WELLNESS HUB
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Tuesday, 22 February 2022 07:00
Martis: The Greek Tradition Of Welcoming Spring
Spring is just around the corner and, like every other year, Greeks will welcome the new season with an ancient annual custom.
The ancient tradition of Martis, from which the month of March gets its name, dates back to the cults of Demeter and Persephone, thousands of years ago, when the faithful used to wear a bracelet called a “kroki” around both their right hand and left ankle, as a form of initiation into the cult.
Surprisingly, this tradition still lives on today and it is a way to usher from winter to spring. According to this tradition, if you tie a red and white string around your wrist on March 1, it will protect your cheeks from burning in the sun. The bracelet must be woven on the last day of February, with the white thread representing purity and the red thread the color of sun-kissed cheeks. In ancient times, people thought that the bracelet protected the person wearing it from sickness.
In some parts of Greece, the bracelets are taken off on the first sign of spring, when the first flowers begin to bloom or when the birds start returning from their winter migration. Then they are tied around a branch of a tree to keep it healthy and help birds make their nests.
In other regions of Greece, they're thrown into the fire that is used to burn the floral first of May wreaths!
The ancient tradition of Martis, from which the month of March gets its name, dates back to the cults of Demeter and Persephone, thousands of years ago, when the faithful used to wear a bracelet called a “kroki” around both their right hand and left ankle, as a form of initiation into the cult.
Surprisingly, this tradition still lives on today and it is a way to usher from winter to spring. According to this tradition, if you tie a red and white string around your wrist on March 1, it will protect your cheeks from burning in the sun. The bracelet must be woven on the last day of February, with the white thread representing purity and the red thread the color of sun-kissed cheeks. In ancient times, people thought that the bracelet protected the person wearing it from sickness.
In some parts of Greece, the bracelets are taken off on the first sign of spring, when the first flowers begin to bloom or when the birds start returning from their winter migration. Then they are tied around a branch of a tree to keep it healthy and help birds make their nests.
In other regions of Greece, they're thrown into the fire that is used to burn the floral first of May wreaths!
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Tuesday, 18 February 2025 07:00
The Tradition Of Tsiknopempti
Tsiknopempti is the Thursday during carnival that marks the coming of lent, and the last day that observant Greek Orthodox parishioners eat meat before they begin their 40-day fast.
Tradition has it that on this day everyone prepares and enjoys their favorite meat dishes and typically a cloud of smoke where it is being cooked or barbecued. This gives Tsiknopempti one of its other common names, "Smoke Thursday" or "Smoked Thursday". It is also called "Barbecue Thursday" or "Grilled Thursday" by some. Tsiknopempti is also a popular day for going out to eat and enjoying as many different meats as possible. Be sure to reserve a table ahead of time as restaurants and traditional taverns are typically fully booked!
Meaning of Tsiknopempti
In Greek, Thursday is Pempti (Πέμπτη), meaning the fifth day of the week as Greeks count Sunday as the first day. The word tsikna (Τσίκνα) refers to the smell of cooked meat - however, "Smelly Thursday" has not caught on as a translation.
In English, Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" and so Tsiknopempti is sometimes also called "Fat Thursday" - which is logical as the cooking of all that meat results in vast quantities of fat dribbling down onto the coals.
Typical Tsiknopempti Menu
Meat is king, with the emphasis on grilled meats! Some restaurants and virtually every traditional taverna will put on special menus for Tsiknopempti. By far, the most common item will be some variation of souvlaki - the Greek version of meat on a stick. These are available almost everywhere - walk carefully to avoid banging into an unexpected grill mostly obscured by smoke, sharing the already narrow streets and walkways!
Tsiknopempti Outside Of Greece
An equivalent of Tsiknopempti is also celebrated in Germany and Poland, but there they are adhering to the Western calendar for Easter, so the date differs. Most Eastern Orthodox and Greek Orthodox church calendars will be in alignment for Tsiknopempti and the rest of the Carnival, Lent, and Easter seasons, but there are some exceptions for faith groups adhering to a different variant of the old calendar.
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Tuesday, 15 April 2025 07:00
Greek Easter Eggs
Dyeing red Easter eggs is a symbol of Orthodox Easter and a long-standing tradition. Although it is also quite common to dye eggs in other colors, Greek Easter is rarely or almost never celebrated without red eggs!
