Greek Traditions Community

Favorite Greek games?

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xmelissaa

xmelissaa

Active member
I'm feeling a little nostalgic today. My favorite Greek game is tavli (I love playing with Grandpa)! What is yours?

tavli.jpeg
 
I loved playing krifto (hide and go seek)! The rules are a bit different in Greece, and it was always so fun to play with my cousins in the village. So many good memories :)
 
I've never learned how to play Tavli. Is it the same as Backgammon? It looks like the same game board... I see people playing all over Greece, but I have never taken the time to learn.
 
I see it's been a while since you've posted, but I just wanted to ask if anyone’s tried using a steam cleaner on their WeatherTech mats? I’ve been thinking about it because scrubbing with soap and water doesn’t always get the grime out of the grooves. Wondering if the heat would damage them or maybe help bring the finish back without making them slippery again. Anyone had luck with that?
 
I’ve been hooked on Tavli for years—reminds me of playing with my grandpa in the village during summer. I’ve been thinking about making a modern board game inspired by Greek history and came across https://www.rileyjamescopy.com/board-game-marketing , which had cool tips on how to get the word out once the game’s ready. It’s helped me figure out how to tell the story behind the game in a way that gets people interested.
 
Nice tavli board. Looks like it has had plenty of use! I also like the game and play is every evening with my partner.
 
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Symbolism of Christopsomo?

I’ve been reading a bit about christopsomo lately and realized I don’t fully understand all of the symbolism behind it. I know it’s more than just a Christmas bread, and that many families treat it with a lot of reverence, especially on Christmas Day. I’ve seen versions decorated with a cross, nuts, and sometimes intricate patterns pressed into the dough, and I’m curious what each of those elements traditionally represents.

In some households, it seems to be baked only once a year and cut in a very specific way, almost like a ritual. In others, the customs appear to vary by region or family history. I’d love to hear how people learned about christopsomo growing up, and whether the symbolism was explained to them or simply passed down through practice.

If you know the meanings behind the decorations, ingredients, or serving traditions, I’d really appreciate hearing more.

How does your family celebrate?

I’d love to hear how everyone here celebrates Christmas in their own Greek way, whether you’re in Greece or part of the diaspora. Every family I know seems to have its own version of the holiday, shaped by region, faith, and generations of habits. Some homes revolve around church and fasting, others around baking marathons and big family tables, and others around quiet gatherings with just a few people.

Do you celebrate on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both? Are there specific foods that absolutely have to be on your table every year? Do you make Christopsomo, melomakarona, kourabiedes, or something unique to your family’s region? I’m especially curious about traditions that came from grandparents or villages that maybe aren’t as common anymore.

If you feel like sharing, I’d love to read about the rituals, foods, church customs, music, or even small personal traditions that make Greek Christmas feel like Christmas to you.

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?

Why do Greeks celebrate name days?

I grew up with name days being a big deal, and I’ve always wondered why they feel more important than birthdays for so many of us. I know they’re tied to the Greek Orthodox Church feast days and the saints we’re named after, but it feels like there’s something deeper going on culturally.

In my family, name days were always open-house style, people calling, stopping by, bringing sweets, and it felt very communal. Birthdays, on the other hand, were more low-key.

Do you feel like name days still carry that same weight today? Or has it changed depending on the generation or where you live?

Favorite Greek Christmas traditions?

I’m curious to hear everyone’s favorite Greek Christmas traditions, especially the ones that feel extra meaningful or unique to your family. I’ve been learning more about Greek culture and food this past year, and now I’m fascinated by how the holidays are celebrated in different regions.

I know about a few of the well-known traditions, like baking melomakarona and kourabiedes, decorating the small wooden karavaki (Christmas boat), and, of course, the incredible Christmas and New Year’s feasts. But I’d love to learn more about the customs that don’t get talked about as often.

Do you follow any local traditions from your village or island? Do you bake certain breads, sing kalanta, or do something special on Christmas Eve or St. Basil’s Day? I’m especially interested in the rituals that have been passed down through families. I am learning about Greek cooking and also about the culture.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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