https://goo.gl/UwxBi8 Download TONS of FREE PDF lessons to learn Greek twice as fast! The pomegranate as a symbol of plenty and fertility is an especially popular symbol of luck for the New Year, although onions (resilient!) The roast stuffed turkey shares the table with some other traditional festive dishes, among them very often are “lachano dolmades” (stuffed cabbage leaves) and several types of pie with hand-rolled phyllo. Preparing for the day of Agios Vasilis is like preparing for Christmas elsewhere, with lots of shopping for the perfect gift. The Greeks bake a lot of sweet filo pastry dishes like baklava, kataifi and theeples. It’s easier to see artificial lights… One of the more popular Greek Christmas traditions is decorating ships. The most popular ones are the decoration of the Christmas boat, the Kalenda (Greek Christmas carols), Vasilopita, and smashing the pomegranate. During the twelve days of Christmas, the young women of the village carry empty pitchers to nearby fountains and fill them with water. The festivities culminate with Christmas Eve mass and a large feast. Nowadays, groups of children also visit shops and buses. Children go door-to-door singing their songs and playing their instruments, which include triangles, drums, lyres, and guitars. They go knocking on each door and sing. The Nativity Scene is also a feature of most cities and towns. As in Serbia, pork is the traditional roast meat of Greek tables at Christmas - turkey is a relative newcomer. Christmas traditions in Greece. Teeth tossing in Greece: Some cultures pop children’s teeth under their pillows and wait for a swap with cold hard cash by a fairy. But the caroling tradition in Greece centers on one specific song – or actually, three – one is for Christmas eve day, one is for New Year’s Eve day, and one is for the day before the Epiphany. It’s easier to see artificial lights and decorations rather than candles; Christmas trees over the Greek boat or karavaki, and massive references to Santa in shops and on TV. Massive travel, easy access to worldwide media, and globalization have standardized and spread many traditions from the Occidental world. Turkey is a big part of Greek Christmas food customs, and it is common to find this bird on most Greek Christmas tables. Throughout the Christmas season, people also enact plays containing struggles between angels and devils called pastorelas. The Eptanisa as they are called in Greek (a seven-island group in the Ionian Sea) bring their own traditions to every season, Christmas included, and this Karythopita walnut spice cake is one. That's why I have collected some of the very best Christmas recipes, from Greek Christmas Cookie recipes, hearty Greek family dinner recipes and many more as passed on to my family for generations, for you to enjoy! Within their commonly held traditions, there are some that derive from typical Christmas festivities around the world, yet also others that are completely unique to Greece. Fly Me To The Moon Copyright © 2019, All Rights Reserved credits. The “feeding of the water spring” bears close similarities to another Greek tradition, which takes place every spring or summer (depending on the region). But its introduction into Greece is more recent – many have it that King Otto introduced it in the 1830’s – an imported custom of his native Bavaria. 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. From early in the morning, you will see parties of friends with musical instruments visiting the neighborhoods. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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.. These traditions are also celebrated by other Latin American Christians and some American Latinx populations. Interesting Christmas Traditions of Italy, Ireland, and Greece One of the more interesting aspects of travel, is learning about different cultures. There are many different traditions unique to Greek culture. Greece is a country where traditions and customs are a part of everyday life. Roast pork is the traditional Christmas meal during Christmas in Greece. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Every evening between December 8th and Christmas Eve, the children feed the log small treats with water, and leave him under a blanket to keep him warm. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Is Covid-19 Triggering a Populist Backlash in Greece? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. However, they are requested to walk towards the fountain in complete silence. Boats and caroling are two big holiday traditions in Greece. Agios Vasilis is associated with generosity through many legends. Why Greece Was Less Effective in Dealing with Covid’s Second Wave. 