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nm1999

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This is a very sweet custom, that is not very common in other areas of the world. In Greek culture, as a promise to the bride, the groom buys the brides shoes. In many cases, the bride will choose the shoes and allow for the husband to get them for her as a gift as many brides do not want surprise shoes on the day of her wedding. Did anyone have this tradition of their wedding? I am wondering how common it is these days.
 
My SO was born and raised in Greece, I was born and mostly raised in the USA. Our wedding is this summer and we won't be doing that because it's not the tradition in either of our family's villages.
 
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My SO was born and raised in Greece, I was born and mostly raised in the USA. Our wedding is this summer and we won't be doing that because it's not the tradition in either of our family's villages.
What traditions will you be doing, if you don't mind me asking
 
What traditions will you be doing, if you don't mind me asking
Hmm. Off the top of my head, we will put money and a baby in a bed before the wedding, there won't be any bridesmaids or groomsmen (we will only have 2 koumparoi - 1 koumparos and 1 koumpari). Because the wedding is in Greece, I will wait outside of the church for her and everyone will stand outside with me. Her dad will drop her off in a car then she'll walk up to me, and we'll walk into the church together with everyone following behind. There will also be no flower girl or ring bearer.. we have paranifakia (young girls who walk with the bride) who will walk with my SO and hold the train of her dress, and paragamproi (young boys who walk with the groom) whole will follow behind me.
Also, the wedding will start late in the afternoon (after 5pm).

At the reception the first song to be played will be miroloi (a lament) - it's our version of a moment of silence and it is always done as the first song of wedding receptions. Additionally, we will have a band and you can request songs to be played for you or someone else - when you request a song played for you or someone else, you usually give the band money as a tip. Also, it's tradition to shower the band with money by throwing up a lot of bills around the band, so that's going to happen too.
 
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Hmm. Off the top of my head, we will put money and a baby in a bed before the wedding, there won't be any bridesmaids or groomsmen (we will only have 2 koumparoi - 1 koumparos and 1 koumpari). Because the wedding is in Greece, I will wait outside of the church for her and everyone will stand outside with me. Her dad will drop her off in a car then she'll walk up to me, and we'll walk into the church together with everyone following behind. There will also be no flower girl or ring bearer.. we have paranifakia (young girls who walk with the bride) who will walk with my SO and hold the train of her dress, and paragamproi (young boys who walk with the groom) whole will follow behind me.
Also, the wedding will start late in the afternoon (after 5pm).

At the reception the first song to be played will be miroloi (a lament) - it's our version of a moment of silence and it is always done as the first song of wedding receptions. Additionally, we will have a band and you can request songs to be played for you or someone else - when you request a song played for you or someone else, you usually give the band money as a tip. Also, it's tradition to shower the band with money by throwing up a lot of bills around the band, so that's going to happen too.
I had no idea that they play a miroloi at the beginning of the wedding reception. Is it a way of honoring passed family members? This sounds like a beautiful tradition. I have seen people honor passed loved ones in many different ways at their weddings depending on the culture that they are from.
 
I had no idea that they play a miroloi at the beginning of the wedding reception. Is it a way of honoring passed family members? This sounds like a beautiful tradition. I have seen people honor passed loved ones in many different ways at their weddings depending on the culture that they are from.
Yes, but I'm not sure how widespread it is throughout Greece, but unlike America during out moment of silence, people get more emotional in our villages - they will start crying.
 
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Yes, but I'm not sure how widespread it is throughout Greece, but unlike America during out moment of silence, people get more emotional in our villages - they will start crying.
I can imagine how emotional this is, especially at a wedding. I also find that Greek people are more comfortable showing their emotions and they are more passionate. Thank you for sharing.
 

Tips for Learning and Teaching Greek

I know how to speak Greek okay, but I am not great at it. I want to brush up on my skills, and I also want to teach some of my family members. I am good enough at it to the learn the basics. I am looking for advice, but I've also compiled some ideas:

1. Spend an extended period of time in Greece

There’s no better way to learn Greek than to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Greece. If you have the opportunity, consider spending an extended time in Greece, studying or working, taking a sabbatical, or just exploring the country. Living in Greece can help you understand the nuances of the language, such as the different accents, dialects, and slang that are used. You’ll also have the chance to practice your Greek with locals, watch Greek TV or films, and read Greek books or newspapers. I would imagine this is the best way to learn fast!

2. Use a language program

If you can’t travel to Greece or you prefer a more structured approach to learning Greek, consider using a language program. There are many language programs available online or in your local area, ranging from self-paced courses to interactive classes. Some popular language programs for Greek include Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Pimsleur. From what I understand these are all great options and I can learn at my own pace.

3. Take classes

Taking classes is another excellent way to learn Greek, especially if you prefer face-to-face interaction and feedback. You can find Greek language classes in community colleges, universities, language schools, or private tutors. Taking classes can help you improve your Greek skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You’ll have a teacher who can guide you through the learning process, answer your questions, and give you homework or assignments that challenge you. You’ll also have classmates who share your passion for Greek and can practice with you.

4. Find ways to immerse yourself outside of Greece

Even if you can’t go to Greece or attend classes, you can still immerse yourself in Greek in your daily life. One way is to find Greek-speaking communities or events in your area, such as cultural centers, festivals, or meetups. You can also use online resources to connect with Greek speakers, such as language exchange websites, social media groups, or chat apps. Listening to Greek music, watching Greek videos or podcasts, or reading Greek literature can also help you familiarize yourself with the sounds and patterns of the language.

Honestly, I plan to try all 4 - whatever I can do. I think it will all help.

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!

Greek Easter Family Traditions

I am curious what your family traditions are for Greek Easter. I know lent hasn't even started yet, but I've started doing some planning to make sure my family has all of its traditions all set. Sometimes it takes me a while to find ingredients for some of the foods I serve, etc.

Of course we spend Holy Week in church. We do our best to fast during Lent, and once Easter comes, it's all about serving our traditional dishes. This year I might spend part of lent in Greece to visit some religious sites.

What do you guys all do?

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.

Ideas for Celebrating the New Month - Kalo Mina

Growing up, I heard my family say this all the time when there was a new month. I finally started paying attention to the tradition and ritual of saying it.

Kalo Mina actually means "Good Month" but my family took it a step further. We developed the habit of doing something special as a family to celebrate.It depends which day it falls. Some things we've done:

- Brunch - We do this if it falls on a weekend.
- Dinner - Going out to dinner is great any time of the year!
- Journaling - We've done family journaling parties, sitting together reflecting on the month. Sometimes we read aloud what we write (depends how the month went LOL)
- Goals - No matter if we do anything, like go out to dinner or brunch, we always sit and review our goals for the month together.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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