![]() Greek superstitions are coming either from religion or paganism. 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. 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. Apart from a national celebration, this day is also a religious celebration dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. The Greek Independence Day is celebrating the declaration of the Independence War against the Ottomans on March 25th, 1821. Read also in our blog: Christmas Customs | Christmas food | Tsiknopempti Greek Independence Day On Easter Sunday, the family roasts the lamb on the spit.Ĭorfu island is the most famous place for Easter. The Good Saturday Dinner takes place after midnight and consists of mayiritsa, tsoureki (Easter cake) and red eggs. The bells ring continuously and people throw fireworks. Everyone passes the flame one to another. 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. After the procession returns to the church where the believers kiss the image of the Christ.ĭuring the night of the Holy Saturday (Megalo Savato), everybody dresses well and goes to the church where a ceremony is held. On Good Friday, the day of mourning, the Epitaphios, the tomb of Christ with its icon, decorated with flowers, is taken out of the church and carried around the village followed by a slow procession. On Good Thursday or Good Saturday, women dye eggs in red and bake buns. ![]() ![]() EasterĮaster is the most important celebration for the Greeks, even more than Christmas. Clean MondayĬlean 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. The Carnival is believed to come from paganism, and more precisely from the old festivities worshipping Dionysus, the god of wine and feast. In many towns around Greece and in the islands, local customs revive. The most famous Carnival Parade takes place in the city of Patra. Everyone is costumed and parties take place in the streets and bars, throwing colored confetti to each other. ![]() 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). In Greece, the Carnival is called "Apokries". This custom is still vivid in the Greek mainland and the islands regions, while gradually it tends to disappear. In Greece, the engagement period may last for years and it is like a commitment to the families. After the wedding, these rings will be worn on the right hand. The couple exchanges wedding rings that are worn on the left hand. The man has to ask for the hand of the woman from her father and close family, while the two families give presents to the bride and groom. It is a custom in Greece to get engaged before getting married. In Greece, name days are more important than birthdays. The hostess of the house offers pastries, sweets and hors d'oeuvres to the guests. On the "name day" of someone, his friends and family visit him without invitation and offer wishes and small presents. 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. Most Greeks are named after a religious saint. Traditional festivities Name day celebration 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) You will find below the many Greek traditions still honored in Greek modern culture, no matter people's age, until today.Īfter reading about the traditions, get also informed about the language. Traditions and superstitions vary from island to island, from villages to villages and from region to region. The Greeks are very superstitious and believe a lot in religion but also in supernatural or paranormal phenomenon. ![]() Furthermore, most of the traditions and festivals still celebrated today are religious. There are either of a religious character or coming from paganism. Customs and traditions in Greece and the Greek Islands are an important aspect of the culture. ![]()
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