XpatAthens
Superstitions Greeks Still Believe In
Greeks are known for their many superstitions, some of which have regional origins. Here is an assortment of superstitions (or customs) that are still prevalent in the lives of many local Greeks.
Evil Eye
The evil eye is perhaps the most talked-about Greek superstition, can strike a person at any given moment. There has probably been an occasion when you were all dressed-up, and minutes after someone complimented you about your looks, you spilled coffee all over your outfit. That's the evil eye. According to Greek tradition, there are a few different things you can do to keep away the evil eye.
You can buy a blue eye-shaped charm and wear it on a necklace or bracelet. The color blue is thought to ward off the evil eye, but it's also commonly believed that blue-eyed people are prone to give the evil eye. So beware when a blue-eyed person pays you a compliment, as the compliment could end-up in disaster.
Other ways to ward off the evil eye's effect include asking an older woman (such as a mother, aunt, or grandmother) to recite a secret prayer called 'xematiasma,' spitting (or rather a spitting sound), or throwing salt over the shoulder.
Pomegranates
In Greek culture, the pomegranate fruit is associated with fertility, luck, prosperity, renewal, and regeneration since ancient times. The custom of smashing a pomegranate on New Year's Day is very symbolic. According to tradition, the juicy, bounteous ruby-like segments of the fruit fill the home with health, happiness, and joys as many as the pomegranate's arils.
Perfume
In Greece, there is a weird taboo against giving perfume as a gift, as it is thought of ruining friendships and relationships. To counteract the harmful effect, it is customary that the recipient of the gift gives a coin back to the gift giver.
Garlic
Greeks believe that garlic has the power to keep evil away. You'll often see braids of garlic, or large garlic heads dangling over the entryways of stores, restaurants, and homes. Apart from warding off the evil eye, garlic is also assumed to keep away evil spirits and demons. It is common for some folk to carry a clove of it on them or in their pockets.
Knives
Never hand a Greek person a knife, as giving a knife directly into another person's hand means they will fall out. Instead, you are supposed to set it down and let them pick it up.
Money
Greeks believe that money attracts money, so don't leave your pockets, wallets empty–always leave at least a coin or two–and never withdraw all the money from your bank account. It is also customary that when you gift a wallet or purse, you put a coin or two inside before giving it to the recipient.
Touch Red or Piase Kokkino
When two people say the same words at the same time, Greeks believe it's a sign that the 2 will get into an argument. To avoid the fight, they immediately need to say 'Piase Kokkino' or 'Touch Red' and touch something red, such as clothing or a piece of food.
Spitting
While Greek people spit for several superstitious reasons, the most common is to keep evil away. Spitting, or rather the spiting sound which sounds like 'ftou ftou ftou' is always done 3 times to represent the Holy Trinity. Greek people often say 'ftou ftou ftou' when they hear about another person's misfortune to protect themselves or their loved ones from it. Another common occurrence is with children and babies when people engage in spitting to protect the child from harm and bad luck.
This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab
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Best Greek Superfoods
Superfoods are becoming extremely popular and, thankfully, Greek cuisine is full of them. Packed with high levels of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals the following foods provide countless benefits that will help you live a longer, healthier, and happier life!
1. Extra virgin olive oil 
Source: Getty Images
Olive oil, or "Liquid Gold" as Homer used to call it, has been part of Greece’s history for more than 2,000 years. It is an irreplaceable nutritional component of the Greek diet and also part and parcel of Greek culture and religion. Extra virgin olive oil has extremely powerful antioxidant properties, it can increase HDL or "good" cholesterol, and is said to prevent a number of illnesses, including heart attacks, strokes, and even breast and rectal cancer.
2. Tahini
Source: etorres69
Tahini is a paste made from toasted, ground sesame seeds with a light, nutty flavor. A spoonful of tahini, especially wholemeal, is the perfect natural nutritional supplement. Tahini is full of healthy fats, 50% of which come from monounsaturated fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties. It's also a great source of phosphorus and manganese, making the ideal treat for bone health, s well as vitamins B1 and B6, highly important for energy production.
3. Mastic 
Source: Wikipedia
The Greek island of Chios is the exclusive home to the famous mastic, a kind of aromatic resin, widely praised all around the world for its distinct taste and therapeutic properties. Its antioxidant extract is said to prevent the development of atherosclerosis and various heart diseases. Being high in polyphenols, mastic can reduce blood glucose and cholesterol levels, while also providing plaque-fighting ingredients.
4. Honey 
Source: Rapeepong Puttakumwong/Getty Images
In addition to its delightful taste and rich texture, Greek honey has great antibacterial qualities, and, according to some researchers, it can prevent cancer. Its more than 180 nutrients include good carbohydrates, antioxidants, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. For centuries, it has been used as a treatment for sore throat, cough, minor burns, cuts, and other infections.