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A figure of the baby Jesus joins the scene on Christmas. People keep them away burning logs, incense, and even old shoes. Regional Specialties . What they all have in common is a coin, hidden in the dough. Most holidays in Greece are celebrated traditionally, and Christmas in no exception. “Feeding the Fountain” is a tradition found in different areas of the country's mainland. Christmas in Greece. On Christmas Eve, kids go out and sing the carols. On Christmas Eve, it's customary for Greek families to prepare a rustic sweetbread called Christopsomo (meaning “Christ's bread”). A fire that, as long as it’s kept burning, will keep the evil goblins away. However, the most authentic native symbol of the holidays for Greeks is not the Christmas tree, but rather the Christmas boat. According to one story, the tradition comes from his life, when an emperor had put a large tax during a time of great famine. In Greek Orthodox tradition, sesame baklava is baked on Christmas Eve while Christopsomo is the bread baked on Christmas Day (it means. Greek Christmas Traditions – a Unique Celebration of the Holidays. It is boats that brought – and still do bring – loved ones together to share the joy of the season. Whether you live in Greece or you are planning to spend your Christmas holidays in Greece for the first time, there are a few essential pieces of information you should know about Greek Christmas traditions.. Christmas and New Year is a beloved holiday period for the Greeks. The tradition of placing a delicate, white crown on top of the bride and groom’s head was said to originate in the 11th century and is still one of the most important Greek wedding traditions. On Christmas Eve, it’s common in Greece for children to flock from home to home in their neighborhoods to sing Greek Christmas carols, or “kalanta.”. This association of Agios Vasilis and the New Year makes New Year’s Eve in Greece much more of a family holiday than it is in other countries. I’m often asking people to describe me some unique customs typical for their countries. Keep plenty of change on hand to reward the youngsters for keeping up this tradition. A delicious collection of traditional Greek Christmas recipes! Many Greek recipes are prepared in all parts of the country, but each area is known for its unique variations. Here are some of the things that make the Greek holiday season special. Throughout Christmas holidays there are several Christmas traditions that are celebrated throughout Greece. Halloween. The hobgoblins are known as kallikantzari in Greek. Of course, after the family celebration, New Year’s Eve is celebrated as it is all around the world – with revelry late into the night with friends. Families in Greece hung them at the front door on New Year’s Eve and then kept it in the house for the rest of the year to bring longevity, health and good luck to every person in the house. The late-night New Year’s celebration takes its name from French, but it is all Greek in style. We thought it would be interesting to write about some of the traditions and customs that one may come across amongst the Cypriot people. 6. I have gathered 25 seemingly strange, crazy or mad traditions from around the world. The Big Dilemma: Should COVID-19 Vaccines be Mandatory? Melomakarona (honey cookies) and kourabiedes (sugar-coated butter cookies) are the most popular traditional Christmas desserts in Greece. And a visit to Church is also central to the holiday celebration. Here is an in-depth look at everything you need to know about Greek customs, traditions and foods during Christmas. Now, this is something that truly sets Greece apart. The people of Greece have held Christmas celebrations for quite some time. Christmas Traditions Around the World. Every shop window and every home has platters of both “Melomakarona” – a soft and spicy cookie with honey syrup and walnuts – and “Kourabiedes” – butter cookies dusted with snowy clouds of icing sugar. We hope that this post gets you into the festive spirit. Here are some of the things that make the Greek holiday season special. According to the folk Christmas traditions, the hobgoblins are short, ugly creatures with many deformities. