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k_tsoukalas

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Lent for Orthodox Christians begins on Monday (March 15th), which got me thinking about Easter. I am curious - what are some of your favorite Easter traditions? For me, going to church on Saturday night and bringing home the candle, breaking our Lenten fast with a nice meal after church (usually pastitso, kouloura, olives, feta cheese, and a red Easter egg), and eating lamb the next day, are some of my favorites.
 
It is such a special time for us.My dad cooked a whole lamb outside. I took it over for many years and now I cook 2 lamb legs. My son-in-law likes his rare.
Of course, I went to church every day.
 
How is Greek easter different from Catholic or western easter?
 
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How is Greek easter different from Catholic or western easter?
As for timing, I know Orthodox Easter has to be after the first full moon after the Jewish Passover. Western Easter simply has to be after the Equinox. Sometimes they're on the same day. However, if you listen to the Greek comedian Basile, he said it's because it enables the Easter Bunny to buy half price candy.
 
Lent for Orthodox Christians begins on Monday (March 15th), which got me thinking about Easter. I am curious - what are some of your favorite Easter traditions? For me, going to church on Saturday night and bringing home the candle, breaking our Lenten fast with a nice meal after church (usually pastitso, kouloura, olives, feta cheese, and a red Easter egg), and eating lamb the next day, are some of my favorites.
Besides participating in extra church services and fasting through lent, Easter Day is quite the celebration in our house. The food always includes pastitsio, lamb, koulouria , a Greek sweet bread in individually baked pieces that was a recipe unique to my mother-n-law's family. I have yet to see a comparable recipe in Greek cook books. For dessert koulourakia are always included. So many traditions. Here are some koulourakia and the sweet bread right out of the oven.
 

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Easter is my favorite Greek holiday and the tradition I like the most is roasting the lamb on the spit!

The process for my family in past years is to purchase the lamb locally (with head of course!) on good Friday. Keep it packed on ice and then marinate it the next morning (good Saturday) get it attached spit (which is a fun process, LOL) then get it ready to go for Easter morning.

Then the best part happens! Family gets together at 7AM Easter morning and then the fire gets started and the slow cooking process takes place until lunch is served at around 1PM. Most people stop by to grab a fresh piece of lamb off the spit. Most times it does not make it to the table :)

Why-Do-We-Roast-Lamb-at-Easter-720x480.jpeg
 
Easter is my favorite Greek holiday and the tradition I like the most is roasting the lamb on the spit!

The process for my family in past years is to purchase the lamb locally (with head of course!) on good Friday. Keep it packed on ice and then marinate it the next morning (good Saturday) get it attached spit (which is a fun process, LOL) then get it ready to go for Easter morning.

Then the best part happens! Family gets together at 7AM Easter morning and then the fire gets started and the slow cooking process takes place until lunch is served at around 1PM. Most people stop by to grab a fresh piece of lamb off the spit. Most times it does not make it to the table :)

View attachment 32
Oh wow! Head and all? When we used to do the
Easter is my favorite Greek holiday and the tradition I like the most is roasting the lamb on the spit!

The process for my family in past years is to purchase the lamb locally (with head of course!) on good Friday. Keep it packed on ice and then marinate it the next morning (good Saturday) get it attached spit (which is a fun process, LOL) then get it ready to go for Easter morning.

Then the best part happens! Family gets together at 7AM Easter morning and then the fire gets started and the slow cooking process takes place until lunch is served at around 1PM. Most people stop by to grab a fresh piece of lamb off the spit. Most times it does not make it to the table :)

View attachment 32
I hear you. Sounds so similar to what we used to do, minus the head. My husband, his dad, and his brothers used to turn the spit by hand until we got a motorized spit. My husband really misses that tradition, but after losing his father, his brother, and his other brother moved away...well, you get the picture. It's tough having to let some traditions go as we age. We've been making new traditions though. Thank God.
 
Lent for Orthodox Christians begins on Monday (March 15th), which got me thinking about Easter. I am curious - what are some of your favorite Easter traditions? For me, going to church on Saturday night and bringing home the candle, breaking our Lenten fast with a nice meal after church (usually pastitso, kouloura, olives, feta cheese, and a red Easter egg), and eating lamb the next day, are some of my favorites.
Easter is the Greek Super Bow land the lamb on the spit is the MVP!

My favorite tradition in my family is gathering the men (women are welcome they just don't want to hang out with us at 7am ha) building the fire and watching the lamb cook while eating mezedakia, listening to music and laughing. We used to manually turn the spit and take turns doing so back in the day but now we have a motorized spit so we just pretend to be working hard. To me it's a great way of gathering multi generations together to spend time together and not on our phones.
 
