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dimi_pat

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Koulouaria are a bread-like cake that is traditionally served during Easter dinner. This is an especially popular dish in the Greek islands, although you can also find them on the mainland. I really miss getting together with the whole family and making these, it's one of my favourite traditions.

Koulouria.jpg
 
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Koulouaria are a bread-like cake that is traditionally served during Easter dinner. This is an especially popular dish in the Greek islands, although you can also find them on the mainland. I really miss getting together with the whole family and making these, it's one of my favourite traditions.

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I love Koulourakia!! Especially with a bit of orange zest :) they're my favorite
 
I love Koulourakia!! Especially with a bit of orange zest :) they're my favorite
I love Koulourakia and Kouloura both. Orange zest in koulourakia makes it so delicious! The Kouloura breads are always a staple in my house at Easter.
 
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I love Koulourakia and Kouloura both. Orange zest in koulourakia makes it so delicious! The Kouloura breads are always a staple in my house at Easter.
At my house too! I wish I made them more often tbh
 
It's mandatory that you sing plathw koulourakia when you make these.
 
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It's mandatory that you sing plathw koulourakia when you make these.
Could you share the words? I have never sung it! I make these every Easter, they are a tradition in my household...
 
Could you share the words? I have never sung it! I make these every Easter, they are a tradition in my household...
Sure.

Me ta dyo xerakia (with both hands)
plathw koulourakia (I make koulourakia)
koulourakia, koulourakia

O fournos tha ta psisei (the oven will bake them)
to spiti tha myrisei (the house will smell)
koulourakia, koulourakia

Ti glyka ki afrata (How sweet and fluffy)
ola myrodomata (all fragrant)
koulourakia, koulourakia

Gi' auto kai to sxoleio tous (so that's why at their school)
pairnoun ta paidakia (the kids bring them)
koulourakia, koulourakia

 
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At my house too! I wish I made them more often tbh
In my native town, in Magna Graecia [south Italy], there used to be the tradition of making Cullura (Koulura) for easter. It was sweetbread or bun with an egg baked in it. A greater variety of sweets was made for Palm Sunday, like pretzels etc., when they were attached to a palm-branch and taken to church. Little toys and crosses were also made by interweaving palm fronds. //Speaking of feasts and traditions, I remembered that the 8th of September used to be, in my town, the feast of MyLady of Graces, to whom a rustic shrine was dedicated, while outdoors a fair was held: merchants from town and other towns brought their wares and even animals (cattle) for sale. On this date, the Church officially celebrates the Birth of the Virgin Mary. The shrine is in a district of the township that must have been the civic center of the newly founded town of Thourioi and may have been a replica of the shrine dedicated to Athena Krathia (reported by Herodotus). When the people switched to Christianity, the rededication inevitably occurred. Athena was born out of Zeus' head, Mary was born normally, but by a miracle from Ann and Joachim. // I miss the ice cream I used to buy at the Fair.
 
Sure.

Me ta dyo xerakia (with both hands)
plathw koulourakia (I make koulourakia)
koulourakia, koulourakia

O fournos tha ta psisei (the oven will bake them)
to spiti tha myrisei (the house will smell)
koulourakia, koulourakia

Ti glyka ki afrata (How sweet and fluffy)
ola myrodomata (all fragrant)
koulourakia, koulourakia

Gi' auto kai to sxoleio tous (so that's why at their school)
pairnoun ta paidakia (the kids bring them)
koulourakia, koulourakia

This is so cool - I am going to try to sing this song next tie I make this!! My mother used to sing a song like this but I never knew the words...
 
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This is so cool - I am going to try to sing this song next tie I make this!! My mother used to sing a song like this but I never knew the words...
Yes! Let's keep these traditions alive :)
 
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Sure.

Me ta dyo xerakia (with both hands)
plathw koulourakia (I make koulourakia)
koulourakia, koulourakia

O fournos tha ta psisei (the oven will bake them)
to spiti tha myrisei (the house will smell)
koulourakia, koulourakia

Ti glyka ki afrata (How sweet and fluffy)
ola myrodomata (all fragrant)
koulourakia, koulourakia

Gi' auto kai to sxoleio tous (so that's why at their school)
pairnoun ta paidakia (the kids bring them)
koulourakia, koulourakia
As I have been investigating words, since my retirement, now I wondered about the origin of the name "Koulourakia"or, in my native language, "koulloura/kouddroura". Wikipedia does not help; so, I turned to a lexikon, the Liddlell-Scott "A Greek-English Lexikon" and then the Bailly "Greek-French Dictionary", which report the literature source of the Classical Greek words. Bailly cites "Koulloura", which is described as a small oval loaf of bread,or roll, sweetened, especially for infants. Thus, the tradition in question goes back to pre-Christian times, and obviously, the insertion of an egg (in larger rolls) must be specifically from Easter or egg/myth times. "Koulourakia" may be also a classical word, meaning "koulloura stuff" through the adjective *Koullourakios (which needs confirmation). Good stuff!
 
