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d_kakavouli

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Here are a few useful calendars I've found
Thanks for sharing! I add the "Greek Holidays" calendar to my google calendar to get reminded of important dates but it doesn't include Saints Days
 
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About 5 years ago a friend (non Greek) asked me if her granddaughter had a nameday. Her name was Patrice. I explained Patricia is my Anglo name but my Greek name is Paraskevi. Wanting to impress her συμπεθέρη, she asked me if I could let her know when their namedays were. I now have around 40 people on my list. I use namedays.gr ,iconograms, abbamoses.com to source namedays. Wikipedia is a good source for icons. When I cannot find a Greek Orthodox name, I also search Eastern Orthodox church and the Coptic Church. Sometimes I search Catholic saints for names like Xavier and Corona.
Each month I go through my existing namedays and add new names to my list. Abbamoses does not have icons. Some of the names in namedays.gr are a little dodgy. I write about the saint,why they became a Saint and their feast day. Saints can have more than one nameday depending on the Greek Island or province that celebrates the saint. In 2019 i was lucky enough to go to Cappadocia where most of our saints were born, resided, persecuted and became saints. Patricia
 
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About 5 years ago a friend (non Greek) asked me if her granddaughter had a nameday. Her name was Patrice. I explained Patricia is my Anglo name but my Greek name is Paraskevi. Wanting to impress her συμπεθέρη, she asked me if I could let her know when their namedays were. I now have around 40 people on my list. I use namedays.gr ,iconograms, abbamoses.com to source namedays. Wikipedia is a good source for icons. When I cannot find a Greek Orthodox name, I also search Eastern Orthodox church and the Coptic Church. Sometimes I search Catholic saints for names like Xavier and Corona.
Each month I go through my existing namedays and add new names to my list. Abbamoses does not have icons. Some of the names in namedays.gr are a little dodgy. I write about the saint,why they became a Saint and their feast day. Saints can have more than one nameday depending on the Greek Island or province that celebrates the saint. In 2019 i was lucky enough to go to Cappadocia where most of our saints were born, resided, persecuted and became saints. Patricia
THank you so much for sharing. I love the name Paraskevi, it is my aunts name. I will use these saints day calendars to track everyones name days. It is so hard to keep track these days because there aer so many people to keep track of and these days everyone has more unique names in Greece. Cheers :)
 
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Having a name day is really special. I was baptized under a different name (Kaliope) than my birth certification (Katherine) and I actually celebrate both! I don't think there are really any strict rules, it's all about what we are comfortable with and if our parents had a saint in mind when they named us.
 
Greeks have quite a few beautiful and unusual female names. Now I have started to think about naming my daughter a Greek name. Perhaps it would be unusual enough for my state, and her name would be unique. I was also surprised to hear about the existence of the name calendar for the first time from you. Previously I had only heard of regular calendars. The thing is, I also use one so I don't miss important meetings or events. For example, before Christmas, I need to turn in a large number of reports. So already now I put in my december calendar all the dates when I have to do it. You have children, so maybe you can use a calendar like this so you don't forget about your schedule.
 
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Having a name day is really special. I was baptized under a different name (Kaliope) than my birth certification (Katherine) and I actually celebrate both! I don't think there are really any strict rules, it's all about what we are comfortable with and if our parents had a saint in mind when they named us.
My sister is Kalliope. Our Mum, although born in Australia (my Grandparents migrated in 1922) like most of her classmates could not spread English when she started school. He name Asimina was translated to Mena. So our Mum gave us Anglicised names. Paraskevi (me) became Patricia. Kalliope became Colleen. Very Irish names.
 
Greeks have quite a few beautiful and unusual female names. Now I have started to think about naming my daughter a Greek name. Perhaps it would be unusual enough for my state, and her name would be unique. I was also surprised to hear about the existence of the name calendar for the first time from you. Previously I had only heard of regular calendars. The thing is, I also use one so I don't miss important meetings or events. For example, before Christmas, I need to turn in a large number of reports. So already now I put in my december calendar all the dates when I have to do it. You have children, so maybe you can use a calendar like this so you don't forget about your schedule.
All Greek Orthodox parishes (in Australia) produce a calendar with Saints nameday. Cost is usually whatever you can afford. I know the Greek Orthodox church in Hawaii has one. I bought one this year.
Female Greek names are beautiful. Kalliope, Paraskevi, Panayiota, Elefteria, Vasiliki, Ourania...... list goes on and on. Most Greek names have namedays. That's at least 3 presents a year.
 

Tips for Learning and Teaching Greek

I know how to speak Greek okay, but I am not great at it. I want to brush up on my skills, and I also want to teach some of my family members. I am good enough at it to the learn the basics. I am looking for advice, but I've also compiled some ideas:

1. Spend an extended period of time in Greece

There’s no better way to learn Greek than to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Greece. If you have the opportunity, consider spending an extended time in Greece, studying or working, taking a sabbatical, or just exploring the country. Living in Greece can help you understand the nuances of the language, such as the different accents, dialects, and slang that are used. You’ll also have the chance to practice your Greek with locals, watch Greek TV or films, and read Greek books or newspapers. I would imagine this is the best way to learn fast!

