Greek Traditions Community

Spitting and the Evil Eye?

1 - 12 of 12 Posts
K

knicks_fan87

Active member
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
 
amygdalE said:
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
Click to expand...
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.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Luana
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////
 
Last edited:
knicks_fan87 said:
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?
Click to expand...
My yiayia used to do this with babies! She said it was for protection - I have never had the guts to do it.
 
Last edited:
knicks_fan87 said:
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?
Click to expand...
I think what's said is, ftou, ftou, ftou, at least that's what it sounded like to me.
 
knicks_fan87 said:
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?
Click to expand...
 
The sound is equivalent to “too sue!”
 
knicks_fan87 said:
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?
Click to expand...
knicks_fan87 said:
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?
Click to expand...
 
Yes !
To ward off the evil eye
 
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Are most Greeks left or right?

Are most Greeks liberal leftist progressives? Most that I encounter are. Not only that but self hating. WHY?

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?

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?

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?

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

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top