Greek Traditions Community

What are Greek engagement traditions?

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kosta_karapinotis

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I haven't heard much about Greek engagement traditions in Australia but I've always been curious. What is the process of getting engaged in Greece?
 
One of the older traditions (although many still do it today) is have a dowry for the wife. You can read more here:

Weddings | LoveToKnow

engagementrings.lovetoknow.com engagementrings.lovetoknow.com
 
It is traditional to have an Aravona or engagement ceremony where the priest blesses the couple and rings. At this event family members purchase jewelry for the bride (and groom but but as much) and place it on her.
 
Here are some Greek Orthodox wedding traditions that might help:

Greek Wedding Traditions Archives

Learn more about Greek wedding traditions and resources from GreekBoston.com
www.greekboston.com www.greekboston.com
 
Many of the old traditions are still part of the culture - formally asking her to marry, talking with her family, etc. I love the tradition with the rings (the Aravona ceremony). So cool! In the United States, many of us have adopted the American traditions.
 
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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?

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.

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Best Christening Gifts for a Close Friend's Child?

What are some good christening gifts for the child of a close friend?

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been to a Greek christening, and the last one I attended was for a relative, so I’m realizing I’m not completely sure what is considered appropriate these days.

Since this is the child of a close friend, I’d like to give something a little more meaningful than just a standard gift, but I also don’t want to overdo it. Are religious gifts like an icon, cross, or children’s Bible still common? Would money, jewelry, or something personalized be appropriate?

I’d also be interested to know whether there are certain gifts that are traditionally given by family members or the godparents that I should avoid duplicating.

What have you given for christenings recently, especially when the child belonged to a close friend? I’d love some ideas that feel thoughtful and appropriate.
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