Easter is the Greek Super Bow land the lamb on the spit is the MVP!

My favorite tradition in my family is gathering the men (women are welcome they just don't want to hang out with us at 7am ha) building the fire and watching the lamb cook while eating mezedakia, listening to music and laughing. We used to manually turn the spit and take turns doing so back in the day but now we have a motorized spit so we just pretend to be working hard. To me it's a great way of gathering multi generations together to spend time together and not on our phones.
Greek superbowl I LOVE that haha
So true at my house! There are always at least 5 men standing around 1 lamb watching it cook haha
 
As for timing, I know Orthodox Easter has to be after the first full moon after the Jewish Passover. Western Easter simply has to be after the Equinox. Sometimes they're on the same day. However, if you listen to the Greek comedian Basile, he said it's because it enables the Easter Bunny to buy half price candy.
Thank you!! That's hilarious lol, I will check him out
 
Easter is my favorite Greek holiday and the tradition I like the most is roasting the lamb on the spit!

The process for my family in past years is to purchase the lamb locally (with head of course!) on good Friday. Keep it packed on ice and then marinate it the next morning (good Saturday) get it attached spit (which is a fun process, LOL) then get it ready to go for Easter morning.

Then the best part happens! Family gets together at 7AM Easter morning and then the fire gets started and the slow cooking process takes place until lunch is served at around 1PM. Most people stop by to grab a fresh piece of lamb off the spit. Most times it does not make it to the table :)

View attachment 32
Mmmmm looks so yummy! Reminds me of what my uncle used to do every summer except he'd add a couple more lambs lol my family is huge
 
My favorite tradition is coming together with my family and making tsoureki. It's so hands on and I love to get the whole family on board (even if we mess up the recipe lol)

tsoureki.JPG
 
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Dying the eggs red and making tsoureki is definitely a family favorite!
 
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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?
  • Pentozali
  • Sousta
  • Siganos
  • Chaniotis
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?

I'm also curious about the brewing process itself. Is there a particular technique for achieving that rich, foamy texture that Greek coffee is known for? And what about serving suggestions? Are there any traditional accompaniments or customs that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!

When does Orthodox lent start this year?

I noticed our Easter is late - May 5th - but Western Easter is at the end of March. Has Lent already started for them? When does our Lent start?

This year, I plan to do a stricter Lenten fast, so I want to plan some things out in advance.

Lent is a time for introspection, repentance, and spiritual growth. Through the dedicated practice of fasting, prayer, and charity, believers seek not only to grow closer to God but also to better understand themselves in relation to God’s will.

Navigating Greek Lenten Fasting - Advice?

Lent is here and all my friends and family have been asking "what are you doing for lent this year?" They're all "giving something up" but I decided I wanted to fast. I would love your help and advice because this is the first time I am doing things in a stricter way. I resolve to see it through!

It's supposed to be a a time of reflection, purification, and preparation for the celebration of Easter, and the diet plays a significant part in this spiritual journey. I don't want to get so obsessed with the "rules" that I lose myself in them and forget why I am fasting int he first place.

Thanks in advance!

Gift Ideas for Greek Christenings

I've had to go to a log of Greek Christenings lately, which means that I know exactly what to do when it comes to gift. I have noticed some gifts traditionally appear. Aside from money, which is also appropriate, here are some ideas:

1. Icons
In Greek religion and culture, icons are considered not just as works of art but as holy objects that help people feel closer to God. Gifting an icon is an incredibly powerful way of expressing love and well wishes to the baby. An icon symbolizes a bond that will stay with the child for a lifetime, and it can hang in their room for years to come. It is an unusual and thoughtful gift that will make a lasting impact.

2. Silver Baby Spoon and Fork Set
A silver baby spoon and fork set is an elegant and memorable gift idea. In Greek culture, silverware is traditional, signifying the precious nature of the sacrament. It is both practical and meaningful and can be passed down through the generations.

3. Christening Outfit
If you're looking for a less traditional gift idea, consider gifting a beautiful christening outfit. This is typically taken care of by either the parents or godparents, so I would check before you buy something.

4. Book of Blessings
A book of blessings containing prayer and passages of faith is an exceptional gift. It is a sentimental and thoughtful gift that will go a long way in nurturing the baby's faith and spiritual growth. Moreover, it is something that the child can revisit years later, reminding them of the love and support they received from their family and friends at the Christening.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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