The tradition of cracking red eggs when the clock strikes midnight into Easter Sunday symbolizes new life, much like when a chick cracks its shell and comes to life. The egg-cracking game or "tsougrisma" as it is called in Greece is an integral part of Easter celebrations and the person with the strongest egg is said they will have good luck for the whole year!
Since Greek Easter eggs are not just for celebration purposes, but are also meant to be eaten, here are 4 simple tips for vibrant and perfectly cooked Easter eggs:
1. Leave the eggs out of the fridge for at least 3 hours before boiling them.
2. Boil the eggs in cold water–if you place the eggs in boiling water their shells are more than likely to crack.
3. Keep in mind that fresh eggs are less likely to crack, but will be a bit more difficult to peel.
4. Add a pinch of salt in the water; this will help prevent your eggs from cracking while boiling and make them easier to peel.
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Friday, 12 August 2022 07:00
Name Days & Name Day Customs In Greece
Name days are celebrated in many European countries. The tradition stems from the Christian church where specific days are dedicated to a saint's 'feast day.' In Greece, name days are widely celebrated, and traditionally they are more important than a birthday, particularly as people get older.
How Name Days Are Celebrated In Greece
Traditionally, name days are celebrated as an 'open house' where close friends and relatives drop by to give their wishes, offer a small gift, and receive the traditional 'kerasma' (food, sweets, coffee, and drinks). In recent years the 'open house' tradition has changed and name days are celebrated by invitation.
It is customary to call and offer wishes and congratulate someone on their name day – it's now also acceptable to send your wishes on social media too!! If a friend has a name day, then you wish them 'Chronia Polla' (Many Years) – a wish for good health and prosperity.
Name Giving Traditions In Greece
Naming conventions in Greece are still followed quite strictly, with the result that certain names are used for many individuals in a generation. In each generation, the eldest grandson in each family will be named after the grandfather, and the eldest granddaughter will be named after the grandmother. If someone had three children, and they all produce a male grandchild, all three of those cousins will have the same name. To top it all off, all those with the same first name will celebrate the same saint's Name Day.
Never Miss A Greek Nameday
XpatAthens has a name day widget at the bottom of our homepage. This widget is updated automatically with the names that are celebrated each day.
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Thursday, 18 June 2020 07:00
The Tradition Of Naming Your Child In Greece
It is a typical Greek tradition to name children after their grandparents. However, different people follow this tradition in slightly different ways; sometimes, the baby is named after the father's parents, regardless of gender. Sometimes, the parents will give names from both families, so a baby boy takes its father's father's name, and a baby girl takes its mother's mother's name.
Today, many young parents use the parent's names as the child's middle name, and some decide not to follow tradition at all.
It is very often that a baby's given name is typically Greek but is translated to something slightly different and a bit easier to pronounce. For example, Aspasia becomes Sia, Dimitris becomes Jim, Kostantina becomes Dina and so on.
Orthodox Tradition – Naming Your Child After A Saint
Each child, regardless of who they are named after, usually takes on the name of a Saint. In Greece, a name day is a very special day celebrated much like a birthday.
Today, many young parents use the parent's names as the child's middle name, and some decide not to follow tradition at all.
It is very often that a baby's given name is typically Greek but is translated to something slightly different and a bit easier to pronounce. For example, Aspasia becomes Sia, Dimitris becomes Jim, Kostantina becomes Dina and so on.
Orthodox Tradition – Naming Your Child After A Saint
Each child, regardless of who they are named after, usually takes on the name of a Saint. In Greece, a name day is a very special day celebrated much like a birthday.
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Friday, 25 October 2024 07:00
October 28 Holiday In Greece - Ohi Day
October 28th is a national holiday in Greece. It is the day that commemorates the rejection by Greek dictator Ioannis Metaxas of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on October 28, 1940. This day is known by Greeks around the world as ‘Ohi Day’ (No Day).
What Happened On This Day In History
It is said that at 3:00 am on October 28, 1940, an ultimatum was handed to Ioannis Metaxas at his home in Kifissia by the Italian Ambassador of Athens, Emanuele Grazzi. The ultimatum required the free passage of the Italian army through the Greek-Albanian border and thus began the occupation of some strategic areas of Greece.