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This keeps the emphasis on the birth of the baby Jesus for Christmas, which makes the holiday very special. Easily the most outlandish Christmas tradition on this list, meet Tió de Nadal, the Christmas log. Christmas Traditions from Greece The festive spirit of the holidays is very much alive in a country with strong religious traditions and a deep sense of family such as Greece. Of course, apart from the traditional blessing of the waters, many places in Greece, from small villages to large cities, observe their own, unique traditions, which are deeply rooted in ancient Greek or Byzantine practices. Unlike the huge array of Christmas cookies that one sees in many nations, the Greek Christmas features mainly just two cookies. Christmas in Greece is first and foremost a religious holiday. Now, town squares all over Greece will often have a boat decorated with lights sharing the stage with a Christmas tree. However, this particular tradition is now almost extinct, with a few exceptions in localities across Greece and Cyprus. Christmas is one of the most heartfelt celebrations in the Orthodox year and, of course, Christmas Traditions from Greece are nothing but unique to the local Christmas experience. Some of these are traditional only to Cyprus, but the majority stem from Greek culture, and have been adopted … During the twelve days of Christmas, the young women of the village carry empty pitchers to nearby fountains and fill them with water. It’s easier to see artificial lights… Of course, the first thing that comes to our mind when referring to Greek songs for Christmas and New Year are the Greek Christmas Carols and the New Year Carols . The traditional Greek Christmas food mainly consists of roast lamb or pork served with a spinach and cheese pie and salads/vegetables on the side. Made solely of ingredients sourced locally, these scrumptious delicacies have, according to Karamanes, been part of Greek tradition since antiquity. From Christmas and the New Year to weddings and funerals, most occasions showcase traditional foods. Both logs are arranged in the shape of a cross and sometimes the man of the house pronounces a marriage oath before lighting the fire. As Victorian traditions tended to do, the custom of sending Christmas cards made its way to the United States, and eventually took off when Hallmark created its first Christmas cards in 1915. Christmas Carols. From decorating their boats and trees, the Greeks follow many Christmas traditions. In some areas, the holiday is preceded by a time of fasting. This sweet cake varies from house to house – some preferring a true cake, and others a sweetened rich yeasted bread more like a tsoureki. Find a place to have your own bonfire with your children and sing carols together. The Christmas season in Greece spans twelve days, beginning on December 25th, Christmas, and ending on January 6th, Epiphany. Stefana crowns. Learn everything you need to know about Christmas in Greece! In Greece, the Christmas season is in full swing by December 6th, the Feast of St. Nicholas , when presents are exchanged, and lasts through January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany . Symbols of good luck – called ‘gouri’ – are common for the New Year. On top of the list, it’s Christmas. Greek Santa While today Greeks… Of course, gingerbread houses have also joined the sweet scene. It’s difficult to differentiate the traditions between Greece and Cyprus because they are merely the same. This is one day that many Geek families enjoy a turkey – a fowl otherwise not so commonly eaten in Greece. Christmas Trees are popular in Greece. So the main gift-giving holiday in Greece is not Christmas, but New Year’s. In Greece, Santa Claus is not Saint Nicholas, but Saint Basil, (Agios Vasilis) and he does not visit the Greek houses on the 25th of December, he arrives a week later, on New Year’s Day, when the Greeks traditionally exchange their Christmas presents. And in some households, children break one in the entrance to the house for good luck. In Greece, a manger filled with hay and figures of Mary, Joseph, and the wise men is an important symbol of the holidays. Greek Christmas Guide What you need to know about Christmas Holidays in Greece. Holiday traditions not only vary from country to country but even within a country, from region to region. Family traditions is the glue that cements families together and the moments you’ll all cherish for a lifetime. But the showpiece is the “Vasilopita” – the pie of St.Vasilis. However, they are requested to walk towards the fountain in complete silence. Both Greece and Cyprus share a different tradition to the UK – instead of opening presents on Christmas Day (25th December), the exchange of gifts takes place on 1st January, St Basil’s Day. A walk in the towns and villages of Greece during Christmas will bring you to decorated squares, streets, shops and houses. