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kcixcy

Active member
It's the season for gift giving, and I have people in my life who love Greek stuff. Not all of them are Greek! So, I thought I would put together a list of ideas which, frankly, can be used year round for all kinds of situations! Hostess gifts, birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc... The ideas:

Ceramic Vases - Greek pottery is renowned for its intricate designs and beautiful colors. You can recreate this art by making your own ceramic vases. You can use different patterns to represent the specific period and region of Greece. Decorate your vase with beautiful Greek letters, mythological creatures, or patterns inspired by ancient pottery. Ceramics are a timeless gift that can be used for decoration or to hold flowers.

Personalized Maps - Greece is full of picturesque cities, islands, and scenic spots. Creating a personalized map of Greece could be an excellent unique gift for someone who loves traveling. You can use a 3D printing and scanning company to create a map of Greece in high-resolution, and then add personalized features such as landmarks that your giftee visited, special photos, and text. Personalized maps provide a timeless way of capturing memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Olive Oil and Honey Set - Greek olives and honey are known for their rich taste and aroma. You can put together a gift set of high-quality Greek olive oil and honey that your loved ones can use in their cooking. To personalize the gift, consider adding a recipe book with Greek-inspired recipes that include olive oil and honey as ingredients. This gift set is perfect for any food enthusiast looking to add unique flavors to their meals.

Greek-Inspired Jewelry - Greeks have a rich history of jewelry making. Handmade jewelry can be a perfect gift for people who love dressing up. You can make jewelry pieces, such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that incorporate Greek designs. Greek-inspired jewelry typically features images of gods and goddesses, ancient artifacts, or symbols of good luck. The fact that the jewelry is handmade adds personal value to each piece.

Greek Coffee Gift Set - Greeks are known for their coffee culture. Greek coffee is a treat that coffee lovers can enjoy. Put together a gift set that includes authentic Greek coffee beans, copper coffee pot (briki), and coffee cups. Don’t forget to include instructions on how to make Greek coffee! This gift set transmits the experience of a Greek coffee and is perfect for someone who loves coffee and would appreciate a unique coffee preparation.
 
This is an excellent list of gift ideas and souvenirs. My favorite is the jewelry - there are some really cool, unique pieces that you can find while in Greece. And if you are at a flea market, you can get great jewelry for cheaper prices than you would in a tourist shop, so it all depends.
 

How to choose godparents?

I'm currently planning a baptism for a child in the Greek Orthodox Church and finding myself at a bit of a crossroads. One of the most significant decisions we're facing is choosing the right godparents. I understand that in our tradition, the role of a godparent is not only a great honor but also carries profound spiritual and moral responsibilities. They are to guide the child in the Orthodox faith, ensuring they grow in the church and its teachings.

How do you choose? I have a few candidates and am trying to narrow it down.

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?

Getting a Greek costume made?

I'm looking to have a traditional Greek costume made, and I want to ensure that it is as authentic and high-quality as possible.

It's for festival season but I don't know if I am in over my head. This could be anything from the iconic fustanella worn by men to the beautifully embroidered dresses seen in various regions across Greece. I’m open to suggestions on materials, designs, and specific regional styles that would make for a remarkable and authentic piece.

Could anyone here recommend a tailor or a shop—either within Greece or internationally—that specializes in creating traditional Greek clothing? It’s essential that they pay great attention to detail and use high-quality materials to capture the spirit and beauty of Greek traditional attire.

Additionally, if you have any advice on what specifics I should communicate to the tailor to ensure authenticity, or if you know of any resources where I could find patterns or detailed descriptions of traditional costumes, I would greatly appreciate it.

Greek Naming Traditions?

I have noticed that in Greece, there are some traditions associated with naming their children. Although some Greek families in the United States have done this, many have seemed to lose the traditions.

Does anyone know what some of these traditions are? I am helping a friend name his upcoming child... Here's some of what I have learned:

1. Firstborn daughter names after maternal grandmother
2. Firstborn son named after paternal grandfather
3. Firstborn son named after father

Those are the ones I have figured out. I don't know what is traditional from Greece and what has just been made up amongst Greeks in the US.

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

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