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dimi_pat

Active member
I am setting my reading goals for 2024. I am adding some Greek books to my list! Here are some I may consider:

1. The Iliad by Homer – The Iliad is a masterpiece of epic poetry that narrates the events of the Trojan War.

2. The Odyssey by Homer – Considered one of the most influential works in Western literature, The Odyssey is a epical tale of journey and adventure.

3. Antigone by Sophocles – Antigone is a tragedy play that tells the story of a young woman who defies the king's orders and buries her brother.

4. The Republic by Plato – The Republic is a philosophical work of Plato that aims to explore the concept of justice, the ideal society, and the nature of the human soul.

5. Medea by Euripides – Medea is a tragedy play that tells the story of a woman who seeks revenge against her husband after he betrays her.

6. The Birds by Aristophanes – The Birds is a comedic play that explores the theme of human corruption.

7. The Clouds by Aristophanes – The Clouds is a comedic play that satirizes the Socrates' teachings and the intellectual vanity of his students.

8. The Aeneid by Virgil – The Aeneid is an epic poem that tells the story of Aeneas, a hero who travels to Italy to establish a new city.

9. Oedipus Rex by Sophocles – Oedipus Rex is a tragedy play that tells the story of Oedipus, a king who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother.

10. The Symposium by Plato – The Symposium is a philosophical work that explores the theme of love and desire. It is a book that provides an insightful and nuanced perspective on the nature of romantic love.
 
All of these are pretty thick reads. If this were me, I would have trouble reading all of them in one year. I'd keep this list in mind but maybe commit to reading a handful rather than all of them, then if you get to the rest of them, it will be a pleasant surprise! Maybe some of them will be easy, though. How many books total do you want to read? I set my 2024 goal at 50 books - there's no way I'd be able to read all of the above and still meet my goal.
 
All of these are pretty thick reads. If this were me, I would have trouble reading all of them in one year. I'd keep this list in mind but maybe commit to reading a handful rather than all of them, then if you get to the rest of them, it will be a pleasant surprise! Maybe some of them will be easy, though. How many books total do you want to read? I set my 2024 goal at 50 books - there's no way I'd be able to read all of the above and still meet my goal.
I think you might be right. I have set a goal of 24 books - that's 2 books a month - and I think that I'll just choose a few of these. Thanks!
 

Greek Easter Celebrations in Greece?

I’ve been thinking a lot about Greek Easter lately and realized I don’t actually know what it’s like to experience it in Greece itself.

I grew up with the traditions here, like church services, red eggs, the midnight “Christos Anesti,” and of course the big Sunday feast, but I’m curious how it all feels in Greece. Is the atmosphere different? More intense? More communal?

What are the days leading up to Easter like there, especially Holy Week? Are there specific customs, processions, or local traditions that stand out depending on the region?

I’ve also heard things about candles at midnight, fireworks, and entire towns participating, how true is that?

Would love to hear from anyone who has experienced it in Greece or grew up there. What are the moments that really define Greek Easter for you?

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?

How was your experience using a virtual concierge at a luxury resort?

Booked a fancy resort for a once-in-a-blue-moon getaway, and they keep hyping up this “virtual concierge” thing like it’s the next big miracle. I’m kinda torn. Part of me loves the idea of ditching phone calls, but part of me worries it’ll feel cold or glitchy, like talking to a chat bot instead of a real human who actually cares if my room smells weird or if I need extra towels. If you’ve used one before, was it helpful or just marketing fluff? I’m trying to figure out if I should trust it or just stick to the front desk.

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?

Why do Greeks celebrate name days?

I grew up with name days being a big deal, and I’ve always wondered why they feel more important than birthdays for so many of us. I know they’re tied to the Greek Orthodox Church feast days and the saints we’re named after, but it feels like there’s something deeper going on culturally.

In my family, name days were always open-house style, people calling, stopping by, bringing sweets, and it felt very communal. Birthdays, on the other hand, were more low-key.

Do you feel like name days still carry that same weight today? Or has it changed depending on the generation or where you live?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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