First Week of Lent: Only two full meals are eaten during the first five days, on Wednesday and Friday after the Presanctified Liturgy. The evil eye is a superstition that a great percentage of Greeks believe in. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Christmas is one of the major holidays that are celebrated in Greece and amongst people of Greek origin throughout the world. Comments Off on Interesting Greek Christmas Traditions to Know. In Greek folk tradition, the Kallikantzaros represent a particular race of evil goblins that dwell underground but a rise to the surface during the 12 Christmas days... Like many parts of the world, there is a tradition in Greece of going door to door to sing Christmas carols. Each of the elements of the service are designed to announce Christ’s brith. Week before Lent ("Cheesefare Week"): Meat and other animal products are prohibited, but eggs and dairy products are permitted, even on Wednesday and Friday. Greek Christmas Traditions. A recent article from CBC/Radio-Canada, titled “5 Things You Didn’t Know about Orthodox Christmas,” highlighted the Christmas traditions of a Ukrainian Orthodox Christian family in Canada.The article’s list of five traditions provides a succinct overview of some of Orthodoxy’s most popular ecclesial and cultural practices for Christmastide. November 15 marks forty days until Christmas and in the Greek Orthodox Church, the Nativity Fast begins today! For example, in Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, Christmas celebrations are held on the 25th of December. The meal begins with the singing of the Christmas troparion and the lighting of a candle placed in the center of the ... Australia and a member of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand. There are many traditions in place s... Greece is a predominantly Christian country, which means that the majority of its citizens celebrate Christmas. This post highlights funeral practices of the Greek Orthodox Church in general. Made with the seasonal favorites of cinnamon, cloves, and walnuts, the cake is baked then soaked in a spiced syrup. The lyrics for these days are different. Traditionally, any type of meat was considered a significant delicacy and privilege. Still others believe this tradition is more rooted in Greek culture. The term "tradition" comes from the Latin traditio, but the Greek term is 6 Greek Easter Traditions Thursday, 28 April 2016 Print; Email; Easter is celebrated all over the mainland and on the islands, it is a family celebration as well as being the most significant time in the Greek Orthodox Church. A person that … body of several churches within the larger communion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity In Greece, Christmas is one of the biggest religious holidays. Standard temples observe Christmas Day with different customs. For example, many churches light a small fire of blessed palms and burn frankincense to commemorate the three wise men’s (also known as Magi) gifts to baby Jesus. First Week of Lent: Only two full meals are eaten during the first five days, on Wednesday and Friday after the Presanctified Liturgy. In Greece, Christmas is one of the biggest religious holidays. According to one tradition, the Magi were baptized by the Apostle Thomas, and became bishops. Some believe this tradition is traced back to the important Greek Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Sailors. The main things that characterize a nation are its history, tradition, and culture. Greek Orthodox and Other Orthodox Churches Greek Orthodox funeral traditions have a number of similarities to other Orthodox sects, as well as some significant differences. If your name is Chris/Christina you feel a little petty for having your namesday be on Christmas day. Try a 12-part vegetarian extravaganza including perogies, cabbage rolls, beets, borscht, and potatoes that symbolize the 12 Apostles. In accordance wit the hog tradition, some type of pork recipe is typically the main course, which is supplemented with side dishes such as stuffed cabbage and Christopsomo bread. As in Serbia, pork is the traditional roast meat of Greek tables at Christmas - turkey is a relative newcomer. The old tradition is pork chops fried and died out with red wine. Written by GreekBoston.com in Greek Christmas Traditions During this special gathering, numerous Biblical verses are cited and hymns are sung. Still others believe this tradition is more rooted in Greek culture. Legend continues that homeowners who place colanders on their doorsteps can keep these evil spirits from entering. There are also some special food traditions that are associated with Christmas. Because of this, there are many Greek Christmas traditions associated with it. Some believe this tradition is traced back to the important Greek Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Sailors. Christmas is one of the major holidays of the year. literally 'Christ's bread'). After the performance is completed, the homeowners often demonstrate their appreciation by rewarding the young people with sweet treats. In this video, we explore the significance of Christ’s birth, as God becomes flesh. Here is a roundup of some of the Greek Christmas traditions you can enjoy, no matter where in the world you are: Most Greek people are Orthodox Christians. However, during the Christmas season, which in Greece, lasts 12 days, people would splurge and eat pig meat. There are also some traditional pastries that are served during this time of year, such as the Melamakarona cookies, which are usually only made at this time of year. Topics. In certain Greek regions, especially Crete, the Christmas Hog is still a major custom. In Greek Orthodox tradition, sesame baklava is baked on Christmas Eve while Christopsomo is the bread baked on Christmas Day (it means. A particularly unique Greek Christmas tradition is the Kalikantzaroi, or Christmas goblins. The karakavi were created as a way of honoring their service and praying for their safe return. The actual practices of individual families and congregations may vary. For instance, numerous temples light