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blopez34

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1. Dress to the nines, heck, to the tens even
2. Know your way around pre-wedding traditions
3. Sit wherever you want
4. "Spit" on the couple
5. There will be a lot of kisses, hugs and wishes
6. So much food, so little stomach space
7. Be prepared for the interrogation if you're single
8. Drink alcohol...and water!!
9. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes along
10. Just have fun

 
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1. Dress to the nines, heck, to the tens even
2. Know your way around pre-wedding traditions
3. Sit wherever you want
4. "Spit" on the couple
5. There will be a lot of kisses, hugs and wishes
6. So much food, so little stomach space
7. Be prepared for the interrogation if you're single
8. Drink alcohol...and water!!
9. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes along
10. Just have fun

In my experience people dress pretty casual for Greek weddings...depending on the venue that is. If the wedding is outdoors and in the summer (which many usually are) I find that Greeks dress pretty casual in comparison to weddings in the US and Canada
 
If you're in Greece, then people dress casual. If you're in the USA, for example, then dress how you're told on the wedding invitations.

Don't talk about the bride's dress - this is will give the bride the mati (bad luck)

If you're in Greece then don't enter the church until the couple enters first (you'll follow behind them)
 
This is a great and funny list LOL!

Here is some actual information about the traditions surrounding Greek Orthodox weddings:

 
Ha ha about number 6... So much food... maybe that is why Greek wedding celebrations go on so long! It gives us a chance to enjoy more of the food. :D This is an excellent list, by the way.
 
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Ha ha about number 6... So much food... maybe that is why Greek wedding celebrations go on so long! It gives us a chance to enjoy more of the food. :D This is an excellent list, by the way.
I went to a wedding in Crete and had some great gamopilafo, which is a traditional Cretan wedding rice pilaf
 
I went to a wedding in Crete and had some great gamopilafo, which is a traditional Cretan wedding rice pilaf
I have never had that dish, but I have heard that it is delicious. Do you remember what was in it?
 
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Greek weddings are sooo much fun. All the dancing and delicious food - it's definitely a glorious celebration. I have been to casual Greek weddings and I've also dressed to the nines. I think a lot depends on what the bride and groom decide for the dress code.
 

What Does Philotimo Mean to You?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the word, or really, the concept, of philotimo. It’s one of those Greek words that just doesn’t translate neatly into English. I was recently trying to explain it to a non-Greek friend, and I realized how difficult it is to put into words!

I ended up talking about ideas like honor, dignity, courage, generosity, and doing the right thing because it’s simply the right thing to do. I even used some historical examples, including the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae and the spirit of Ochi Day, to try to explain the sense of duty and selflessness that I associate with philotimo.

But I know the concept can also show up in much smaller, everyday ways. How would you explain philotimo to someone unfamiliar with Greek culture? What does the word mean to you personally?

How did your family spend summers in Greece?

I’m curious how many of you spent summers in Greece growing up.

My experience was a little different. My parents both worked full time, so we never packed up and spent entire summers in Greece the way some Greek families did. But I had friends and cousins who seemed to disappear every June and come back just before school started, full of stories about village life, island beaches, family gatherings, and adventures with cousins.

I always found those stories fascinating and sometimes wished I had experienced that myself.

For those of you who did spend summers in Greece, what was it like? Did you stay in a village, a city, or on an island? What did your typical days look like? Are there any traditions, memories, or experiences that still stand out to you today? I'd love to hear your stories!

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 Traditions from Childhood?

I’d love to hear everyone’s memories of Greek traditions from childhood, especially the small everyday things that may not even seem unusual until you look back on them later.

For me, some of the strongest memories are tied to food, church, family gatherings, name days, holiday preparations, and the feeling of constantly having people around. Even certain sounds and smells immediately bring everything back.

I’m also curious how traditions differed depending on region or family background. Did your family keep strong village customs? Were there things your grandparents insisted on doing a certain way? Any traditions connected to Easter, Christmas, weddings, coffee, hospitality, music, or food?

For me, we ate a family-oriented Sunday meal where everyone go together after church. That was a big part of things for me.

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?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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