After reading the letter, Metaxas turned to the Italian Ambassador and replied in French (which was the official diplomatic language at the time) with the historic phrase: 'Alors, c'est la guerre' (Well, this means war), thereby stating his negative position toward the Italian demands.
Grazzi in his memoirs, released in 1945, described the scene as, 'I have been ordered Mr. Prime Minister by you and I gave him the letter. I watched the emotion in his hands and in his eyes. With a firm voice and looking at me in the eyes, Metaxas told me, ‘This means war!’ I replied that this could be avoided. He replied NO. I added that if General Papagos... Metaxas interrupted me and said NO! I gave a deep bow, leaving with the deeper respect, this elder, who preferred to be sacrificed instead of enslaved.'
At the time, Metaxas expressed Greek popular sentiment, which was the denial of allegiance. This refusal was passed through to the Greek press with the word ‘Ohi’ (No). The word ‘Ohi’ was first presented as a title in the main article of the newspaper 'Greek Future' of N. P. Efstratios on October 30, 1940.
Traditions & Practical Information About This Day In Greece
On this day in Greece, most public buildings and residences are decorated with Greek flags. You will see parades and other festivities throughout the country. It is a national holiday, which means that everything is closed, with the exception of cafes and food venues.
The October 28th holiday is also celebrated by many Greek communities around the world; parades and festivities are observed internationally including in major cities in the USA, Canada, and Australia.
Source: Newsbomb
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Monday, 03 January 2022 07:00
Epiphany In Greece
On the 6th of January, the Christmas season in Greece officially comes to an end with the 'festival of light' ('ton foton' in Greek), also known as Epiphany.
This feast day in the Greek Orthodox Church is known as 'Theophania' which means 'a vision of God' or 'Christ shining through'. It is considered a very important day for the Greek Orthodox Church. In the Western Church, it is also known as "Three Kings Day", a celebration of the 3 magi visiting baby Jesus.
This feast day in the Greek Orthodox Church is known as 'Theophania' which means 'a vision of God' or 'Christ shining through'. It is considered a very important day for the Greek Orthodox Church. In the Western Church, it is also known as "Three Kings Day", a celebration of the 3 magi visiting baby Jesus.
In the Greek Orthodox Church, Epiphany is celebrated as the revelation of Christ as the messiah and second person of the trinity, at his baptism, by John the Baptist, in the River Jordan. Another cause for celebration in the Greek Orthodox Church on this day is that Christ's baptism was only one of two occasions when all three persons of the trinity revealed themselves, at the same time, to humanity: God the Father, speaking from the clouds, God the Son, being baptized in the River Jordan, and God the Holy Spirit, revealed as a dove, descending from heaven.
On Epiphany, the Greek Orthodox Church performs the 'Great Blessing of the Waters'. This ceremony is usually performed twice, once on the eve of Epiphany which is performed in the church, and then again on the actual day outdoors with priests blessing large bodies of water, sea, rivers, lakes etc.
The tradition is that a priest, surrounded by brave young men and boys, throws a cross into the sea, either from the harbour or from a boat at sea; the minute the cross leaves the priest’s hand, the divers jump into the freezing water to catch the cross. The lucky one who finds and returns the cross is blessed by the priest. As the cross is victoriously brought back, the priest releases a white dove, as a symbol of the holy spirit. This tradition is carried out to commemorate the baptism of Christ and to bless the waters.
The tradition is that a priest, surrounded by brave young men and boys, throws a cross into the sea, either from the harbour or from a boat at sea; the minute the cross leaves the priest’s hand, the divers jump into the freezing water to catch the cross. The lucky one who finds and returns the cross is blessed by the priest. As the cross is victoriously brought back, the priest releases a white dove, as a symbol of the holy spirit. This tradition is carried out to commemorate the baptism of Christ and to bless the waters.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greeker Than The Greeks
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Monday, 22 April 2019 06:00
Greek Orthodox Easter In Athens
While the islands and villages of Greece are known for their religious festivals during the period of resurrection, spending Greek Orthodox Easter in Athens is as memorable as it is spiritual. Athens is home to some of the most beautiful and historical churches in Greece and the city has its finest moments under candlelight for the traditional services during holy week.
