Greek Traditions Community

Celebrating People's Name Days?

1 - 4 of 4 Posts
D

dimi_pat

Active member
I have learned that Greeks, especially those in Greece, celebrate their name day. I want to be better at celebrating people's name days, even though I am not in Greece. I am looking for suggestions on how to help people celebrate. Some of my ideas:

  • Send a card
  • Give a gift, such as an icon of the saint
  • Take them out for dinner or have them over
  • Call them to wish them a happy name day
Does anyone know of a good name day calendar I can use to find out about when people's name days are?
 
dimi_pat said:
I have learned that Greeks, especially those in Greece, celebrate their name day. I want to be better at celebrating people's name days, even though I am not in Greece. I am looking for suggestions on how to help people celebrate. Some of my ideas:

  • Send a card
  • Give a gift, such as an icon of the saint
  • Take them out for dinner or have them over
  • Call them to wish them a happy name day
Does anyone know of a good name day calendar I can use to find out about when people's name days are?
Click to expand...
Hello, try this site for Greek Name Days Calendar - namedays.gr
 
Another place is the Greek name day calendar on our sister website GreekBoston.com here:

Greek Name Day Calendar

Find the Greek name day for every Greek saint name on the GreekBoston.com name day calendar. Xronia Polla!
www.greekboston.com
 
  • Like
Reactions: k_tsoukalas
I love to wish my friends and family a happy name day! Thank you for sharing these ideas and resources.
 
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Gift Ideas for Staying at Someone's House in Greece Needed

Hi everyone! My partner and I are heading to Greece soon and will be staying at a friend’s house for a few days. We want to bring a thoughtful house gift as a token of our appreciation, but we’re not quite sure what would be most appropriate.

I know that hospitality is a big deal in Greek culture, so I want to make sure we get it right. Should we bring something from our home country, or is it better to buy something locally once we arrive in Greece? Are there any specific gifts that are considered especially thoughtful or traditional when staying in someone’s home?

We’d love to hear any suggestions or advice on what would be most appreciated by our Greek hosts. Thanks! Is it even appropriate to bring a gift?

Greek Harvest Traditions?

I’ve been learning a lot about Greek culture recently and was curious about whether there are any specific traditions related to harvest time in Greece. I know that agriculture plays a big role in the country’s history, with olives, grapes, and other crops being essential to Greek life for centuries.

Are there any traditional festivals or rituals that mark the beginning or end of harvest season? Do certain regions have unique ways of celebrating the harvest? I’m especially interested in any customs around olive or grape harvesting, but would love to hear about anything involving other crops too.

If anyone has firsthand experience or knows of any specific harvest traditions in rural Greek villages or islands, I’d love to hear more! I think it’s fascinating how these practices often connect with local food, culture, and community life.

Evil Eye Traditions?

I'm fascinated by the concept of the evil eye and its significance in different cultures. As I'm planning a trip to Greece, I'd love to learn more about the traditions and practices related to the evil eye there.

I've heard that it's a common belief in Greece, and that people wear blue eye charms to protect themselves. What other customs are associated with the evil eye?

If you have any personal experiences or stories related to the evil eye in Greece, I'd love to hear them. Any insights into regional variations or historical background would be greatly appreciated too! I love wearing jewelry with evil eye.

Greek-American Thanksgiving Traditions

I know Thanksgiving in the United States is coming up, and it isn't a traditionally Greek holiday, it's an American one. Yet I know that Greek-Americans celebrate. I am curious – have Greek-Americans started their own traditions?

Do families mix classic Thanksgiving dishes with Greek flavors, like adding oregano or lemon to the turkey or serving a side of spanakopita or Greek-style potatoes? I’d love to hear if there are any unique ways Greek-American families blend these two cultures during the holiday. Maybe there's a special Greek dessert that gets added to the Thanksgiving spread, or traditional Greek blessings or toasts incorporated at the table?

I’m also curious about any differences between how Greek-American families celebrate Thanksgiving versus Christmas or other Greek holidays. Any tips, traditions, or recipes would be great – I’m hoping to add a little Greek touch to my family’s Thanksgiving this year!

What does Philoxenia mean to you?

I was trying to explain to someone today just how incredibly hospitable people in Greece are, and it hit me—this is philoxenia in action! For those who might not know, philoxenia literally means “friend to a stranger,” but it’s so much more than that. It’s about showing warmth, generosity, and respect to guests, often going above and beyond to make someone feel welcome.

I found it tough to put into words exactly what it means because it’s not just a concept—it’s something you feel when you experience it firsthand. Whether it’s someone sharing their food with you, helping you when you’re lost, or inviting you into their home, philoxenia is such a beautiful and unique part of Greek culture.

I’m curious, what are your thoughts on philoxenia?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top