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As Easter is approaching I wanted to ask how everyone's Easter was last year. I know this year has been filled with a lot of grief and pain, and I really want to give my family a great Easter in 2021. How was yours last year? How did you find ways to have fun even in the midst of a pandemic?
 
In 2020 for Greek Easter we kept it very small! (normally a large family event).

Still not sure for this year, but since it is on May2nd, warmer weather and more people getting vaccinated, hopefully can still be fun this year too!

Here is a photo from a few years ago of the lamb that we roasted on a spit in our yard:
Why-Do-We-Roast-Lamb-at-Easter.jpeg
 
As Easter is approaching I wanted to ask how everyone's Easter was last year. I know this year has been filled with a lot of grief and pain, and I really want to give my family a great Easter in 2021. How was yours last year? How did you find ways to have fun even in the midst of a pandemic?
Oh my...in thinking back on it, it certainly didn't feel right. We weren't able to go to church, church was closed. We had no big family gathering... We certainly have become more technologically adept, meeting on Zoom.
 
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Easter last year didn't feel like Easter, not just because of the lamb.....which was missed for sure, but because we weren't able to go to church. Luckily. my uncle is a psalti and was able to 'deliver' the holy light to us to bless our homes.
This year it still wont' be the same but at least participating in church and seeing some family outdoors will make it feel more like Easter!
 
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3 words. Drive-Thru Lamb Pickup! Since we couldn't safely gather, my father and I roasted the lamb on a spit and invited our family and friends to drive by for a plate. If they came early they got a piece cut right off the spit served to them on a plastic fork :) It wasn't the same but it made it all a little more fun. This year we are hoping to be able to have a some immediate family over to stay!
 
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3 words. Drive-Thru Lamb Pickup! Since we couldn't safely gather, my father and I roasted the lamb on a spit and invited our family and friends to drive by for a plate. If they came early they got a piece cut right off the spit served to them on a plastic fork :) It wasn't the same but it made it all a little more fun. This year we are hoping to be able to have a some immediate family over to stay!
THAT'S GENIUS!! I'm sending this to my whole family rn lol
 
As Easter is approaching I wanted to ask how everyone's Easter was last year. I know this year has been filled with a lot of grief and pain, and I really want to give my family a great Easter in 2021. How was yours last year? How did you find ways to have fun even in the midst of a pandemic?
Our Easter last year was certainly atypical. My husband and I just made some grilled lamb chops and spent it by ourselves! This year, all vaccinated, we plan to have a total of 12 of us for Easter!
 
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In Sydney we were in lockdown. No visitorsallowed. All churches were closed. We live streamed the Easter services from St George Rose Bay. No parishners allowed so Fr Gerasimo placed A4 sized icons in the pews - socially distanced of course.
My sister Colleen and I had Easter lunch with photos of our family around our dinner table.
This year, not in lockdown. Family and friends are joining us for a feast.
Patricia Paraskevi Zouvelekis
 

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In Sydney we were in lockdown. No visitorsallowed. All churches were closed. We live streamed the Easter services from St George Rose Bay. No parishners allowed so Fr Gerasimo placed A4 sized icons in the pews - socially distanced of course.
My sister Colleen and I had Easter lunch with photos of our family around our dinner table.
This year, not in lockdown. Family and friends are joining us for a feast.
Patricia Paraskevi Zouvelekis
I'm so happy that you and your family can spend Easter together this year! Congratulations and God bless.
 
In Sydney we were in lockdown. No visitorsallowed. All churches were closed. We live streamed the Easter services from St George Rose Bay. No parishners allowed so Fr Gerasimo placed A4 sized icons in the pews - socially distanced of course.
My sister Colleen and I had Easter lunch with photos of our family around our dinner table.
This year, not in lockdown. Family and friends are joining us for a feast.
Patricia Paraskevi Zouvelekis
What a beautiful family!! This is a great idea, I can really feel the love in this photo
 

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.

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.

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?

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!

Greek Wedding Traditions Roundup

I am helping someone plan her Greek wedding. I wanted to make a list of all the traditions we need to keep in time for the big day. Did I miss anything?

The Stolisma

The wedding day begins with the ritual of 'Stolisma,' where the bride and groom are prepared separately by their families. It's a moment filled with emotion, songs, and blessings, setting the tone for the day. I had honestly never heard of this. Do people still do it?

The Krevati

An amusing tradition is the 'Krevati' (bed making), where family and friends gather to decorate the couple's future bed with baby items, symbolizing fertility and a happy family life. Money is also often thrown on the bed for good luck and prosperity.

The Crowning (Stefana)

One of the most iconic rituals during the ceremony is the exchange of crowns or 'Stefana.' I believe they need to buy the crowns they want in advance?

Koufeta

No Greek wedding would be complete without 'Koufeta'—sugar-coated almonds given to guests as wedding favors. These bittersweet treats represent the ups and downs of married life and are shared in odd numbers to symbolize indivisibility and shared life.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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