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nadellii

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There won't be any parades :( so I'm looking for fun ways to keep the Greek spirit alive, any tips?

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Hopefully 2022 there will be Greek parades like normal!

For this year I plan on wearing blue and white on Greek Independence Day March 25th!

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There won't be any parades :( so I'm looking for fun ways to keep the Greek spirit alive, any tips?

View attachment 110
Last year we ALMOST went to march in the Greek Independence Day Parade in Tarpon Springs. That got canceled of course....no big celebration this year either. There's a church service on this morning, Feast of the Annunciation, that is a consideration. Ill wear blue and white and nothing much beyond that.
 
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Hopefully 2022 there will be Greek parades like normal!

For this year I plan on wearing blue and white on Greek Independence Day March 25th!

View attachment 112
Hopefully 2022 there will be Greek parades like normal!

For this year I plan on wearing blue and white on Greek Independence Day March 25th!

View attachment 112
I remember one year attending the Greek Independence Day Parade in Boston. Such a beautiful way to celebrate our heritage. I also remember that when I was in Jr. High, I had a Greek friend who would buy me a blue and white carnation that she and I would proudly wear that day. I also remember that on that day, the kids of the church would do a Greek Independence Day program at coffee hour. Oh my oh my...Lord willing, all will be back to "normal" some day soon.
 
Things are so depressing these days I need to spend March 25th playing Greek music in my house, dancing and celebrating what it truly means to be Greek: to have kefi and make it through difficult times with spirit and grace. Happy Independance Day everyone!!! Xronia polla!!
 
I am going to get back to the roots of history, and do a little studying as to why we celebrate in the first place. For the longest time, I thought March 25th signified the END of the struggle with the Ottoman Empire, but instead, it is considered to be the beginning of the war that led to independence, but it is also the day that marks the beginning of the independent Greek state. I was shocked when I learned that because my perception was a lot different than the reality.
 
If you live in Boston, the city is lighting up buildings and bridges blue to commemorate the day!
 
I am going to get back to the roots of history, and do a little studying as to why we celebrate in the first place. For the longest time, I thought March 25th signified the END of the struggle with the Ottoman Empire, but instead, it is considered to be the beginning of the war that led to independence, but it is also the day that marks the beginning of the independent Greek state. I was shocked when I learned that because my perception was a lot different than the reality.
Wow I had no idea either. That sort of changes the way I view the whole holiday. Looks like I have to brush up on my history too lol, thanks!
 
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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?

Gift Ideas for Greek Christenings

I've had to go to a log of Greek Christenings lately, which means that I know exactly what to do when it comes to gift. I have noticed some gifts traditionally appear. Aside from money, which is also appropriate, here are some ideas:

1. Icons
In Greek religion and culture, icons are considered not just as works of art but as holy objects that help people feel closer to God. Gifting an icon is an incredibly powerful way of expressing love and well wishes to the baby. An icon symbolizes a bond that will stay with the child for a lifetime, and it can hang in their room for years to come. It is an unusual and thoughtful gift that will make a lasting impact.

2. Silver Baby Spoon and Fork Set
A silver baby spoon and fork set is an elegant and memorable gift idea. In Greek culture, silverware is traditional, signifying the precious nature of the sacrament. It is both practical and meaningful and can be passed down through the generations.

3. Christening Outfit
If you're looking for a less traditional gift idea, consider gifting a beautiful christening outfit. This is typically taken care of by either the parents or godparents, so I would check before you buy something.

4. Book of Blessings
A book of blessings containing prayer and passages of faith is an exceptional gift. It is a sentimental and thoughtful gift that will go a long way in nurturing the baby's faith and spiritual growth. Moreover, it is something that the child can revisit years later, reminding them of the love and support they received from their family and friends at the Christening.

Greek Dance Instruction Video - Will Be Attending a Wedding

I will be attending a Greek wedding. They're friends of the family. Although I am Greek, many of our friends aren't. Since about 50% of the music at the reception will be Greek, I thought it would be fun to brush up on our Greek dancing together.

The problem is, I forget some of the dances, so I will also need to brush up. I can't teach people until I am a bit stronger.

I found this video. It's pretty good. Does anyone know of any more videos that can show me some Greek dancing?

Greek Name Days Celebrations

I have been encouraging my family and friends to let me know when their name days are. I know for my immediate family, of course, but I want to start honoring name days in addition to birthdays like they do in Greece.

But aside from wishing someone Chronia Polla, or happy name day, what else can we do? How do people in Greece celebrate? Is it much like a birthday?

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

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