Greek Traditions Community

What is the significance of the first day of the month

1 - 9 of 9 Posts
E

efhernandez_

Active member
I’ve always heard Greeks wish eachother happy first of the month. What does this mean?
 
  • Like
Reactions: dubai_suzie and xmelissaa
It's just to wish good luck
 
  • Like
Reactions: dubai_suzie
It is always a good luck tradition for Greeks in Greece and across the world on the first day of a new month to say "Kalo Mina" or have a great month (to wish for luck for a healthy and happy new month).
 
  • Like
Reactions: dubai_suzie and Hash
nickstamoulis said:
It is always a good luck tradition for Greeks in Greece and across the world on the first day of a new month to say "Kalo Mina" or have a great month (to wish for luck for a healthy and happy new month).
Click to expand...
A very big part of my life,I always wish Kalllo Mina to all my friends in Elllada....it is built inside my DNA....such a nice way to live in an island since 1994.....even Kalo misi meri.....Kallo apoyevma... something which I would never forget... Yasou apo mena from Thailand ❣️
 
  • Like
Reactions: dubai_suzie
Hash said:
A very big part of my life,I always wish Kalllo Mina to all my friends in Elllada....it is built inside my DNA....such a nice way to live in an island since 1994.....even Kalo misi meri.....Kallo apoyevma... something which I would never forget... Yasou apo mena from Thailand ❣️
Click to expand...
I love this tradition of saying Kalo Mina. One of my favorite thigns about Greek culture is that everyone is so kind and welcoming. It's something that every culture should adopt
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
nickstamoulis said:
It is always a good luck tradition for Greeks in Greece and across the world on the first day of a new month to say "Kalo Mina" or have a great month (to wish for luck for a healthy and happy new month).
Click to expand...
I always wondered what this meant!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
k_tsoukalas said:
I always wondered what this meant!
Click to expand...
Feelings are priceless❤️..good month[Kallo Mina],a good week[Kalley Dhomadha],a good day[Kalley Mera], good afternoon [Kallo misi MERI], good evening[Kallo Apoyevma].....Good night [Kalley Nikta]>>>>..see the masculinity and femininity in the day....I learnt this living with the Greek community in Mykonos,the island people..Khorianez....as they call them.... before the high rollers and big time tourism came into being[I was there from,1994].....the island was just a handful of hotels.... they were Sheppards, in my opinion there is no significance of being polite, neighbourly, loving, caring and being kind to another.....it only exists in Greek culture as I have not heard of it anywhere else... It is what it Is....[I will ask my many Greek friends later on]...I have traveled extensively... Love to hear what others here have to say.... Kalley Mera apo mena from Thailand ❣️?
 
Last edited:
Hash said:
Feelings are priceless❤️..good month[Kallo Mina],a good week[Kalley Dhomadha],a good day[Kalley Mera], good afternoon [Kallo misi MERI], good evening[Kallo Apoyevma].....Good night [Kalley Nikta]>>>>..see the masculinity and femininity in the day....I learnt this living with the Greek community in Mykonos,the island people..Khorianez....as they call them.... before the high rollers and big time tourism came into being[I was there from,1994].....the island was just a handful of hotels.... they were Sheppards, in my opinion there is no significance of being polite, neighbourly, loving, caring and being kind to another.....it only exists in Greek culture as I have not heard of it anywhere else... It is what it Is....[I will ask my many Greek friends later on]...I have traveled extensively... Love to hear what others here have to say.... Kalley Mera apo mena from Thailand ❣️?
Click to expand...
It's nice you got to spend time on the island before it was ruined with tourism. I will never visit Mykonos now that tourism has destroyed the island. One could now argue that the island is no longer Greek.
 
  • Like
Reactions: paharo45 and Hash
ellinasgolfer0320 said:
It's nice you got to spend time on the island before it was ruined with tourism. I will never visit Mykonos now that tourism has destroyed the island. One could now argue that the island is no longer Greek.
Click to expand...
Totally agree...not Greek at all and it's really a shame. I look at some vintage travel posters and videos when Mykonos was truly Greek and it looks amazing. Shame it can't be like that anymore
 
  • Like
Reactions: ellinasgolfer0320
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Why do Greeks celebrate name days?

I grew up with name days being a big deal, and I’ve always wondered why they feel more important than birthdays for so many of us. I know they’re tied to the Greek Orthodox Church feast days and the saints we’re named after, but it feels like there’s something deeper going on culturally.

In my family, name days were always open-house style, people calling, stopping by, bringing sweets, and it felt very communal. Birthdays, on the other hand, were more low-key.

Do you feel like name days still carry that same weight today? Or has it changed depending on the generation or where you live?

Greek Easter Celebrations in Greece?

I’ve been thinking a lot about Greek Easter lately and realized I don’t actually know what it’s like to experience it in Greece itself.

I grew up with the traditions here, like church services, red eggs, the midnight “Christos Anesti,” and of course the big Sunday feast, but I’m curious how it all feels in Greece. Is the atmosphere different? More intense? More communal?

What are the days leading up to Easter like there, especially Holy Week? Are there specific customs, processions, or local traditions that stand out depending on the region?

I’ve also heard things about candles at midnight, fireworks, and entire towns participating, how true is that?

Would love to hear from anyone who has experienced it in Greece or grew up there. What are the moments that really define Greek Easter for you?

Are most Greeks left or right?

Are most Greeks liberal leftist progressives? Most that I encounter are. Not only that but self hating. WHY?

Does your family make fanouropita for Saint Phanourios Day?

I recently saw a news article about Saint Fanourios Day, and it showed people bringing fanouropita cakes to a church to be blessed. I knew about fanouropita and the tradition of making it when you’re hoping to find something that has been lost, but I didn’t realize how much of a church tradition it could be on the saint’s feast day itself.

Does your family make fanouropita for Saint Fanourios Day? If so, do you bring the cake to church to be blessed, or do you usually make it at home and share it with family and friends?

I’m also curious whether this is something that is still widely done in Greece or if it depends on the region, parish, or family. Are there any other traditions your family follows for Saint Fanourios Day?

I’d love to hear how people observe the day and whether fanouropita is part of your family’s tradition.

Best Christening Gifts for a Close Friend's Child?

What are some good christening gifts for the child of a close friend?

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been to a Greek christening, and the last one I attended was for a relative, so I’m realizing I’m not completely sure what is considered appropriate these days.

Since this is the child of a close friend, I’d like to give something a little more meaningful than just a standard gift, but I also don’t want to overdo it. Are religious gifts like an icon, cross, or children’s Bible still common? Would money, jewelry, or something personalized be appropriate?

I’d also be interested to know whether there are certain gifts that are traditionally given by family members or the godparents that I should avoid duplicating.

What have you given for christenings recently, especially when the child belonged to a close friend? I’d love some ideas that feel thoughtful and appropriate.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top