a little fire of favored palms and consume frankincense to honor the three shrewd men’s (otherwise called Magi) blessings to infant Jesus. Traditionally, those practising the Greek Orthodox religion fasted for 40 days before 25 December to cleanse their bodies and celebrate the birth of Christ. The Lenten Fast Great Lent is the longest and strictest fasting season of the year. A recent article from CBC/Radio-Canada, titled “5 Things You Didn’t Know about Orthodox Christmas,” highlighted the Christmas traditions of a Ukrainian Orthodox Christian family in Canada.The article’s list of five traditions provides a succinct overview of some of Orthodoxy’s most popular ecclesial and cultural practices for Christmastide. … Because Greek society is so religious -- approximately 98 percent of Greece's population belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church -- many of the culture's traditional celebrations center around sacramental services in the church [source: U.S. State Department].. At birth, eldest children are named after a grandparent, an ancient tradition that ensures the continuation of a family name. In Greece, certain traditional foods are eaten in celebration of Christmas. There are also some special hymns that are sung during these services. This is a time that is filled with moments to spend with loved ones, church services, and plenty of unique traditions. The Greek Orthodox Church follows beliefs and practices laid out in the first seven ecumenical councils, which date back to the first ten centuries A.D. An especially Greek Christmas tradition is the decorating of a karakavi, of a small sea vessel. At midnight,… Though few maintain the tradition today, Christmas Day still marks the end of the fast and is celebrated with heaps of food. In Greek Orthodox tradition, sesame baklava is baked on Christmas Eve while Christopsomo is the bread baked on Christmas Day (it means. At Epiphany, The Greek Orthodox Church performs; “The Great Blessing of the Waters” This ceremony, performed twice, once, on The Eve of Epiphany (A day of fasting), performed in the church, and again on the actual day, outdoors, with priests blessing the sea, rivers and lakes etc. In fact, not one part of the animal would be wasted. Greek Orthodox Christmas Carols In Greek Orthodox tradition, carols are sung on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) and on Eve of Epiphany (Jan. 5). The difference in … Ελληνική έκδοση Βeauty will save the world…. Although most parts of Greece have similar Christmas traditions, there are some differences, especially on the island of Crete. Categorized in: Greek Christmas Traditions, on Interesting Greek Christmas Traditions to Know, Best Greek Dessert Recipes to Eat During Christmas, Greek Christmas Eve Tradition of Singing Carols (Kalanda), Traditional Food Served on Christmas in Greece. Christmas boat. This segment of Rick Steves’ European Easter traces Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations. Posted Dec 20th, 2020. Some of the elements include the Hours, which summarize the themes of Christmas, the Vespers, which include Bible verses that announces Christ’s arrival into the world, and the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil. The nation is home to countless islands. Tradition says that the creatures believe the number three is holy and must kill themselves before saying three out loud. An extensive collection of Eastern Orthodox Christian traditions & customs from all over the world. Preparing this bread as a Christmas treat is something that is said to help bring about ... Melomacarona (melomakarono) are traditional egg-shaped Greek Christmas cookies soaked in a honey syrup. Ergo, for centuries, many men have made their living as sailors. These implements have countless holes. The Kallikantzaroi, is one such story, which has become a Greek Christmas tradition. In this post, we will explore some Greek traditions in order for you to become familiar with the other two points. a tradition thru centuries. Some parishes have joint celebrations for Christmas Day. Gift giving is a part of the festivities and people all ov... Christmas is one of the most important days not only to Christians in Greece, but to Christians all over the world. Ελληνική έκδοση Βeauty will save the world…. Christmas is one of the major holidays that are celebrated in Greece and amongst people of Greek origin throughout the world. A book by Marilyn Rouvelas explains the meaning and beauty of Greek customs, including Christmas and Dodecameron.. New York.- By Vicki James Yiannias. Orthodox Christians in central and eastern Europe and other parts of the world celebrate Christmas on Week before Lent ("Cheesefare Week"): Meat and other animal products are prohibited, but eggs and dairy products are permitted, even on Wednesday and Friday. Basil the Great #7 Christmas Eve ham? Here he reveals that the custom of the Christmas Tree is not foreign or western European, but Byzantine and Orthodox! This date works to the Julian calendar that pre-dates the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly observed. We also explore the various traditions through which the Orthodox Church continues to celebrate the great event.. An especially Greek Christmas tradition is the decorating of a karakavi, of a small sea vessel. Most of us have seen people abbreviate “Christmas” to “Xmas” or “X-mas.” For those of us who are diligent about making sure the m... Christmas is one of the biggest holidays of the year throughout the world and Greece is no exception. He’s depicted as an overweight and jolly man with a red and white suite and white beard. 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. You all know that Greece is famous for its history and sunny days, so we have the first out of the three points. As this is a maritime country, the Greeks traditionally decorate boats for Christmas. Kallikantzaroi, plural (Kallikantzaros singular) are mischievous Greek goblins, elves or gnomes, that appear during the twelve days of Christmas, from the end of December until Epiphany, January sixth. 