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This article is saying that Koulouri comes from an Ancient Greek word "kollikon"


That's all I've got for now. This is an interesting discussion!
I don't know about the actual word, but it seems the food came from early Christian times "Some historians trace the Koulouri's origins back to early Christianity and during Byzantine years is when it is said to have first appeared in Constantinople. It then became popular in Thessaloniki, when the Greeks from Asia Minor brought it to the Macedonian city around 1922." from https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/06/18/koulouri-greece-breakfast-recipe/
 
I don't know about the actual word, but it seems the food came from early Christian times "Some historians trace the Koulouri's origins back to early Christianity and during Byzantine years is when it is said to have first appeared in Constantinople. It then became popular in Thessaloniki, when the Greeks from Asia Minor brought it to the Macedonian city around 1922." from https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/06/18/koulouri-greece-breakfast-recipe/

No matter where the word came from, I think they're delicious. The article is right, this is one of my favorite breakfasts while in Greece!
 
No matter where the word came from, I think they're delicious. The article is right, this is one of my favorite breakfasts while in Greece!
Thank you for all the information that is provided. As you know and speak modern Greek, I accept the use of the word "koulouri", which I even see witten on the vendor's sign, and I grant that Byzantine writings declare that it is derived from the classical word "kollikion". However, I'd like to make these clarifications: What the Byz. writings imply is that"kollikion" was a classical word. By looking at it, I see that it is the diminutive of Kollix ( the word I mentioned that is attested in classical Greek lexicons and was defined as a round loaf or roll made of of coarse ground grains; the diminutive word was undoubtedly formed from the adjective *kollik[ios] + -ion. I also noted earlier that the noun had different beginnings in different dialects, namely OY- or O-. So, Kollikion = a small roll ...., which in my Italic dialect was simply called Koulloura. The tradition survives in the making of olive oil bread rolls:
I take "koulouria" as a generic/collective term that originally was "kouloureia" but could have been also the name of individual items. Good stuff!
 
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Where did plate smashing come from?

When Greeks feel happy and are dancing and have a good time, they've been known to smash plates. I've seen it! It's not just a tourist thing - but they don't do it much because I am sure they won't want to smash their expensive dish wear.

I was just at a wedding and they had purchased plates to smash - so basically they were cheap throwaway plates that actually smashed really well. I almost wonder if they were made for the purpose...

It got me thinking - where did this tradition come from? Does anyone know?

Advice about making Greek coffee

I've developed a fascination with Greek culture and cuisine, and one aspect I'm particularly eager to explore is Greek coffee. I've heard that it's a unique and delicious brew, but I'm not quite sure how to make it at home.

I understand that Greek coffee is traditionally prepared using a special pot called a briki, but beyond that, I'm a bit lost. What type of coffee grounds should I use, and how finely should they be ground? Are there any specific brands or blends that are favored for making Greek coffee?

I'm also curious about the brewing process itself. Is there a particular technique for achieving that rich, foamy texture that Greek coffee is known for? And what about serving suggestions? Are there any traditional accompaniments or customs that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!

Thinking about the Greek way of hospitality...

I thought I would ask your thoughts oh Philoxenia - or the Greek way, or art, of hospitality. I noticed this when I travel in Greece. People are so kind, they often go out of the way for us, when I feel that they don't have to! How can one describe this to someone?

From what I understand, Philoxenia is not merely a practice but a deeply ingrained value within Greek culture that extends far beyond the simple act of hosting. It reflects a genuine, heartfelt welcome to strangers, treating them with the same respect and generosity one would show to a dearly beloved friend. This beautiful tradition, passed down through generations, turns the act of hosting into an art form, embodying warmth, respect, and a profound sense of human compassion. There have been so many stories I can think of...

This thought process was triggered because we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - someone in the village had taken on a Syrian refugee. Is this a Greek hospitality thing? Philoxenia?

Ideas for Celebrating the New Month - Kalo Mina

Growing up, I heard my family say this all the time when there was a new month. I finally started paying attention to the tradition and ritual of saying it.

Kalo Mina actually means "Good Month" but my family took it a step further. We developed the habit of doing something special as a family to celebrate.It depends which day it falls. Some things we've done:

- Brunch - We do this if it falls on a weekend.
- Dinner - Going out to dinner is great any time of the year!
- Journaling - We've done family journaling parties, sitting together reflecting on the month. Sometimes we read aloud what we write (depends how the month went LOL)
- Goals - No matter if we do anything, like go out to dinner or brunch, we always sit and review our goals for the month together.

Greek Name Days Celebrations

I have been encouraging my family and friends to let me know when their name days are. I know for my immediate family, of course, but I want to start honoring name days in addition to birthdays like they do in Greece.

But aside from wishing someone Chronia Polla, or happy name day, what else can we do? How do people in Greece celebrate? Is it much like a birthday?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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