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francescool

Active member
One big part of Greek Culture is communication. My family is Italian, so I totally get it. Now that I'm in Greece, I'm reminded of how passionate and loud Greeks are. I love and appreciate this fact and I hope everyone else does to. Don't be alarmed or taken aback if someone communicates differently than you, just take it in stride and learn to appreciate it :)
 
Some things Greeks do is

1. They stick their tongue to the front of the roof ot their mouth, create a suction and pull down - it will create a sound, and I don't remember the name of the sound in English. If you ask a Greek a question and you hear them make that noise then it means "no".

2. If a Greek raises their head the way we say "what's up?" Then it also means "no"

3. A common hand sign for the word elegant is to raise your hand in front of you with your palm pointed up, pull your hand down while touching all of your fingers together at the same time.
 
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It's crazy that the same gesture for what's up is also no. It's all about the context!! Those who are newer to the language like me need to pay a little bit more attention to catch on to smaller gestures like these
Some things Greeks do is

1. They stick their tongue to the front of the roof ot their mouth, create a suction and pull down - it will create a sound, and I don't remember the name of the sound in English. If you ask a Greek a question and you hear them make that noise then it means "no".

2. If a Greek raises their head the way we say "what's up?" Then it also means "no"

3. A common hand sign for the word elegant is to raise your hand in front of you with your palm pointed up, pull your hand down while touching all of your fingers together at the same time.
 
It's crazy that the same gesture for what's up is also no. It's all about the context!! Those who are newer to the language like me need to pay a little bit more attention to catch on to smaller gestures like these
Yea, this is not something widely known outside of Greece. Another thing to pay attention to is someone flashing their headlights at you when you're waiting at a crosswalk. In the USA if someone flashes their headlights at you then the driver is telling you to go, but in Greece it means "I'm coming through". Good way to get hit at a crosswalk if you don't know what it means in Greece.
 
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Yea, this is not something widely known outside of Greece. Another thing to pay attention to is someone flashing their headlights at you when you're waiting at a crosswalk. In the USA if someone flashes their headlights at you then the driver is telling you to go, but in Greece it means "I'm coming through". Good way to get hit at a crosswalk if you don't know what it means in Greece.
First time I've seen a potentially life saving tip on a travel/culture forum! Wow, I will definitely try to remember this tip. Another thing I've noticed is that in Greece when a car is going to stop, pull over, or slow down they put their hazards on, not something I really see in Canada a whole lot.
 
One big part of Greek Culture is communication. My family is Italian, so I totally get it. Now that I'm in Greece, I'm reminded of how passionate and loud Greeks are. I love and appreciate this fact and I hope everyone else does to. Don't be alarmed or taken aback if someone communicates differently than you, just take it in stride and learn to appreciate it :)

Greeks are definitely passionate. I notice similarities between the Greeks and Italians when I am in Italy, as well. In fact, when in Europe I often get mistaken for an Italian. lol
 

Where did plate smashing come from?

When Greeks feel happy and are dancing and have a good time, they've been known to smash plates. I've seen it! It's not just a tourist thing - but they don't do it much because I am sure they won't want to smash their expensive dish wear.

I was just at a wedding and they had purchased plates to smash - so basically they were cheap throwaway plates that actually smashed really well. I almost wonder if they were made for the purpose...

It got me thinking - where did this tradition come from? Does anyone know?

When does Orthodox lent start this year?

I noticed our Easter is late - May 5th - but Western Easter is at the end of March. Has Lent already started for them? When does our Lent start?

This year, I plan to do a stricter Lenten fast, so I want to plan some things out in advance.

Lent is a time for introspection, repentance, and spiritual growth. Through the dedicated practice of fasting, prayer, and charity, believers seek not only to grow closer to God but also to better understand themselves in relation to God’s will.

Learning about hospitality in Greece

I was trying to explain to some non-Greek friends about hospitality in Greece. I feel like it's next level, but how do you explain it?

Could anyone help me explain any of the following:
  • Traditional welcome gestures in Greece
  • Common household customs when visiting a Greek home
  • Etiquette for showing appreciation to Greek hosts
  • Any specific do's and don'ts that a foreigner should be aware of

Advice about making Greek coffee

I've developed a fascination with Greek culture and cuisine, and one aspect I'm particularly eager to explore is Greek coffee. I've heard that it's a unique and delicious brew, but I'm not quite sure how to make it at home.

I understand that Greek coffee is traditionally prepared using a special pot called a briki, but beyond that, I'm a bit lost. What type of coffee grounds should I use, and how finely should they be ground? Are there any specific brands or blends that are favored for making Greek coffee?

I'm also curious about the brewing process itself. Is there a particular technique for achieving that rich, foamy texture that Greek coffee is known for? And what about serving suggestions? Are there any traditional accompaniments or customs that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!

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?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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