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. The people of Greece have held Christmas celebrations for quite some time. 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.. According to Greek tradition, his clothes are drenched with brine, his beard drips with seawater, and his face is covered with perspiration because he has been working hard against the waves to reach sinking ships and rescue them from the angry sea. In Greece, a manger filled with hay and figures of Mary, Joseph, and the wise men is an important symbol of the holidays. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Marrying the fire requires two branches, one from a tree with a feminine name and one from a tree with a masculine name. On top of the list, it’s Christmas. I’m often asking people to describe me some unique customs typical for their countries. However, the most authentic native symbol of the holidays for Greeks is not the Christmas tree, but rather the Christmas boat. The squill (skeletoura in Greek) is a rather common wild bulb very similar to an onion and quite difficult to dig up the ground. From decorating their boats and trees, the Greeks follow many Christmas traditions. One of the things that really sets Christmas in Greece apart is the fact that gifts are not a big feature of the holiday. Let’s travel the world together to discover them, from Portugal to the Philippines! 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. According to the folk Christmas traditions, the hobgoblins are short, ugly creatures with many deformities. When households are not ready to protect themselves, the evil spirits wander freely in and out bringing distress and frustration. Christmas in Greece is first and foremost a religious holiday. 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. Christmas traditions in Greece. Greek people have their own Santa clause named as saint Vasilis. On Christmas Eve, children go out to sing carols in the street. 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 … On January 1st, a popular baked snack is a cake called Vasilopita. Of course, this being Greece, expect a little extra verve, with plenty of music and dancing, and everyone dressed in their absolute best. Most of these customs and traditions date from the early Christian times or they are even continuations of ancient Greek customs. One of the more popular Greek Christmas traditions is decorating ships. In some areas, the holiday is preceded by a time of fasting. Christmas carols are known as Kalanta. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. They believe that he comes to their homes on the occasion of Christmas to give small gifts to the children. 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. Traditions is a family business that has been open for 26 years acquiring a reputation for knowledge, selection and service! A delicious collection of traditional Greek Christmas recipes! 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. Holiday traditions not only vary from country to country but even within a country, from region to region. This is an ancient custom and one of the most popular Greek Christmas traditions. What they all have in common is a coin, hidden in the dough. “Feeding the Fountain” is a tradition found in different areas of the country's mainland. The festivities culminate with Christmas Eve mass and a large feast. In the Greek tradition, ... and traditions have changed little over the centuries. Now, this is something that truly sets Greece apart. 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. Melomakarona (honey cookies) and kourabiedes (sugar-coated butter cookies) are the most popular traditional Christmas desserts in Greece. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Massive travel, easy access to worldwide media, and globalization have standardized and spread many traditions from the Occidental world. Klethonas (Κλήδονας) is an ancient Greek ritualistic custom that was re-established by the Christian Orthodox religion and takes place in certain parts of Greece to this day. Christmas traditions vary across the world, from roller skating in Venezuela to pints of Guinness left out for Santa in Ireland. 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. 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. People keep them away burning logs, incense, and even old shoes. Halloween. 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. To the members of the Greek Orthodox Church, Christmas comes in second after Easter. This quirky tradition is to be found in different corners of mainland Greece. Greece has some unique holiday traditions that set the celebration of Christmas and New Year’s in Greece apart. 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. I have gathered 25 seemingly strange, crazy or mad traditions from around the world. 