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mastichas09

Active member
Does anyone know of any good resources for learning Greek dances? I looked on YouTube - there are some tutorials but not for all the dances I would like to learn. Festival season is coming up and I want to learn more about the dancing so I can join in.

I know, I can join the line at the end and figure it out, but I have a tough time learning how to dance that way, I need to take a step back and get some instruction.
 

k_tsoukalas

Moderator
I would just look on YouTube or go to a Greek festival or dance event. You can join the end of the line and just learn on the spot! Basically, that's how I learned when I was a kid. Plus, I had people take me aside to teach me some things. These days, I would use whatever is on Youtube, as well.
 

ellinasgolfer0320

Well-known member
Youtube... but type in the name of the dance and then "vimata" or "βήματα" .. that way you're searching something like "zeimpekiko vimata" which means "zeimpekiko steps". It's okay if you don't understand them, but watch their steps.. In the case of zeimpekiko, they're teaching you a beat and not steps, and that's because zeimpekiko has no steps but it does have a very specific beat which you have to dance to (most people don't know this and end up dancing it wrong)
 

How much money to give at a Greek wedding?

I am going to be attending a wedding in Greece and am trying to gather information.

Someone in another thread I started about Greek wedding traditions said that Greeks typically give money at a wedding.

Do you know how I would figure out how much to give? What's customary?

Thanks in advance!

Greek Pomegranates Tradition for Christmas

Pomegranates are associated with Greece during Christmas, and I never quite understood why. So I looked it up! Here is some information from my notes - feel free to chime in and add anything Im ay have missed:

In Greece, one of the most prominent traditions is the use of pomegranates. The pomegranate is not only a symbol of Greek culture but is also associated with the story of Persephone, who was allowed to return to her mother, Demeter, after eating six pomegranate seeds.

They are used to decorate homes, tables, and even churches. Greeks believe that the pomegranate symbolizes prosperity, good luck, and fertility. It is also believed to bring good health and protect against evil spirits.

During Christmas Eve, Greeks use pomegranates to decorate the traditional Christopsomo, which is a type of sweet bread that is baked in a round shape. The pomegranate is placed in the center of the bread, which is then sprinkled with sesame seeds and decorated with a cross to signify the birth of Jesus Christ.

Another tradition involving pomegranates is the game of breaking them open. Greeks enjoy playing the game where they throw a pomegranate to the ground, and whoever is the first to break open the fruit will have good luck for the entire year. Greeks believe that the more seeds they find inside, the more luck and prosperity they will have in the new year.

Pomegranates are also used in the Greek Orthodox Church during the blessing of the waters ceremony. This ceremony takes place on January 6th, which is the day of Epiphany, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. The priest throws a cross into the waters, and young men dive into the water to retrieve it. After the cross is retrieved, the priest blesses the water with holy oil and a pomegranate. The pomegranate is then thrown into the water to bring prosperity and good luck to the community.

Celebrating People

I have learned that Greeks, especially those in Greece, celebrate their name day. I want to be better at celebrating people's name days!

While birthdays are celebrated annually on a specific date, Greek Name Days (also known as Onomastiki Eorti) are celebrated on the feast day of the saint with whom the name is associated. For example, if your name is Sophia, your Name Day would be celebrated on September 17th, the day of the Saint Sophia. These Name Days are celebrated with family and friends, who offer their best wishes and gifts to the honored individual. Celebrations can range from simple gatherings to elaborate parties, and many families take these traditions quite seriously.

How do you play Tavli?

Is Tavli the same as backgammon? Do you know how I would learn to play?

I don't have anyone I can think of who knows. Maybe an online game? If you have any resources you can recommend, I appreciate it.
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