On Easter Saturday, in a ritual conducted for over 1,200 years, the ‘Holy Fire’ is lit at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. The light is then flown into Athens on a specially chartered flight and received by the “Metohi tou Panagiou Tafou” church in Plaka where candles are lit and then dispersed to churches throughout the Attica region in time for the start of resurrection services.
How to spend Greek Orthodox Easter in Athens? Hearing the haunting ‘Hymn of Kassiani’ on Holy Tuesday, take communion at a 1,000 year-old church on Holy Wednesday, or hear a Byzantine Choir and follow and a candlelit procession through the streets!
To read this article in full, please visit: Why Athens
Photo Credit: Why Athens
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Thursday, 16 December 2021 07:00
4 Steps To An Authentically Greek Christmas Dinner
It’s Christmas in Greece and there is no better way to celebrate than with a beautifully designed dinner party. As with any Greek tradition, the essential elements will include a joyful gathering of family and friends and a table full of delicious dishes that have been passed from generation to generation. These simple guidelines will help you create the perfect Greek Christmas dinner atmosphere!
Step 1. Be Sure to Decorate a Sail Boat
Greek tradition involves decorating a sailing boat instead of a tree for Christmas. This quintessential tradition originates from the Greek islands and symbolizes the safe return of seamen and their ships during the long and stormy winter months.
Step 2. Bring Nature Indoors & To Your Dinner Table
To add a modern and rustic feel to your Christmas dinner table, find some pine cones and scatter them around white pillar candles for an elegant and wintery Christmas decoration. Fold a napkin into a boat shape to match your Christmas boat decoration for a simple but chic place setting décor.
Step 3. Christmas Treats Dessert Bar
Baked treats of all kinds are an essential ingredient of Greek Christmas celebrations! Traditional desserts, such as diples, kourabiedes, kataifi and melomakarona, and baklava will surely satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth!
Step 4. Festive Drinks
A Christmas dinner party isn’t complete without a drink or two! For a traditional Greek Christmas drink, try warm wine infused with orange and cinnamon or oinomelo, a Greek alternative to mulled wine which is simply warm wine with honey. These enticing festive drinks will definitely keep your guests warm and their spirits high!
Step 4. Festive Drinks
A Christmas dinner party isn’t complete without a drink or two! For a traditional Greek Christmas drink, try warm wine infused with orange and cinnamon or oinomelo, a Greek alternative to mulled wine which is simply warm wine with honey. These enticing festive drinks will definitely keep your guests warm and their spirits high!
To read this article in full, please visit: mili-lo.com
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Thursday, 22 March 2018 18:28
Celebrating An Authentic Easter In Greece
Easter in Greece is the most celebrated holiday of the year! Although the traditions surrounding Easter begin with the festivities of carnival and the first day of lent on Clean Monday, the ten-day period leading up to Easter weekend is perhaps the most revered on the Greek Orthodox calendar.
The traditions and customs of this special time are rooted in religious history and still remain a significant part of modern Greek culture. The preparations for Easter in Greece begin with Holy week, which runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, and culminates with a celebration of traditions on Easter Sunday!
While there are several Easter traditions observed by everyone across the country, Mili Lo shares with us the different local customs in each region in Greece. Below, are the traditional customs celebrated by everyone, as well as some of their favorite destinations to celebrate Easter in Greece.
Holy Thursday – Dying Red Eggs & Baking Tsoureki
Easter wouldn’t feel authentic without the traditional preparation of red eggs and sweet egg bread called tsoureki which are prepared during holy week on Thursday; the eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Christ. The delicious Easter bread tsoureki is also typically baked on Thursday. In the evening, people attend church to watch a symbolic representation of the crucifixion and in some places in Greece, it is common for women to stay at church throughout the night in traditional mourning.
Good Friday & The Epitaphio
On Good Friday, considered the holiest day of the year in the Greek Orthodox Church, it is a day of fast and many foods are strictly prohibited. Traditionally, women take flowers to the church and decorate the Epitaphio, a shrine bearing the image of Christ, which symbolizes his tomb. In the evening, people gather around to watch as the shrine is carried in a procession in the street. This is one of the most solemn experiences one can have during Easter in Greece.
Article Source: Mili Lo, Design & Event Planning Expert
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