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. Most holidays in Greece are celebrated traditionally, and Christmas in no exception. However, some traditions are unique to the local Christmas experience, let’s take a look at some of them. One Greek Christmas tradition is the singing of kalandas or kalantas, Christmas carols. Different Christmas traditions in Europe were always interesting to me. Of course, the traditional Christmas Tree is as beloved a decorative symbol of the season as it is elsewhere. In current days and mostly in big cities, Christmas in Greece very much resembles the holiday celebrations from other areas in the world. Christmas is considered to be the most magical time of the year, and what a better way to celebrate it than spending Christmas in Egypt since the country boasts a rich architecture, history and culture. Are Greece-Turkey Talks the Nail in the Coffin of Turkish Sanctions? Boats and caroling are two big holiday traditions in Greece. They go knocking on each door and sing. In Greek Orthodox tradition, sesame baklava is baked on Christmas Eve while Christopsomo is the bread baked on Christmas Day (it means. 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. This quirky tradition is to be found in different corners of mainland Greece. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The most surprising difference about Christmas in Greece is that they only began decorating Christmas trees in recent years. These women reach the fountain carrying with them butter, cereals, or honey to please the fountain. During the twelve days of Christmas, the young women of the village carry empty pitchers to nearby fountains and fill them with water. However, they are requested to walk towards the fountain in complete silence. 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. However, this is not to say that Christmas isn’t widely celebrated with unique traditions. Easily the most outlandish Christmas tradition on this list, meet Tió de Nadal, the Christmas log. During this time, the kallikantzaroi rise to our world because Christ, not being yet baptized, cannot protect humanity from evil. Please let me know if you know of others that belong here. Learn everything you need to know about Christmas in Greece! Christmas Stollen. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The pomegranate as a symbol of plenty and fertility is an especially popular symbol of luck for the New Year, although onions (resilient!) In current days and mostly in big cities, Christmas in Greece very much resembles the holiday celebrations from other areas in the world. Greek Christmas Traditions – a Unique Celebration of the Holidays. Find a place to have your own bonfire with your children and sing carols together. 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It becomes a delicious centerpiece on Christmas Day. Children go from house to house to sing, as they ring triangles. In Greek culture, kissing under the mistletoe was considered an unspoken promise to marry your mate. 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. And a visit to Church is also central to the holiday celebration. For generations, in this nation of over 200 inhabited islands and hundreds of kilometers of mainland coast, it was the boat that symbolized Christmas. The Big Dilemma: Should COVID-19 Vaccines be Mandatory? 51. 1. In current days and mostly in big cities, Christmas in Greece very much resembles the holiday celebrations from other areas in the world. 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. The evil spirits, or kallikantzaroi, spend their year beneath that tree, sawing their way into the outer world. With so many fun and yummy traditions, spending Easter in Greece is a must-add to everybody’s bucket-list. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Here are some of the things that make the Greek holiday season special. Christmas traditions in other countries can range from the enchanting to the bizarre to the horrifying — at least when seen through an American lens. Christmas in Greece. 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 decorated ships may be large, handcrafted, fully lit, wooden structures set up as elaborate yard displays or several smaller ships decorated as table centerpieces. Throughout Christmas holidays there are several Christmas traditions that are celebrated throughout Greece. But the showpiece is the “Vasilopita” – the pie of St.Vasilis. 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. They say that one of the methods to keep the kallikantzaroi away is to keep a fireplace always lit. 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. Christmas Carols. Christmas Customs in Greece are many as this holiday is vividly celebrated. It’s similar to a standard holiday fruit cake, but it’s sprinkled with powdered sugar and sometimes includes a zest for an extra kick. 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. 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! 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. Christmas in Greece is a special and unique experience. The Nativity Scene is also a feature of most cities and towns. Stefana crowns. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Carol singing is another tradition on Christmas and New Year's Eve. It is stuffed with rice and very often with chestnuts. While you will now hear many familiar Christmas songs that are part of the international holiday soundtrack. The first known Christmas tree in Greece was in 1833 and was set-up by King Otto next to a large decorated boat. 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 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. On Christmas Eve, kids go out and sing the carols. Of course, the traditional Christmas Tree is as beloved a decorative symbol of the season as it is elsewhere. Others throw a baby’s recently liberated tooth on their roofs. And of course, the eye cham as protection against the evil eye is always popular as well. 