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xmelissaa

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Greece has some super unique instruments that produce amazing music! Here are just a few...
-Bouzouki
-Lute
-Lyra
-Greek Bagpipes
-Greek Clarinet

What are your favorites?
 
Clarinet and Bouzouki.

It's going to depend on where your family is from - e.g. you're from Ipiros then you're going to love the Clarinet more than anything else...
 
Clarinet and Bouzouki.

It's going to depend on where your family is from - e.g. you're from Ipiros then you're going to love the Clarinet more than anything else...
I love the Clarinet....it's one of the most melodic instruments. This is my favourite Clarinet solo that I listen to all the time when I want to chill out
 
I love the Clarinet....it's one of the most melodic instruments. This is my favourite Clarinet solo that I listen to all the time when I want to chill out
That's a nice sounding song. It's sounds very gypsy, and it sounds like it could be a moiroloi (μοιρολόι), so I'm wondering if it's a miroloi in his culture. If it is then it's a sad song played to remember the people who are no longer with us.
 
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That's a nice sounding song. It's sounds very gypsy, and it sounds like it could be a moiroloi (μοιρολόι), so I'm wondering if it's a miroloi in his culture. If it is then it's a sad song played to remember the people who are no longer with us.
I've never heard of moiroloi...wow they're so beautiful and emotional. Thank you
 
Such beautiful music and a unique sound. The instruments are fascinating and really add a lot to the music. Thanks for sharing this!
 

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!

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?

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.

Information About Apokries?

I’ve been curious about how people experience Apokries and what it looks like in different parts of Greece. For some, it seems centered on big public celebrations and costumes, while for others it’s more about smaller gatherings, food, and local customs.

I’m especially interested in the traditions people grew up with. Was Apokries something your family actively celebrated, or did it feel more like a community event? Did you attend costume parties, parades, or specific local festivities? And how did days like Tsiknopempti fit into it for you?

I’d also love to hear whether your experience changed over time, for example, celebrating differently as a child versus as an adult, or noticing differences between village and city celebrations.

For those who no longer live in Greece, do you still mark Apokries in some way, or has it faded with distance?

I’m looking forward to hearing how this tradition shows up for others.

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!

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