Greek Traditions Community

Did you know that Greeks dont exchange gifts on Christmas?

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redsoxdw_

redsoxdw_

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Gifts aren't exchanged on December 24 or 25 in Greece, rather on January 6 which is known as Epiphany. Epiphany commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God. In Greece, people give gifts to their close friends and family to commemorate the holiday.
 
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That's interesting! I've never met other Greeks who exchange gifts on January 6, and it makes sense that some do exchange gifts on January 6 because of some of the songs that are sung about that day (e.g. Simera ta fwta). Everyone I know did it on January first and St. Vasilios would bring you presents, not St. Nikolaus.

Some background on why I'm saying this - I lived in Greece during my high school years and some of my twenties (I'm in my early 30s now) and my wife (late 20s) was born and raised in Greece.
 
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I have never heard this tradition!

My family always opens stocking gifts on New Years day, other than that this is a very interesting Christmas tradition!
 
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Yes, I knew this when I first went to Greece un 1975. Gifts (or money) is given on New Year’s Day. In Australia we always received money on New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday. I was also taught never repay a debt or pay bills on New Year’s Day - indicates you will be parting with money all year.
It's funny how each country adapts to being Greek in another country. We're very resourceful people
 
This is interesting, my family adapted to the American way of doing things, to open gifts on Christmas Day. I sort of wish we kept the ways of Greece. Maybe I can bring the tradition back. :)
 
Giving gifts for Christmas began more than two thousand years ago. And the gifts were expensive: Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior came to congratulate the mother and child in the cave where the infant Jesus was born. The wise men brought gifts: precious metal, gold, expensive aromatic resins, frankincense, and Smyrna. So they had prepared in advance. I don't know why they don't give gifts in Greece, because I can't come empty-handed to my friends. I always choose gift baskets at https://www.jetgiftbaskets.com/. I advise you to look at the catalog too, very beautiful and practical gifts.
 
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Of all the Christmas celebrations I have experienced in different counties, I would recommend the Philippines as one of the most enjoyable places to celebrate this occasion.
 
VisaExpress said:
Of all the Christmas celebrations I have experienced in different counties, I would recommend the Philippines as one of the most enjoyable places to celebrate this occasion.
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Ok, but we're talking about Greek traditions, not where you should go outside of Greece to experience a holiday.
 
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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.

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!

What are your favorite name day traditions?

I’ve always loved the tradition of celebrating name days. In my family, they’re just as meaningful as birthdays, and sometimes even more fun because they bring everyone together in a different way.

When a big name day comes around, especially one that several family members share, we often turn it into a full family gathering. For example, on a name day like Nick/Nikolas, where there might be multiple people celebrating, it becomes almost like a mini family holiday. Someone hosts, there’s plenty of food, and everyone comes by to wish the celebrants “chronia polla.”

I also like the simplicity of the tradition. Even if there isn’t a big gathering, people still call or send messages to acknowledge the day.

Do you celebrate name days in your family? And are there certain ones that turn into larger celebrations because several people share the name?

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?

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.
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