5. Saffron
Source: robynmac/Fotolia
Originating in Kozani, Greek saffron belongs to the highest quality of saffron in the world. Also called the "Gold of Greek Earth", it has been one of the most popular spices since antiquity, not only for its flavor and impressive purple color but also for its great pharmaceutical and aphrodisiac properties. Among others, it is said to relieve kidney pains, facilitate digestion, limit whooping cough, and cure pimples. Every autumn, the residents of Kozani remove by hand the precious spots of the beautiful flower, thus making it extremely valuable!
Great Netflix Shows To Watch With Your Kids
Here are some of our favorite Netflix shows to watch with your kids, spend some quality time together, and engage them in meaningful conversations.
Julie & The Phantoms
This is the story of Julie, whose mother's death led her to discover her passion for music. When she meets three ghost boys, who encourage her to chase her dreams, they all form a band together. This musical series deals with issues like loss, friendship, dreams, and both male and female protagonists are very positive role models for young children.
Alexa & Katie
The story follows Alexa, a girl who fights cancer, while at the same time is trying to adapt to high school life with the help of her friend Katie. Although the plot is sad, the series itself is neither sad nor scary but focuses on the power of friendship and hope that always dies last.
Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love
This comedy series proves that no job should be gender-stereotyped, that men aren't essentially better at science, that women should have equal rights at work, and that they can become prominent members of the scientific community. The series follows Ashley Garcia, a charismatic child, the only 15-year-old girl in the world who is a rocket scientist and robotics engineer, who moves to her uncle's house in America to work for NASA. A series that can inspire any child who watches it to pursue their dreams, whatever they are.
Our planet
This documentary presents the beauty of our planet while explaining, in a way that children can understand, how climate change affects all living organisms. Through watching the documentary, children can learn to appreciate our planet and get acquainted with the importance of environmental awareness.
Anne with an E
This series follows the story of 13-year-old Anne, an orphan girl who has faced abuse at the orphanages she lived in and is now searching for love and acceptance. The show has a strong anti-bullying character and touches on sensitive topics, such as mental health and psychological resilience.
2021: A Record Year For The Growing Greek Startup Scene
StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Map
According to the StartupBlink world index, Greece ranked number 48 globally climbing 6 places since last year with an upward trend that is expected to be recorded in the next report. Greece’s rise is mainly due to the rising startup ecosystem of Athens, as the Greek capital is high on the list of the top 100 ecosystems in the field of recreation, in 51st place. Athens is the top-ranked Greek city in an index of 1,000 cities ranking at 132. Greece also ranks at number 18 for startups in Western Europe and is an ideal place to locate Social & Leisure, Transportation, and Foodtech startups.
According to the Startup Blink report, Greece remains resilient, despite the financial crisis of 2008 and the pandemic of 2020. Greece is an EU country located at the intersection of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa having at the same time the advantage of a highly-skilled English-speaking workforce. In 2021 startup funding was increased and important exits were registered including two unicorn companies. This has attracted worldwide attention to the Greek startup ecosystem and its technological capabilities as the country has the potential to become a regional technology hub.
To read this article in full, please visit: greeknewsagenda.com
Service To Be Proud Of
We thank our friend Andrea for sending us her experience at a hotel in Athens.
It was my first time in Greece and after visiting Mykonos and Santorini, a must they tell me when you come to this country, we decided to stay in Athens to see the city and visit friends. On the last day we checked out of the hotel and were having lunch (our flight was thankfully not for a few hours) when I realized that I had forgotten all my jewelry in the hotel room safe! I quickly called the hotel and told them the situation. They agreed to leave the room as it was and didn’t allow anyone in until I arrived and had taken my belongings. I am so thankful and impressed with how professional they were. I’ll be coming back to the Life Gallery on my next visit to Athens. Thank you XpatAthens for letting me tell my story.
Life Gallery Hotel
http://www.lifegallery.gr/en/
Until next week,
Jack
In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…
Delfino Restaurant In Picturesque Mikrolimano
Delfino Restaurant is located in the town of Piraeus, south-east of Athens. Though the drive here may be a tad inconvenient, the seafood delicacies, other meat dishes, pastas and wines make up for it. Located close to the sea, it accommodates up to 70 people in the outdoor seating area, so you can enjoy the view. An additional 70 visitors can be seated inside. The interiors are beautifully decorated while the facade is inspired by a yacht's design. Come by and you're likely to make more trips outside the city for a bite.
With fresh Greek fish, unique seafood flavours from our homeland as well as other Mediterranean countries and a variety of fresh pastas in unique recipes from neighbouring Italy, we cover a wide variety of cullinary delights.
When it comes to service, we are always polite, welcoming and eager to assist in your selection, offering you an exceptional dinner.
Contact:
60 Akti Koumoundourou
Microlimano
18535 Piraeus
Greece
+30 210 412 0388
Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!