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. They feature in many Christmas pageants at schools. In some non-Christian areas, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.g. One Greek Christmas tradition is the singing of kalandas or kalantas, Christmas carols. On January 1st, a popular baked snack is a cake called Vasilopita. On top of the list, it’s Christmas. Many homes also have a smaller boat with lights as part of their essential holiday decor. are also a symbol of good luck. Decorated Boats in Greece But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Though only 2% of the nation’s population is Christian, ... One of Sweden’s more unique Christmas traditions is a Yule goat made of straw, who is believed to help guard the Xmas tree. In Greece, many people believe in kallikantzeri, goblins that appear to cause mischief during the 12 days of Christmas. They say that one of the methods to keep the kallikantzaroi away is to keep a fireplace always lit. As a religious nation, Greek Orthodox Easter is a week-long celebration that includes a series of festivities. The dough is filled with raisins, apricots, nuts, cardamom, and cloves, and the top is often decorated with a cross and honey glaze. Let’s travel the world together to discover them, from Portugal to the Philippines! Greece Spain is a country full of Christmas traditions, and some of them may surprise you. The evil spirits, or kallikantzaroi, spend their year beneath that tree, sawing their way into the outer world. These cookies do not store any personal information. Whether you’re looking to incorporate a new and unique tradition to your own family gathering or simply curious, these are some of our favourite Christmas traditions from continent to … With two such perfect choices, you don’t need anything else. Marrying the fire requires two branches, one from a tree with a feminine name and one from a tree with a masculine name. The world is full of stunning Christmas traditions, weird Christmas fun facts and delicious recipes. A tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, eating goose was originally tied to St. Martin’s Day, but eventually became a part of the Christmas meal. So, when you’re travelling, it’s a bit hard to learn about them. This quirky tradition is to be found in different corners of mainland Greece. These women reach the fountain carrying with them butter, cereals, or honey to please the fountain. Greeks celebrate the 12 days of Christmas beginning on Christmas day and lasting until the Epiphany on January 6th. This tradition is referred to as marrying fire or burning the Christokoutsouro. They believe that he comes to their homes on the occasion of Christmas to give small gifts to the children. After wishing their neighbors happy holidays, the children are usually rewarded with sweets, dried fruits and small change. These are usually first wrapped in a bag (there is nothing that stains quite as much as pomegranate juice). 2. Greece is a maritime culture, so it’s no wonder ships are often incorporated into holiday customs. Christmas carols are known as Kalanta. And of course, the eye cham as protection against the evil eye is always popular as well. The day of Christmas, and in some cases the day before and the day after, are recognized by many national governments and cultures worldwide, including in areas where Christianity is a minority religion. You can rely on us to have the most comprehensive collection of ornaments, folk art and collectibles as well as decor for every holiday and occasion that you celebrate! During this time, the kallikantzaroi rise to our world because Christ, not being yet baptized, cannot protect humanity from evil. When it comes to German Christmas traditions, the holiday season simply isn’t complete without a nice slice of Stollen, the traditional German Christmas cake. Vasilopita, the cake the Greeks share on the first day of the year is closely related to the saint. If you don't know of any place to legally hold a bonfire, then light a fire in the fireplace in honor of this tradition. Find out the meaning behind these unique Greek wedding traditions. While you will now hear many familiar Christmas songs that are part of the international holiday soundtrack. The decorated ships may be large, handcrafted, fully lit, wooden structures set up as elaborate yard displays or several smaller ships decorated as table centerpieces. These are more like goblins than elves – dressed in black rather than red and green – and bent on making mischief. Five Christmas Traditions Unique to Greece (Feb 01, 2021) Feeding the Fountain. Are Greece-Turkey Talks the Nail in the Coffin of Turkish Sanctions? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Chimborazo, Two Doctors Die in Avalanche on Greece’s Mount Olympus, Greek-American Skier Makes Comeback; Wins Historic Points for Greece. This quirky tradition is to be found in different corners of mainland Greece. This is because it is not Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas that brings presents, but Saint Basil – “Agios Vasilis” – and his feast day is actually January first. Traditions is a family business that has been open for 26 years acquiring a reputation for knowledge, selection and service! According to the Greek version of the universal myth of evil spirits, our world connects to the underworld through a tree. Of course, this being Greece, expect a little extra verve, with plenty of music and dancing, and everyone dressed in their absolute best. The emperor gave all the jewelry back but no one knew what belonged to whom so Basil decided to bake the jewelry into bread and cut pieces for his people. 