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knicks_fan87

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I remember my family spitting to ward off the evil eye (or something like that). I can't remember all the rules. I am trying to pass down some of the stories to the next generation but I am fuzzy on the details. I recall when my cousin was born, everyone was spitting on him? It seemed a little odd but I was just a kid and recall participating (and it was fun haha).

People were also saying something while spitting. What was it?
 
I'm fuzzy on the details also. Maybe Google it? I agree this would seem to be the best source, but Google probably has something. Good luck. If you find something interesting, let us know.
 
Some stories are unsanitary and best forgotten, this coming from a genealogist. ;) ?
 
Hesiod wrote a genealogy of the Gods -- the Theogony; the Israelites, of themselves. what is your specialty? And how does that make you a sage on what is or is not healthy? // welcome
 
Hesiod wrote a genealogy of the Gods -- the Theogony; the Israelites, of themselves. what is your specialty? And how does that make you a sage on what is or is not healthy? // welcome
I'm not new here, just a new profile for genealogical cultural and historical questions. Hesiod wrote great poetry. Almonds are cousins of plums. Sage goes well with pork. What's the hostility for? No one is here to make false accusations about people. We are here to help people and chat. I didn't know that an innocent joke would trigger someone like that so much. Genealogists are not therapists, call a friend and talk to them about your anger issues.
 
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SAGE is a noun, which you are unnecessarily using; I used the adjective in order to avoid AUTHORITY, which could be taken offensively. i was curious, but in vain. // welcome, said i ///
sanitary? i prefer HEALTHY or salutary////
 
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I remember my family spitting to ward off the evil eye (or something like that). I can't remember all the rules. I am trying to pass down some of the stories to the next generation but I am fuzzy on the details. I recall when my cousin was born, everyone was spitting on him? It seemed a little odd but I was just a kid and recall participating (and it was fun haha).

People were also saying something while spitting. What was it?
My yiayia used to do this with babies! She said it was for protection - I have never had the guts to do it.
 
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I remember my family spitting to ward off the evil eye (or something like that). I can't remember all the rules. I am trying to pass down some of the stories to the next generation but I am fuzzy on the details. I recall when my cousin was born, everyone was spitting on him? It seemed a little odd but I was just a kid and recall participating (and it was fun haha).

People were also saying something while spitting. What was it?
I think what's said is, ftou, ftou, ftou, at least that's what it sounded like to me.
 
I remember my family spitting to ward off the evil eye (or something like that). I can't remember all the rules. I am trying to pass down some of the stories to the next generation but I am fuzzy on the details. I recall when my cousin was born, everyone was spitting on him? It seemed a little odd but I was just a kid and recall participating (and it was fun haha).

People were also saying something while spitting. What was it?
 
The sound is equivalent to “too sue!”
 
I remember my family spitting to ward off the evil eye (or something like that). I can't remember all the rules. I am trying to pass down some of the stories to the next generation but I am fuzzy on the details. I recall when my cousin was born, everyone was spitting on him? It seemed a little odd but I was just a kid and recall participating (and it was fun haha).

People were also saying something while spitting. What was it?
I remember my family spitting to ward off the evil eye (or something like that). I can't remember all the rules. I am trying to pass down some of the stories to the next generation but I am fuzzy on the details. I recall when my cousin was born, everyone was spitting on him? It seemed a little odd but I was just a kid and recall participating (and it was fun haha).

People were also saying something while spitting. What was it?
 
Yes !
To ward off the evil eye
 

Greek Traditions from Childhood?

I’d love to hear everyone’s memories of Greek traditions from childhood, especially the small everyday things that may not even seem unusual until you look back on them later.

For me, some of the strongest memories are tied to food, church, family gatherings, name days, holiday preparations, and the feeling of constantly having people around. Even certain sounds and smells immediately bring everything back.

I’m also curious how traditions differed depending on region or family background. Did your family keep strong village customs? Were there things your grandparents insisted on doing a certain way? Any traditions connected to Easter, Christmas, weddings, coffee, hospitality, music, or food?

For me, we ate a family-oriented Sunday meal where everyone go together after church. That was a big part of things for me.

Information About Apokries?

I’ve been curious about how people experience Apokries and what it looks like in different parts of Greece. For some, it seems centered on big public celebrations and costumes, while for others it’s more about smaller gatherings, food, and local customs.

I’m especially interested in the traditions people grew up with. Was Apokries something your family actively celebrated, or did it feel more like a community event? Did you attend costume parties, parades, or specific local festivities? And how did days like Tsiknopempti fit into it for you?

I’d also love to hear whether your experience changed over time, for example, celebrating differently as a child versus as an adult, or noticing differences between village and city celebrations.

For those who no longer live in Greece, do you still mark Apokries in some way, or has it faded with distance?

I’m looking forward to hearing how this tradition shows up for others.

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?

Do younger generations still follow traditional Greek customs?

Lately I’ve been wondering how much traditional Greek culture is still being carried forward by younger generations, both in Greece and in the diaspora.

I’m not talking only about the big holidays or major family events, but the smaller everyday things too — name days, church traditions, hospitality, family meals, fasting periods, village festivals, coffee rituals, respect for elders, even certain sayings and customs. Do younger Greeks still actively participate in these traditions, or do they mostly happen because parents and grandparents keep them going?

I imagine the answer probably depends a lot on location, family, and lifestyle. Someone growing up in a village might have a different experience than someone in Athens or abroad. I’d love to hear from people of different ages, which traditions have stayed strong, which ones are fading, and are there any that younger generations are bringing back in new ways?

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

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