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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!
 

Navigating Greek Lenten Fasting - Advice?

Lent is here and all my friends and family have been asking "what are you doing for lent this year?" They're all "giving something up" but I decided I wanted to fast. I would love your help and advice because this is the first time I am doing things in a stricter way. I resolve to see it through!

It's supposed to be a a time of reflection, purification, and preparation for the celebration of Easter, and the diet plays a significant part in this spiritual journey. I don't want to get so obsessed with the "rules" that I lose myself in them and forget why I am fasting int he first place.

Thanks in advance!

List of Cretan Dances?

I will be attending a Cretan wedding and am curious about the traditional Cretan dances! I know the dances are slightly different and I want to learn some. I don't know the names of the dances so that I can look them up. I did some research, though. Are any of these dances common at these weddings?
  • Pentozali
  • Sousta
  • Siganos
  • Chaniotis
There's a dance the wedding party typically does in Crete. Which dance is that?

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.

What is kefi exactly?

I have always found the concept of kefi to be intriguing, and I would like to learn more about it from those familiar or even vaguely aware of this notion. From what little I understand, kefi seems to embody a unique blend of joy, spirit, and passion, deeply ingrained in Greek culture. It's more than just a word; it's a lifestyle, a form of expression, an unbridled enthusiasm for life.

However, I'm curious to know about the deeper nuances and applications of kefi. How does kefi manifest in day-to-day life, not just in Greece, but wherever one might find joy and enthusiasm? Is it something that can be consciously cultivated, or does it spontaneously bloom in moments of happiness and high spirits? It seems like it really permeates the culture, especially in Greece.

Why Greeks Roast a Whole Lamb on the Spit on Easter Sunday?

A quote from excellent posting below!
"John, the author of one of the four Gospels, called Jesus the Lamb of God in John 1:29 and John 1:36. In the story, Abraham had to sacrifice an animal, such as a lamb or a ram, as an important part of the Jewish religion. People offered God restitution for the sins they committed.
However, Christians no longer need to engage in sacrifice because Christ died on the cross for their sins, thus becoming the sacrificial lamb."

Since Pascha, or Easter, is the day when we commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice, we eat lamb in remembrance of this selfless act
https://greekreporter.com/2024/05/0...ast+a+Whole+Lamb+on+the+Spit+on+Easter+Sunday
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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