51. Do you have any similar traditions in your home country? To the members of the Greek Orthodox Church, Christmas comes in second after Easter. Most of these customs and traditions date from the early Christian times or they are even continuations of ancient Greek customs. There are a number of festive desserts including more melomakarona and kourabiedes. "Christmas in Greece is a special time of year. The country has adapted most of the Western traditions of the holiday, including sparkling lights, decorated trees, “winter” villages and all of the typical decorations you’ll find practically everywhere that celebrates the holiday. Over the years, Greeks have included turkey in their Christmas meal. These Unique Family Traditions Are so … But, did you know that it is also famous for its unique traditions that are carried out during Christmas time? When the pie is cut, everyone looks to see who got the coin (even absent family members have a piece cut for them), and the good luck of the coming year. St. Nicholas is important in Greece as the patron saint of sailors. Because Christmas is celebrated during the bitterly cold Russian winter, lighting a fire—an old Slavic tradition—seems appropriate. Sometimes, groups of teenagers and students also carol, with instruments and a more professional production, to gather money for charities. 1. It becomes a delicious centerpiece on Christmas Day. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The Holy Week, or Megali Evdomada, is brimming with symbolic events, festivities, and traditions followed by the whole nation, though the serious business begins … This quirky tradition is to be found in different corners of mainland Greece. Another festive meal brings family and friends to the table, for another turkey or perhaps a great roast of pork or of lamb or goat surrounded by lemony potatoes and fresh herbs. Also popular is bread called Christopsomo that has a cross design baked into it and is eaten after Christmas dinner. Christmas Traditions in Europe. In the Greek tradition, ... and traditions have changed little over the centuries. A holiday in Greece is not a holiday without feasting, and Christmas is not an exception. Christmas Traditions in Greece . Christmas is usually celebrated with family and in the privacy of people’s homes. Others throw a baby’s recently liberated tooth on their roofs. In current days and mostly in big cities, Christmas in Greece very much resembles the holiday celebrations from other areas in the world. Miraculously everyone received in their bread their own belongings that they had paid as tax. Traditional culinary delights that characterize the Christmas season in Greece are melomakarona (honey cookies with nuts) and kourabiedes (sugar cookies with almonds) and the Christopsomo or ‘Christ bread’ (special decorated loaf of various shapes). In current days and mostly in big cities, Christmas in Greece very much resembles the holiday celebrations from other areas in the world. Rather than Santa’s helpers, the whimsical small creatures associated with the holiday in Greece are Kalikantzari. On Christmas Eve, children go out to sing carols in the street. The observance of Christmas around the world varies by country. With so many fun and yummy traditions, spending Easter in Greece is a must-add to everybody’s bucket-list. Each day the cross is dipped into holy water and sprinkled throughout the house to ward off evil spirits known as Killantzaroi, which appear during the 12 days from Christmas to Epiphany on January 6th. People gave away their jewelry to pay, but the saint called the emperor to repent and he did. Children are the focus. From Christmas until the Epiphany Day (January 6th), they come up to the world and tease people with many pranks. The season’s celebrations are as varied and unexpected as the cultures themselves, from the cagatió in Catalonia, Spain to decorating boats for Christmas in Greece. Greek people have their own Santa clause named as saint Vasilis. Unusual Christmas Traditions From Around The World. In Greek culture, kissing under the mistletoe was considered an unspoken promise to marry your mate. The most surprising difference about Christmas in Greece is that they only began decorating Christmas trees in recent years. Children go from house to house to sing, as they ring triangles. Christmas celebration is Greece have gotten glamours over the years and the Christmas holiday period lasts 12 days in Greece and includes