thought to have its roots in the pre-Christian celebration of the Festival of Yule, when Northern Europeans would come together to sing and dance to honor the Winter Solstice. During this time of the year is all about family and giving and quite honestly is the best time to celebrate and create family traditions. Serbian Christmas traditions are customs and practices of the Serbs associated with Christmas and a period encompassing it, between the third Sunday before Christmas Day and Epiphany.There are many, complex traditions connected with this period. Squill or Sea Onion – Skeletoura- in Greek, The Big Onion! Tel. And there you have the makings of Christmas and New Year;  Greek style! Things are becoming stranger by the minute! On Christmas Eve, children, especially boys, often go out singing 'kalanda' (carols) in the streets. Grafted onto pre-existing pagan festivals or simply invented by popular piety, these traditions allow us to enter into the mystery of Christmas. Our services are rated Melomakarana, Sticky sweet and soaked in honey, with a tang of spicy cloves. I didn’t manage to learn what Saint Basil’s water actually is, MGG is more than useless when it comes to questions like this, the following is what I discovered for myself. Burning wood – the marriage of fire. Also if a glass or mirror breaks, it is believed to be bad luck for seven years. Do not hesitate to ask the community! The word carol comes from the ancient Greek 'choros', which means "dancing in a circle," and from the Old French word 'carole', meaning "a song to accompany dancing". During the night of the Holy Saturday (Megalo Savato), everybody dresses well and goes to the church where a ceremony is held. Diples, thin strips of dough, folded and fried, sprinkled with chopped nuts and honey.  All windows are thrown open to let out the Kallikantzaroi, evil spirits, or mischievous Christmas goblins. The twelve days of Christmas end on the sixth of January with the celebration of Epiphany, or, as it’s called in Greek Theophania or, Ton Foton. Corfu island is the most famous place for Easter. Though only 2% of the nation’s population is Christian, Christmas is a national holiday in India. This custom is still vivid in the Greek mainland and the islands, while gradually it tends to disappear. Different families develop their own Christmas Eve meal traditions, but if you are looking for a traditional meal to latch onto and you happen to be of French descent, consider holding a réveillon, a long dinner full of sumptuous On the "name day" of someone, his friends and family visit him without invitation and offer wishes and small presents. The girl, who arrives first at the spring, will have the most luck. Every Greek family has its VASSILOPITA, the New Year’s cake, concealing a lucky coin. This happens because Greeks believe that saying the same thing is an omen and that the two persons will get into a fight or an argument if they don't touch something red. Top Greek islands & Mainland Destinations, Most popular Greek islands & mainland destinations. The Carnival is believed to come from paganism, and more precisely from the old festivities worshipping Dionysus, the god of wine and feast. Not to be confused with Santa Claus, who visits on Christmas Eve, St. Nikolaus is based on a Greek Christian bishop who was known for miracles and giving gifts secretly. Whoever found the sixpence in their own piece of the pudding on Christmas Day would see it as a sign that they would enjoy wealth and good luck in the year to come. The usual sweets are, in fact, I would say, always rather than usual, snowy kourabiethes, Greek Christmas cookies, filled with almonds and drenched in icing sugar. As New Year is considered a lucky time, it’s the perfect excuse for a card-playing marathon, and I mean marathon! Greek Naming Tradition: how do babies take their names. Growing up in Puerto Rico I have memories of fun traditions we did as kids, and I wantedKeep Reading Olives, cheeses (especially feta! Nancy Gaifyllia. Christmas traditions include a variety of customs, religious practices, rituals, and folklore associated with the celebration of Christmas.Many of these traditions vary by country or region, while others are universal and practiced in a virtually ubiquitous manner across the world.. The hostess of the house offers pastries, sweets and hors d'oeuvres to the guests. There is a myriad of varying Greek wedding traditions depending on the area of Greece. Greeka team and its community members will be delighted to help you! Some date back to 16th-century Germany or even ancient Greek times, while others have caught on in modern times. November 29 at 11:00 AM. It's all about Greece, Greeks and all things Greeker! Sometimes they will also carry model boats decorated with nuts which are painted gold. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Customs and traditions in Greece and the Greek Islands are an important aspect of the Greek culture. 50.  This, supposedly, brings luck and good fortune. The games go on for hours, starting early evening, and lasting until midnight, usually at home, but there are organised games in the “Kafenion” (Coffee shop) and clubs. Greek superstitions are coming either from religion or paganism. A very important tradition is that everyone who has a name coming from a saint celebrated by the church celebrates his name on a given day of the year. Just before midnight, all of the lights of the church are turned off, symbolizing the darkness and silent of the tomb, while the priest lights a candle from the Eternal Flame, sings the psalm Christos Anesti (meaning Christ has risen) and offers the flame to light the candles of the people. Two Women of Ancient Greece Filling Their Water Jugs at a Fountain (women of Corinth). In fact, the English word for Christmas carol comes from the Greek dance, the Choraulein, which is performed to flute music.Christmas carols were originally sung during festivals all around the world, including in Greece, so this tradition still lives strong in many of the major cities and small villages of the … The preparations and customs, including traditional foods and large feasts, remain an important part of modern Greek life. Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process. Updated 11/15/19 The Spruce. A person who has caught the evil eye usually feels bad physically and psychologically. They play drums and triangles as they sing. Read also in our blog: Christmas Customs in Greece | Christmas food in Greece | Tsiknopempti. On Good Thursday or Good Saturday, women dye eggs in red and bake buns. To one and all, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Everyone is costumed and parties take place in the streets and bars, throwing colored confetti to each other. “Et in Arcadia ego”, The Greek Red & White March Bracelet – Martis – Greek Customs & Traditions, Aquarius – the Ancient Greek Myth behind the Zodiac Sign, Ancient Greek Art – 10 of the Most Innovative and Influential Ancient Greek Painters Who Still Inspire Artists Today, Draconian – Drastic Measures – Crime and Punishment in Ancient Greece. In many towns around Greece and in the islands, local customs revive. On October 28th, the Greeks celebrate the day when the Greek dictator Metaxas refused to let the Italians invaded the country during World War II. 25 of the Most Famous Ancient Greek Statues and Sculptures - Where Are They Now? Everyone passes the flame one to another. Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® is a month-long celebration, the festival runs Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.. That is why when someone talks bad news (deaths, accidents, etc), the others slightly spit three times saying ftou, ftou, ftou. The festival consists of two weeks of the feast, beginning from the Sunday of Meat Fare and ends with the first day of the Lent, called Clean Monday (Kathari Deutera). The most famous Carnival Parade takes place in the city of Patra. According to the folk Christmas traditions, the hobgoblins are short, ugly creatures with many deformities. The Greeks also thought that it had mystical powers and down through the centuries it became associated with many.! It is believed to be bad luck for the rest of the year certainly is inÂ.. In Greece, name Days are more important than birthdays with chopped nuts, in... The house a Fountain ( women of Ancient Greece Filling their Water Jugs at a (. Or Sea Onion – Skeletoura- in Greek modern culture, no matter people 's age, today... The Epiphany Day ( January 6th ), they come up to the folk Christmas have... 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