Greek Traditions Community

Did you know about the Greek New Years tradition of hanging onions on doors?

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D

dubai_suzie

Active member
In Greece, there are many different New Year's traditions and some of them vary by location and the specific culture of the region. Most of them bring good luck and health for the new year, especially this onion tradition. Across all of Greece, families will hang a yellow onion on their door as a symbol of good luck. They will usually do this after the church service on New Year's Day. While not all families do this, you may see it next time you visit Greece in January, look out for it!
 
The onion symbolism is cool! Are there any other Greek symbols of luck at New Year's that some people do? I know Vasilopita is a big part of the New Year's traditions...
 
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Need Help for Learning Greek

What are some good programs to use for learning Greek? I travel to Greek enough and my Greek is very basic. I want to get better.

Can you recommend a program or method that has worked the best for you? I know everyone is different. I am considering Duo Lingo, Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur, winging it, and private tutoring.

I have a friend who knows several languages and she told me to wing it. Dive in and start using the language. But my brain is craving a lot more structure.

Engagement Traditions in Greece?

I’m curious to learn more about traditional Greek engagement customs. Are there any specific rituals or celebrations that typically happen when a couple gets engaged in Greece?

I’ve heard of the “arravonas,” which I believe is a formal engagement ceremony where both families meet, and sometimes there’s an exchange of rings and blessings. Do people still do that today, or is it more of a past tradition?

Are there certain foods served during an engagement gathering? Do people bring gifts? And is it usually just close family, or a bigger celebration?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s experienced or witnessed a traditional Greek engagement—whether in Greece or the diaspora. Are there any regional variations? Do any of these customs still carry over into modern times?

Thanks in advance for sharing your stories or family traditions. There are some people in my family who are pretty close to being engaged (fingers crossed!)

How to Celebrate Name Days?

I recently heard that name days are a big deal in Greek culture—sometimes even more important than birthdays! My family has never celebrated them, so I’m curious: how do Greek families typically celebrate name days?

Do people throw parties or have a big dinner? Is there a religious aspect to it, like going to church or lighting a candle for the saint? And how do people know when someone’s name day is?

I’d love to hear what kinds of traditions are tied to name days—whether it’s a small gathering with sweets and coffee, or something more elaborate. Do people give gifts, or is it more about the social connection?

Would really appreciate hearing how your family celebrates, especially if you’re keeping this tradition alive outside of Greece!

What is Philoxenia?

I’ve recently come across the term "philoxenia" while reading about Greek culture, and I’m intrigued by its significance. From what I understand, it translates to "friend to a stranger" or "love of strangers," but I’d love to learn more about what it means in practice.

Can anyone explain the concept of philoxenia and how it manifests in Greek daily life and traditions? Are there any particular customs or examples that illustrate this beautiful aspect of Greek culture?

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Playing the tsougrisma game at Easter?

Hey everyone! With Easter coming up, I was thinking about the tsougrisma game we always play with the red eggs after the Resurrection service. You know—the egg cracking battle to see who ends up with the "uncracked champion"?

I’m curious—do you and your family still play it? And do the “rules” vary from house to house? In my family, we get very competitive about it—everyone picks their egg carefully and there's always a big cheer when someone stays undefeated!

I’d love to hear your stories. Do you play at midnight? At lunch the next day? Does your family do something funny or unique with it?

Share your traditions! It’s such a simple thing, but it really makes Easter feel complete for me.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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