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. Greece has some unique holiday traditions that set the celebration of Christmas and New Year’s in Greece apart. The hobgoblins are known as kallikantzari in Greek. The most popular ones are the decoration of the Christmas boat, the Kalenda (Greek Christmas carols), Vasilopita, and smashing the pomegranate. Water is another element important in Christmas traditions in Greece. Christmas Traditions in Europe. For many devout Greeks, the observation of a fast before Christmas is an important part of the holiday – just like it is before Easter. 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. Here is an in-depth look at everything you need to know about Greek customs, traditions and foods during Christmas. These women reach the fountain carrying with them butter, cereals, or honey to please the fountain. 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! However, they are requested to walk towards the fountain in complete silence. This quirky tradition is to be found in different corners of mainland Greece. It is boats that brought – and still do bring – loved ones together to share the joy of the season. This sweet cake varies from house to house – some preferring a true cake, and others a sweetened rich yeasted bread more like a tsoureki. Christmas Traditions in Greece . Often stuffed with apples, chestnuts, onions, and prunes, then spiced with mugwort and marjoram, the goose is served alongside red cabbage, dumplings, gravy and sauerkraut. From early in the morning, you will see parties of friends with musical instruments visiting the neighborhoods. From the wire hangs a cross wrapped in a sprig of basil. 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. The Christmas season in Greece spans twelve days, beginning on December 25th, Christmas, and ending on January 6th, Epiphany. On top of the list, it’s Christmas. The Christmas Boat, Tree, and Nativity Scene. 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. Decorated Boats in Greece The dough is filled with raisins, apricots, nuts, cardamom, and cloves, and the top is often decorated with a cross and honey glaze. 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 . But, did you know that it is also famous for its unique traditions that are carried out during Christmas time? Greece Spain is a country full of Christmas traditions, and some of them may surprise you. And in some households, children break one in the entrance to the house for good luck. 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. The observance of Christmas around the world varies by country. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. A walk in the towns and villages of Greece during Christmas will bring you to decorated squares, streets, shops and houses. There is a wide array of Greek songs for Christmas today, ranging from traditional songs of Greek music to popular alternative versions of known foreign songs and Greek funny or instrumental songs. 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). How people live, work, and experience life, is one of the many things that make people and cultures unique from our own. A figure of the baby Jesus joins the scene on Christmas. It’s difficult to differentiate the traditions between Greece and Cyprus because they are merely the same. 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. Keep plenty of change on hand to reward the youngsters for keeping up this tradition. Why Greece Was Less Effective in Dealing with Covid’s Second Wave. These traditions are also celebrated by other Latin American Christians and some American Latinx populations. A fire that, as long as it’s kept burning, will keep the evil goblins away. The Greeks bake a lot of sweet filo pastry dishes like baklava, kataifi and theeples. According to one story, the tradition comes from his life, when an emperor had put a large tax during a time of great famine. Traditionally one gives them some change, and if one knows the children personally, usually a more significant amount of money. This quirky tradition is to be found in different corners of mainland Greece. Greeks Under 64 Years of Age Will Receive AstraZeneca Vaccine. It’s easier to see artificial lights… #newmoon #fullmoon #wolfmoon #variety of #greek #s. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Greek Christmas Guide What you need to know about Christmas Holidays in Greece. Philippines The “feeding of the water spring” bears close similarities to another Greek tradition, which takes place every spring or summer (depending on the region). 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. From Christmas until the Epiphany Day (January 6th), they come up to the world and tease people with many pranks. As a religious nation, Greek Orthodox Easter is a week-long celebration that includes a series of festivities. And of course all the Greek Christmas treats, which every household prepares during the festive season. Symbols of luck feature in charms and jewelry for the holidays. Sometimes, groups of teenagers and students also carol, with instruments and a more professional production, to gather money for charities. The Holy Week, or Megali Evdomada, is brimming with symbolic events, festivities, and traditions followed by the whole nation, though the serious business begins … It’s easier to see artificial lights… Greece is a maritime culture, so it’s no wonder ships are often incorporated into holiday customs. Regional Specialties . This keeps the emphasis on the birth of the baby Jesus for Christmas, which makes the holiday very special. Tió de Nadal is made from a hollow log, with stick legs, a smile, and a red hat. 