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As I have been investigating words, since my retirement, now I wondered about the origin of the name "Koulourakia"or, in my native language, "koulloura/kouddroura". Wikipedia does not help; so, I turned to a lexikon, the Liddlell-Scott "A Greek-English Lexikon" and then the Bailly "Greek-French Dictionary", which report the literature source of the Classical Greek words. Bailly cites "Koulloura", which is described as a small oval loaf of bread,or roll, sweetened, especially for infants. Thus, the tradition in question goes back to pre-Christian times, and obviously, the insertion of an egg (in larger rolls) must be specifically from Easter or egg/myth times. "Koulourakia" may be also a classical word, meaning "koulloura stuff" through the adjective *Koullourakios (which needs confirmation). Good stuff!
koulouraki comes from the word koulouri. Try searching that. "aki" just means little in Greek. The bread with the egg in it is called tsoureki
 
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koulouraki comes from the word koulouri. Try searching that. "aki" just means little in Greek. The bread with the egg in it is called tsoureki
Thank you for your suggestion. However, I think we are a bit confused about Greek -- ancient/classical and modern Greek. For instance, I don't find "coulouri" in vocabulaties/lexikons of classical Greek. Did some etymologist propose it hypothetically as the source of the modern Koulouraki? Furthermore, I don't find AKI as either one of the adjectives for "little", or as a diminutive-making ending, whereas -ION is the typical classical diminutive ending. I was wishing that the lexikons had "tsureki", since it would show the difference from Kolix [= a roll or loaf of coarse bread], which Durrell-Scott equates with Kollouros. Incidentally, some of the classical words have variants, wherefore they are spelled with either one or two L, and the initial syllable is either KOU- or KO-, but Kolouros (= fallen off, troncated) is obviously a homophone of, not identical with, the aforementioned Kollouros.
 
Thank you for your suggestion. However, I think we are a bit confused about Greek -- ancient/classical and modern Greek. For instance, I don't find "coulouri" in vocabulaties/lexikons of classical Greek. Did some etymologist propose it hypothetically as the source of the modern Koulouraki? Furthermore, I don't find AKI as either one of the adjectives for "little", or as a diminutive-making ending, whereas -ION is the typical classical diminutive ending. I was wishing that the lexikons had "tsureki", since it would show the difference from Kolix [= a roll or loaf of coarse bread], which Durrell-Scott equates with Kollouros. Incidentally, some of the classical words have variants, wherefore they are spelled with either one or two L, and the initial syllable is either KOU- or KO-, but Kolouros (= fallen off, troncated) is obviously a homophone of, not identical with, the aforementioned Kollouros.
Really? So then how come Greeks add "Aki" to make everything "little"?
 
Thank you for your suggestion. However, I think we are a bit confused about Greek -- ancient/classical and modern Greek. For instance, I don't find "coulouri" in vocabulaties/lexikons of classical Greek. Did some etymologist propose it hypothetically as the source of the modern Koulouraki? Furthermore, I don't find AKI as either one of the adjectives for "little", or as a diminutive-making ending, whereas -ION is the typical classical diminutive ending. I was wishing that the lexikons had "tsureki", since it would show the difference from Kolix [= a roll or loaf of coarse bread], which Durrell-Scott equates with Kollouros. Incidentally, some of the classical words have variants, wherefore they are spelled with either one or two L, and the initial syllable is either KOU- or KO-, but Kolouros (= fallen off, troncated) is obviously a homophone of, not identical with, the aforementioned Kollouros.
Everything you're saying is over my head. For ancient Greek I'll need my wife... she studied it from middle school through high school (in Greece) and was forced to learn 1000s of words and learn the grammar. I, on the other hand, just know how to speak Greek and that's it haha. "Aki" is a suffix and it has several meanings. Adding "aki" to the word can mean "little" (e.g. skilo -> skilaki = puppy) but it can also be a term of endearment (giannis -> giannaki = little john/johnny). You could probably google "what does 'aki' mean on Greek" and find an explanation.
 
