Greek Traditions Community

Etiquette While in Greece?

1 - 6 of 6 Posts
auroracoor1

auroracoor1

Active member
When I go to Greece, sometimes I wonder if there is some etiquette to keep in mind. My questions:

1. Is there a way to greet someone in Greek when you walk into a store or restaurant?
2. Is there phone etiquette to follow?
3. Anything else I should know?

Thanks!
 
The etiquette there is pretty much the same in the USA/Canada/Australia...

The immediate things that come to mind are:

  1. Always take a gift when invited to someone's house
  2. Take off your shoes before going in someone's house
  3. If you have a family member in college in Greece, give them money when you see them.
  4. If you're visiting an older family member (e.g. your grandparents) in a village, give them 100 euros (or whatever you can afford to give)
  5. Do not leave the air conditioning on all night when staying at someone's house. Utilities are extremely expensive and the AC usually turned on when guests are over and turned off when they leave. In most instances, windows are left open for air
  6. Don't go into a store just to browse; they don't like it. You're either in there to buy something or not at all.
There is no specific way to answer the phone in Greece. The most common way to answer it is by saying "ναι" (pronounced neh), which means "yes".
 
  • Like
Reactions: auroracoor1
When a Greek wants to pay the bill, don’t argue. Refusal of a “gift” is definitely bad form. (Just try to pick up the tab for the next time or round.)

If someone has made a kind gesture towards you and your offer to pay them is refused (which it is likely to be), you can always give them something for “τα παιδια”. Gifts to children are always welcomed and acceptable. Obviously any gifts to family members (like grandparents) are a different matter and will be welcomed.

When entering a store, a simple good morning (καλημέρα) or good afternoon (καλησπέρα) will suffice. If you’re speaking to a much older person or want to show a little more respect, just add σας (sas) after it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: auroracoor1
Thank you so much - I find this so helpful. I plan to visit with people who have kids- friends. I wonder if I should bring a few gifts from home for the kids just in case?
 
That would be a nice gesture; it will be well-received. You should plan on it; not “just in case”. Sometimes when one brings gifts to the parents, the adults reciprocate (even with all of the hospitality they have already afforded you) so you can always show your appreciation to them by gifting to their children.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think it is a great idea to give a gift to he children! That's the best way, I think.
 
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

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!

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.

Best Christening Gifts for a Close Friend's Child?

What are some good christening gifts for the child of a close friend?

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been to a Greek christening, and the last one I attended was for a relative, so I’m realizing I’m not completely sure what is considered appropriate these days.

Since this is the child of a close friend, I’d like to give something a little more meaningful than just a standard gift, but I also don’t want to overdo it. Are religious gifts like an icon, cross, or children’s Bible still common? Would money, jewelry, or something personalized be appropriate?

I’d also be interested to know whether there are certain gifts that are traditionally given by family members or the godparents that I should avoid duplicating.

What have you given for christenings recently, especially when the child belonged to a close friend? I’d love some ideas that feel thoughtful and appropriate.

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?

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?
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