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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
 

Does your family make fanouropita for Saint Phanourios Day?

I recently saw a news article about Saint Fanourios Day, and it showed people bringing fanouropita cakes to a church to be blessed. I knew about fanouropita and the tradition of making it when you’re hoping to find something that has been lost, but I didn’t realize how much of a church tradition it could be on the saint’s feast day itself.

Does your family make fanouropita for Saint Fanourios Day? If so, do you bring the cake to church to be blessed, or do you usually make it at home and share it with family and friends?

I’m also curious whether this is something that is still widely done in Greece or if it depends on the region, parish, or family. Are there any other traditions your family follows for Saint Fanourios Day?

I’d love to hear how people observe the day and whether fanouropita is part of your family’s tradition.

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?

Greek Tsiknopempti Traditions?

I realized Tsiknopempti is coming up soon, and it made me curious how everyone celebrates it, especially outside of Greece. Growing up, I always associated it with grilled meat, lots of smoke in the air, and a general feeling of celebration before Lent started, but we never had a really structured tradition at home. Now I’m wondering if I should start one.

Do you usually grill at home, go out to a Greek restaurant, or gather with friends and family? Are there certain foods you always make, or is it more about the atmosphere and being together? I’ve seen photos from Greece where entire neighborhoods are grilling outside, which looks amazing.

I’d love to hear what Tsiknopempti looks like for you, whether it’s something big and festive or just a simple meal that still feels meaningful.

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.
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