2. Use a language program

If you can’t travel to Greece or you prefer a more structured approach to learning Greek, consider using a language program. There are many language programs available online or in your local area, ranging from self-paced courses to interactive classes. Some popular language programs for Greek include Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Pimsleur. From what I understand these are all great options and I can learn at my own pace.

3. Take classes

Taking classes is another excellent way to learn Greek, especially if you prefer face-to-face interaction and feedback. You can find Greek language classes in community colleges, universities, language schools, or private tutors. Taking classes can help you improve your Greek skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You’ll have a teacher who can guide you through the learning process, answer your questions, and give you homework or assignments that challenge you. You’ll also have classmates who share your passion for Greek and can practice with you.

4. Find ways to immerse yourself outside of Greece

Even if you can’t go to Greece or attend classes, you can still immerse yourself in Greek in your daily life. One way is to find Greek-speaking communities or events in your area, such as cultural centers, festivals, or meetups. You can also use online resources to connect with Greek speakers, such as language exchange websites, social media groups, or chat apps. Listening to Greek music, watching Greek videos or podcasts, or reading Greek literature can also help you familiarize yourself with the sounds and patterns of the language.

Honestly, I plan to try all 4 - whatever I can do. I think it will all help.

Greek Easter Family Traditions

I am curious what your family traditions are for Greek Easter. I know lent hasn't even started yet, but I've started doing some planning to make sure my family has all of its traditions all set. Sometimes it takes me a while to find ingredients for some of the foods I serve, etc.

Of course we spend Holy Week in church. We do our best to fast during Lent, and once Easter comes, it's all about serving our traditional dishes. This year I might spend part of lent in Greece to visit some religious sites.

What do you guys all do?

Thinking about the Greek way of hospitality...

I thought I would ask your thoughts oh Philoxenia - or the Greek way, or art, of hospitality. I noticed this when I travel in Greece. People are so kind, they often go out of the way for us, when I feel that they don't have to! How can one describe this to someone?

From what I understand, Philoxenia is not merely a practice but a deeply ingrained value within Greek culture that extends far beyond the simple act of hosting. It reflects a genuine, heartfelt welcome to strangers, treating them with the same respect and generosity one would show to a dearly beloved friend. This beautiful tradition, passed down through generations, turns the act of hosting into an art form, embodying warmth, respect, and a profound sense of human compassion. There have been so many stories I can think of...

This thought process was triggered because we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - someone in the village had taken on a Syrian refugee. Is this a Greek hospitality thing? Philoxenia?

Greek tradition of hanging onions on the door?

I just came from my friend's house and I saw there were onions hanging on the door! I asked them about it and learned it was a New Year's tradition. Here's what my research pulled out:

The Greek New Year is celebrated on the 1st of January, but the preparations for the celebration begin on the New Year’s Eve. As per tradition, the Greeks hang onions outside their house, balcony, or anywhere visible to attract good fortune, prosperity, and luck. The onions are hung, infused with various symbols like coins, bread, honey, and olives, representing prosperity, food, and success. This concept reminds the Greeks of their grandmothers, who hung onions outside their homes and gatherings during special occasions, especially New Year’s Eve.

Beyond the symbolic value of the onions, for Greeks, hanging onions also has medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Onions can purify the air and keep away harmful bacteria and impurities due to their sulfur compounds. Additionally, they are believed to have great health benefits and can help boost your immunity, reduce the risk of cancer, and regulate cholesterol levels.

Hanging onions is also a fun activity that the family enjoys together. Everyone gathers around and writes their wishes on the onions and ties them with a red thread, symbolizing good fortune. The onion is then hung outside the house, allowing the wishes to come true. The onions can also be collected at a later stage and used for cooking, acting as a souvenir that remains with the family for the rest of the year.

The notion of hanging onions is an ancient tradition in Greece, and the country takes pride in it. The ritual dates back to ancient Greece, where they were hung on doors and windows to keep away evil spirits and other unwanted energies. In Greece, the land of myths and legends, the onion symbolizes the new life that arises from the depths of the earth, representing hope, fertility, and growth.

Netflix Show about Alexander the Great

I just noticed there was a show about Alexander the Great on Netflix. How is it?

I have been noticing some buzz that it's fairly controversial, but those who are unhappy about it ... I can't tell if they actually know about him, or if they are just upset about how he was depicted.

I am trying to figure out if I want to watch it so your honest reviews are welcome.

I have studied Alexander the Great a little bit and no a bit about his life, so I am sincerely hoping it's worth my time. I am between shows at the moment.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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