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Everything you're saying is over my head. For ancient Greek I'll need my wife... she studied it from middle school through high school (in Greece) and was forced to learn 1000s of words and learn the grammar. I, on the other hand, just know how to speak Greek and that's it haha. "Aki" is a suffix and it has several meanings. Adding "aki" to the word can be mean little (e.g. skilo -> skilaki = puppy) but it can also be a term of endearment (giannis -> giannaki = little john/johnny). You could probably google "what does 'aki' mean on Greek" and find an explanation.
Everything you're saying is over my head. For ancient Greek I'll need my wife... she studied it from middle school through high school (in Greece) and was forced to learn 1000s of words and learn the grammar. I, on the other hand, just know how to speak Greek and that's it haha. "Aki" is a suffix and it has several meanings. Adding "aki" to the word can be mean little (e.g. skilo -> skilaki = puppy) but it can also be a term of endearment (giannis -> giannaki = little john/johnny). You could probably google "what does 'aki' mean on Greek" and find an explanation.
As you speak (modern) Greek, your information about the suffix -aki, and similar information I have just found, expands my acquaintance with the modern language, but as an etymologist I am still uncertain about its provenance; I still suppose it arose from the classical adjective *koulourAKIOS or KoullourAKIOS. I also found that some other diminutive or endearing terms are present also in derived dialects, such as Latin and my native language. The Greek linguistic ekoumene is immense!
 
Everything you're saying is over my head. For ancient Greek I'll need my wife... she studied it from middle school through high school (in Greece) and was forced to learn 1000s of words and learn the grammar. I, on the other hand, just know how to speak Greek and that's it haha. "Aki" is a suffix and it has several meanings. Adding "aki" to the word can mean "little" (e.g. skilo -> skilaki = puppy) but it can also be a term of endearment (giannis -> giannaki = little john/johnny). You could probably google "what does 'aki' mean on Greek" and find an explanation.
Kind of going over my head as well LOL
 
Wikipedia has some info - what do you guys think, does their etymology make sense for kouloura and koulourakia?



I find it interesting that in the Koulourakia piece, they mentioned the Minoans.
 
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This article is saying that Koulouri comes from an Ancient Greek word "kollikon"


That's all I've got for now. This is an interesting discussion!
 

Greek Dance Instruction Video - Will Be Attending a Wedding

I will be attending a Greek wedding. They're friends of the family. Although I am Greek, many of our friends aren't. Since about 50% of the music at the reception will be Greek, I thought it would be fun to brush up on our Greek dancing together.

The problem is, I forget some of the dances, so I will also need to brush up. I can't teach people until I am a bit stronger.

I found this video. It's pretty good. Does anyone know of any more videos that can show me some Greek dancing?

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.

Greek tradition of hanging onions on the door?

I just came from my friend's house and I saw there were onions hanging on the door! I asked them about it and learned it was a New Year's tradition. Here's what my research pulled out:

The Greek New Year is celebrated on the 1st of January, but the preparations for the celebration begin on the New Year’s Eve. As per tradition, the Greeks hang onions outside their house, balcony, or anywhere visible to attract good fortune, prosperity, and luck. The onions are hung, infused with various symbols like coins, bread, honey, and olives, representing prosperity, food, and success. This concept reminds the Greeks of their grandmothers, who hung onions outside their homes and gatherings during special occasions, especially New Year’s Eve.

Beyond the symbolic value of the onions, for Greeks, hanging onions also has medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Onions can purify the air and keep away harmful bacteria and impurities due to their sulfur compounds. Additionally, they are believed to have great health benefits and can help boost your immunity, reduce the risk of cancer, and regulate cholesterol levels.

Hanging onions is also a fun activity that the family enjoys together. Everyone gathers around and writes their wishes on the onions and ties them with a red thread, symbolizing good fortune. The onion is then hung outside the house, allowing the wishes to come true. The onions can also be collected at a later stage and used for cooking, acting as a souvenir that remains with the family for the rest of the year.

The notion of hanging onions is an ancient tradition in Greece, and the country takes pride in it. The ritual dates back to ancient Greece, where they were hung on doors and windows to keep away evil spirits and other unwanted energies. In Greece, the land of myths and legends, the onion symbolizes the new life that arises from the depths of the earth, representing hope, fertility, and growth.

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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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!
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