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. Roast pork is the traditional Christmas meal during Christmas in Greece. As in Serbia, pork is the traditional roast meat of Greek tables at Christmas - turkey is a relative newcomer. 6. Christmas is usually celebrated with family and in the privacy of people’s homes. From Christmas and the New Year to weddings and funerals, most occasions showcase traditional foods. This is one day that many Geek families enjoy a turkey – a fowl otherwise not so commonly eaten in Greece. Massive travel, easy access to worldwide media, and globalization have standardized and spread many traditions from the Occidental world. Here are some of the things that make the Greek holiday season special. Of course, gingerbread houses have also joined the sweet scene. These Unique Family Traditions Are so … Made with the seasonal favorites of cinnamon, cloves, and walnuts, the cake is baked then soaked in a spiced syrup. Rather than a Christmas tree, many Greek homes display a shallow wooden bowl with a piece of wire suspended over it. These 26 Unique Family Christmas Traditions are unheard of, silly, goofy, promote family togetherness and are incredibly fun! While Christmas may have begun solely as a Christian holiday, and is often still celebrated as such, people from all over the world have embraced the festive season and added their own traditions along the way. national lottery, Spanish Christmas has more unique customs than you'd think! We hope that this post gets you into the festive spirit. Preparing for the day of Agios Vasilis is like preparing for Christmas elsewhere, with lots of shopping for the perfect gift. Symbols of good luck – called ‘gouri’ – are common for the New Year. Throughout the Christmas season, people also enact plays containing struggles between angels and devils called pastorelas. 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. During the twelve days of Christmas, the young women of the village carry empty pitchers to nearby fountains and fill them with water. Christmas Traditions from Greece. Children Sing Kalanta. 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. Every culture has its own unique, sometimes quirky, customs and traditions. 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. Miraculously everyone received in their bread their own belongings that they had paid as tax. Agios Vasilis is associated with generosity through many legends. Whether you’re just visiting for the Christmas holidays or you find yourself settling into ex-pat life in France, you’ll want to familiarise yourself with some of France ’s most interesting Christmas traditions.. With normal Christmas traditions such as advent calendars and the standard Christmas Eve gift-giving rituals, some French Christmas traditions are quite familiar and global. Unlike the huge array of Christmas cookies that one sees in many nations, the Greek Christmas features mainly just two cookies. Greece. The first woman who gets to the fountain is blessed with lots of good luck for the rest of the year. The world is full of stunning Christmas traditions, weird Christmas fun facts and delicious recipes. In some non-Christian areas, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.g. They feature in many Christmas pageants at schools. 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.”. Christmas Trees are popular in Greece. literally 'Christ's bread'). Because Christmas is celebrated during the bitterly cold Russian winter, lighting a fire—an old Slavic tradition—seems appropriate. According to the Greek version of the universal myth of evil spirits, our world connects to the underworld through a tree. So the main gift-giving holiday in Greece is not Christmas, but New Year’s. Vasilopita, the cake the Greeks share on the first day of the year is closely related to the saint. They manage to succeed during the Twelve days Christmas, a period stretching from December 25 to January 6. Now, town squares all over Greece will often have a boat decorated with lights sharing the stage with a Christmas tree. "Christmas in Greece is a special time of year. On Christmas Eve, it's customary for Greek families to prepare a rustic sweetbread called Christopsomo (meaning “Christ's bread”). Real pomegranates also feature in the holiday as decoration. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Is Covid-19 Triggering a Populist Backlash in Greece? Fly Me To The Moon Copyright © 2019, All Rights Reserved credits. These are more like goblins than elves – dressed in black rather than red and green – and bent on making mischief. Rather than Santa’s helpers, the whimsical small creatures associated with the holiday in Greece are Kalikantzari. People gave away their jewelry to pay, but the saint called the emperor to repent and he did. Bread called Christopsomo that has been open for 26 years acquiring a reputation for knowledge, selection service! 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