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dubai_suzie

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Even though it is super hot in Greece, you should dress a little more modestly when entering churches and monasteries. Try not to wear super short shorts and have your shoulders covered. I suggest bringing a shawl if you're a woman and being a little more dressy if you're a man (avoid beach clothes and tank tops). Please add suggestions below! I am not an expert, this is just what I've been told and what I've noticed
 
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In the United States Greek Americans tend to dress in more formal when attending a Greek Orthodox church service.

In Greece, every time I have visited a monastery (just visiting not an actual service) I have worn casual clothing and have not had an issue. Several years ago I spend Easter in Greece and did dress up a big more than just stopping by, course during holy week!

Hope this helps and enjoy Greece!
 
Even though it is super hot in Greece, you should dress a little more modestly when entering churches and monasteries. Try not to wear super short shorts and have your shoulders covered. I suggest bringing a shawl if you're a woman and being a little more dressy if you're a man (avoid beach clothes and tank tops). Please add suggestions below! I am not an expert, this is just what I've been told and what I've noticed
I second the shawl trick! When going out and about with a tour group, they usually have shawls. I was wearing short shorts once and they gave me a shawl to tie around my waist. I felt so stupid having to do that, I decided to just bring my own shawl, or simply just dress appropriately if possible. I usually wear a dress those days, and bring a shawl if the dress has spaghetti straps.
 

Learning about hospitality in Greece

I was trying to explain to some non-Greek friends about hospitality in Greece. I feel like it's next level, but how do you explain it?

Could anyone help me explain any of the following:
  • Traditional welcome gestures in Greece
  • Common household customs when visiting a Greek home
  • Etiquette for showing appreciation to Greek hosts
  • Any specific do's and don'ts that a foreigner should be aware of

Greek Naming Traditions?

I have noticed that in Greece, there are some traditions associated with naming their children. Although some Greek families in the United States have done this, many have seemed to lose the traditions.

Does anyone know what some of these traditions are? I am helping a friend name his upcoming child... Here's some of what I have learned:

1. Firstborn daughter names after maternal grandmother
2. Firstborn son named after paternal grandfather
3. Firstborn son named after father

Those are the ones I have figured out. I don't know what is traditional from Greece and what has just been made up amongst Greeks in the US.

Where did plate smashing come from?

When Greeks feel happy and are dancing and have a good time, they've been known to smash plates. I've seen it! It's not just a tourist thing - but they don't do it much because I am sure they won't want to smash their expensive dish wear.

I was just at a wedding and they had purchased plates to smash - so basically they were cheap throwaway plates that actually smashed really well. I almost wonder if they were made for the purpose...

It got me thinking - where did this tradition come from? Does anyone know?

When does Orthodox lent start this year?

I noticed our Easter is late - May 5th - but Western Easter is at the end of March. Has Lent already started for them? When does our Lent start?

This year, I plan to do a stricter Lenten fast, so I want to plan some things out in advance.

Lent is a time for introspection, repentance, and spiritual growth. Through the dedicated practice of fasting, prayer, and charity, believers seek not only to grow closer to God but also to better understand themselves in relation to God’s will.

Greek Name Days Celebrations

I have been encouraging my family and friends to let me know when their name days are. I know for my immediate family, of course, but I want to start honoring name days in addition to birthdays like they do in Greece.

But aside from wishing someone Chronia Polla, or happy name day, what else can we do? How do people in Greece celebrate? Is it much like a birthday?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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