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amygdalE

Active member
WG is a great website to discuss Greek places to travel to as well as traditions, history, and mythology. However, I think it would be a great tool for ANYbody and for HS students to learn about Greeks ancient and modern if we had a literature forum with specific references to and info about, lyrical and dramatic poets, theologians, philosophers, scientists, medical writers, historians/ethnologists, etc. // yes/no?
ALL ABOUT THE HISTORICAL GREEK [linguistic] INTELLECT, the NOUS POIETIKOS, the summit of Greek culture. // don't wait for artificial intelligence.......
 
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amygdalE

Active member
I wish this Community would attract teachers and other professionals to make cultural contributions.
 
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dimi_pat

Active member
I really like this idea!
 
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Worldwide Greeks Editor

Administrator
Staff member
Great idea! We will have to find a way to do this in the future...thanks again!
 
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Luana

Member
I look a lot for contemporary Greek literature in English. Sources would be good and I love the idea of a literature forum here.
 

Words to Greek Silent Night carol?

I used to sing "Silent Night" in Greek - my mother taught me.

It's a beautiful song in all languages, but I love the Greek.

I thought I'd share a video of the song! I sing it every year with my family - it's become a tradition.

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.

Interesting Greek-Inspired Gift Ideas

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.

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!

Celebrating People's Name Days?

I have learned that Greeks, especially those in Greece, celebrate their name day. I want to be better at celebrating people's name days, even though I am not in Greece. I am looking for suggestions on how to help people celebrate. Some of my ideas:

  • Send a card
  • Give a gift, such as an icon of the saint
  • Take them out for dinner or have them over
  • Call them to wish them a happy name day
Does anyone know of a good name day calendar I can use to find out about when people's name days are?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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