Greek Traditions Community

Do Greeks exchange Christmas gifts?

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ssherie_

ssherie_

Active member
I am visiting Greece for the first time to visit people this Christmas. Is it customary to give gifts? I know Greeks in the diaspora like in the United States and Canada follow the tradition of giving gifts... but I can't tell if it's a big thing in Greece.

I would think it is somewhat similar to in the United States. Some of the people I am visiting spend part of the year in the US and part in Greece.

Some thoughts about gifts:

- I plan to bring some things to them unique to the US.
- I likely would have done this anyway, but figured I'd wrap it.
 
It's mostly with kids and not on Christmas, but you could give something if you wanted. Gifts are given on New Year's day when Agios Vasilios comes
 
ellinasgolfer0320 said:
It's mostly with kids and not on Christmas, but you could give something if you wanted. Gifts are given on New Year's day when Agios Vasilios comes
Click to expand...
Yup - all my friends who live in Greece do their gift exchange on New Year's, and gift giving doesn't seem to be as big of a deal.
 
Yes I've visited Greece in recent times an in Greece the tradition of exchanging gifts does exist, particularly among family and close friends. It's not as commercially extensive as in the United States, but it is a cherished part of the holiday celebrations. Bringing unique items from the U.S. as gifts is a fantastic idea, especially since they hold a personal touch and represent your culture. Wrapping them adds a festive touch and shows your effort and care. As some of your hosts split their time between the U.S. and Greece, they'll likely appreciate the blend of customs. Btw, enjoy your trip and the warmth of Greek hospitality during the festive season!
 
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Greek Naming Traditions?

I have noticed that in Greece, there are some traditions associated with naming their children. Although some Greek families in the United States have done this, many have seemed to lose the traditions.

Does anyone know what some of these traditions are? I am helping a friend name his upcoming child... Here's some of what I have learned:

1. Firstborn daughter names after maternal grandmother
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Those are the ones I have figured out. I don't know what is traditional from Greece and what has just been made up amongst Greeks in the US.

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A quote from excellent posting below!
"John, the author of one of the four Gospels, called Jesus the Lamb of God in John 1:29 and John 1:36. In the story, Abraham had to sacrifice an animal, such as a lamb or a ram, as an important part of the Jewish religion. People offered God restitution for the sins they committed.
However, Christians no longer need to engage in sacrifice because Christ died on the cross for their sins, thus becoming the sacrificial lamb."

Since Pascha, or Easter, is the day when we commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice, we eat lamb in remembrance of this selfless act
https://greekreporter.com/2024/05/0...ast+a+Whole+Lamb+on+the+Spit+on+Easter+Sunday

List of Cretan Dances?

I will be attending a Cretan wedding and am curious about the traditional Cretan dances! I know the dances are slightly different and I want to learn some. I don't know the names of the dances so that I can look them up. I did some research, though. Are any of these dances common at these weddings?
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There's a dance the wedding party typically does in Crete. Which dance is that?

Advice about making Greek coffee

I've developed a fascination with Greek culture and cuisine, and one aspect I'm particularly eager to explore is Greek coffee. I've heard that it's a unique and delicious brew, but I'm not quite sure how to make it at home.

I understand that Greek coffee is traditionally prepared using a special pot called a briki, but beyond that, I'm a bit lost. What type of coffee grounds should I use, and how finely should they be ground? Are there any specific brands or blends that are favored for making Greek coffee?

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Thinking about the Greek way of hospitality...

I thought I would ask your thoughts oh Philoxenia - or the Greek way, or art, of hospitality. I noticed this when I travel in Greece. People are so kind, they often go out of the way for us, when I feel that they don't have to! How can one describe this to someone?

From what I understand, Philoxenia is not merely a practice but a deeply ingrained value within Greek culture that extends far beyond the simple act of hosting. It reflects a genuine, heartfelt welcome to strangers, treating them with the same respect and generosity one would show to a dearly beloved friend. This beautiful tradition, passed down through generations, turns the act of hosting into an art form, embodying warmth, respect, and a profound sense of human compassion. There have been so many stories I can think of...

This thought process was triggered because we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - someone in the village had taken on a Syrian refugee. Is this a Greek hospitality thing? Philoxenia?
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