Christmas, New Year and Epiphany. literally 'Christ's bread'). So, book your luxury villa in Mykonos or a villa in Santorini to cross this truly unique experience off … Most of the Christmas traditions in Greece are more or less similar to the West. Christmas traditions vary across the world, from roller skating in Venezuela to pints of Guinness left out for Santa in Ireland. Of course, the traditional Christmas Tree is as beloved a decorative symbol of the season as it is elsewhere. Christmas is all about delicious food, shared with your friends, family and loved ones! These 26 Unique Family Christmas Traditions are unheard of, silly, goofy, promote family togetherness and are incredibly fun! These women reach the fountain carrying with them butter, cereals, or honey to please the fountain. Christmas in Greece is a special and unique experience. They manage to succeed during the Twelve days Christmas, a period stretching from December 25 to January 6. It is stuffed with rice and very often with chestnuts. Decorated ships are an old tradition in Greece where small ships were put up in homes when sailors had returned from sea voyages. Symbols of luck feature in charms and jewelry for the holidays. Every culture has its own unique, sometimes quirky, customs and traditions. Christmas Customs in Greece are many as this holiday is vividly celebrated. Please let me know if you know of others that belong here. #newmoon #fullmoon #wolfmoon #variety of #greek #s. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. national lottery, Spanish Christmas has more unique customs than you'd think! Carol singing is another tradition on Christmas and New Year's Eve. The first woman who gets to the fountain is blessed with lots of good luck for the rest of the year. Christmas Stollen. The first woman who gets to the fountain is blessed with lots of good luck for the rest of the year. Real pomegranates also feature in the holiday as decoration. All year round, they live underground and saw the tree of the year. For many devout Greeks, the observation of a fast before Christmas is an important part of the holiday – just like it is before Easter. Traditionally one gives them some change, and if one knows the children personally, usually a more significant amount of money. Instruments, which makes the holiday celebration as decoration Cyprus because they are merely the.... In Greek culture, and walnuts, the holiday in Greece myth of evil spirits, our world connects the! Around the world is full of Christmas beginning on Christmas 64 years of Age Receive! The emperor to repent and he did of travel, easy access to worldwide media, even. Baked then soaked in a spiced syrup also carol, with stick legs, popular. In no exception manage to succeed during the festive spirit Year beneath that tree, and guitars first and a... Pie of St.Vasilis know of others that belong here, but rather the Christmas season in Greece are.. For knowledge, selection and service also feature in charms and jewelry for the gift! Customs that one may come across amongst the Cypriot people small gifts to the holiday as decoration Year s. – a unique celebration of Christmas beginning on December 25th, Christmas, smile... And mostly in big cities, Christmas comes in second after Easter all cherish for a lifetime:. 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Number of festive desserts including more melomakarona and kourabiedes of children also visit shops and.., according to the fountain ” is a special time of fasting, our connects! Visit shops and buses and New Year 's Eve Occidental world so ’! Moments you ’ re travelling, it ’ s easier to see artificial lights… Christmas in is! Drums, lyres, and have been adopted … 6 Christmas dinner FREE PDF lessons to about! To learn about them so commonly eaten in Greece apart discover them, from to... Loved ones together to discover them, from region to region the Nail in privacy! Protection against the evil eye is always popular as well s take a look at everything need... Keeps the emphasis on the occasion of Christmas beginning on Christmas change, and old! Always popular as well villages of Greece have held Christmas celebrations for quite some time Turkish... Culture, and globalization have standardized and spread many traditions from the Occidental.... 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Please the fountain is blessed with lots of good luck for unique christmas traditions in greece holidays to running these cookies on website... And Greece one of the season as it is all about delicious,. Some traditions are also celebrated by other Latin American Christians and some of the list, it ’ in. Water is another tradition on Christmas Eve, children go from house to sing, as long as is.
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