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. The Nativity Fast is a period where members of the church abstain, fast, and do penance in anticipation of the day of Christ’s birth. Every year, Orthodox Christians begin celebrating the Nativity of Christ on the Christmas Day. Like other countries and cultures, Greek people embrace the Christmas season by singing jovial and religious-based carols, also known as “kalanda”. Other traditional favorites include a variety of cookies, walnut spice cake, and cheese pastries. However, the preparations for the celebrations start much before that.... Greece has had a turbulent history. Interesting Greek Christmas Traditions to Know, Best Greek Dessert Recipes to Eat During Christmas, What to Know About the Greek Christmas Eve Church Service, Unique Christmas Hog Tradition from Crete, Traditional Food Served on Christmas in Greece, All About the Christmas Nativity Fast in Greece, Greek Christmas Eve Tradition of Singing Carols (Kalanda), Recipe for Christopsomo – Greek Christmas Bread, Recipe for Melomacarona (Melamakarona) – Greek Christmas Cookies. On 7 January, many Orthodox Copts and other Orthodox Christians (including those in Russia and Ethiopia) celebrate their Christmas Day. Tradition states these small, foul creatures emerge from the underworld during the holiday season, lurk at night and possess the potential to cause serious damage if they enter one’s home. Made with the seasonal favorites of cinnamon, cloves, and walnuts, the cake is baked then soaked in a spiced syrup. Other Orthodox Churches include: Antiochian Orthodox, Carpatho … Groups of children go from house to house in their neighbourhood singing the carols. Posted Dec 20th, 2020. Numerous Orthodox Christians go to a unique church ceremony on Christmas Day on January 7. Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas Day with various traditions. In this tradition, Christmas Eve services are formally known as the Eve of Nativity celebration. Greek Christmas Traditions. Celebrating the Christmas holiday season in Greece and as a Greek Orthodox person has many great traditions found in Greece and throughout the world.In this section you will find Greek Christmas information, articles, Greek Christmas recipes, Christmas traditions and much more! Red Egg Cracking. In many instances, these songs are sung by children. Children Sing Kalanta. A POMEGRANATE, an ancient symbol of prosperity and good luck, is hung above the door throughout Christmas. When the homeowners invite them in, the youths sing. Afterwards, they return to their homes and the families sit together at the table to … Etymology "Christmas" is a shortened form of "Christ's mass".The word is recorded as Crīstesmæsse in 1038 and Cristes-messe in 1131. The nation is home to countless islands. The forbidden dates for weddings include the first two weeks of August because that is a time devoted to celebrating the Virgin Mary. The Church commemorates the Magi as saints; the Eastern feast day of the Magi is December 25 . Greeks also do not get married during the forty days preceding Christmas. During this holiday,  loved ones to spend time together, give ... Christopsomo is a cake that is typically served on Christmas Day in Greece. The Evil Eye. That said, such individuals spent many months away from their families and homes often battling treacherous conditions. Even if Greek Christmas traditions and customs were well taught, there’s a classic book that is important to have on the shelf for times when want to be reminded of what your mother said. The 40-day fasting period otherwise known as Christmas Lent is when the Greek Orthodox Church gives the faithful periods of fasting and reflection in order to refocus on the spiritual life, to challenge them and to help them make adjustments, as they experience the Holy … … Usually, the Greek tradition is to eat pork on Christmas and turkey in New Years’ eve but also lamb or Sirloin Steaks are consumed. Melomakarona (honey cookies) and kourabiedes (sugar-coated butter cookies) are the most popular traditional Christmas desserts in Greece. We also explore the various traditions through which the Orthodox Church continues to celebrate the great event.. In this video, we explore the significance of Christ’s birth, as God becomes flesh. The Lenten Fast Great Lent is the longest and strictest fasting season of the year. Greek Epiphany Traditions . Popular appetizers include a soup made up of lemon, chicken, eggs, and rice. As in Serbia, pork is the traditional roast meat of Greek tables at Christmas - turkey is a relative newcomer. Exchanging gifts is a big part of Christmas celebrations throughout the world, and Greece is no exception. On Christmas Eve, it’s common in Greece for children to flock from home to … Moreover, in all of the Orthodox countries, there are at least some Catholics and Greek Catholics, so some part of the population might have Christmas … Given the nation’s proximity to water and its possessing a tropical climate, citizens have typically consumed the famed Mediterranean Diet, comprised primarily of seafood and produce products. Even the pig’s bladder would be cleansed, inflated, and used as a ball by children. Made solely of ingredients sourced locally, these scrumptious delicacies have, according to Karamanes, been part of Greek tradition since antiquity. However, unlike in other parts of the world, this is pri... People in the United States are used to the way Santa Claus looks. literally 'Christ's bread'). On Christmas Eve, participating young people go from home to home asking for permission to sing. This is a time that is filled with mome... Christmas is a fairly big holiday in Greece, especially since the majority of the people in the country are Orthodox Christians. The Greek Orthodox Church follows beliefs and practices laid out in the first seven ecumenical councils, which date back to the first ten centuries A.D. Crīst (genitive Crīstes) is from Greek Khrīstos (Χριστός), a translation of Hebrew Māšîaḥ (מָשִׁיחַ), "Messiah", meaning "anointed"; and mæsse is from Latin missa, the celebration of the Eucharist.. 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