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efhernandez_

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I’ve always heard Greeks wish eachother happy first of the month. What does this mean?
 
It's just to wish good luck
 
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It is always a good luck tradition for Greeks in Greece and across the world on the first day of a new month to say "Kalo Mina" or have a great month (to wish for luck for a healthy and happy new month).
 
It is always a good luck tradition for Greeks in Greece and across the world on the first day of a new month to say "Kalo Mina" or have a great month (to wish for luck for a healthy and happy new month).
A very big part of my life,I always wish Kalllo Mina to all my friends in Elllada....it is built inside my DNA....such a nice way to live in an island since 1994.....even Kalo misi meri.....Kallo apoyevma... something which I would never forget... Yasou apo mena from Thailand ❣️
 
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A very big part of my life,I always wish Kalllo Mina to all my friends in Elllada....it is built inside my DNA....such a nice way to live in an island since 1994.....even Kalo misi meri.....Kallo apoyevma... something which I would never forget... Yasou apo mena from Thailand ❣️
I love this tradition of saying Kalo Mina. One of my favorite thigns about Greek culture is that everyone is so kind and welcoming. It's something that every culture should adopt
 
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It is always a good luck tradition for Greeks in Greece and across the world on the first day of a new month to say "Kalo Mina" or have a great month (to wish for luck for a healthy and happy new month).
I always wondered what this meant!
 
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I always wondered what this meant!
Feelings are priceless❤️..good month[Kallo Mina],a good week[Kalley Dhomadha],a good day[Kalley Mera], good afternoon [Kallo misi MERI], good evening[Kallo Apoyevma].....Good night [Kalley Nikta]>>>>..see the masculinity and femininity in the day....I learnt this living with the Greek community in Mykonos,the island people..Khorianez....as they call them.... before the high rollers and big time tourism came into being[I was there from,1994].....the island was just a handful of hotels.... they were Sheppards, in my opinion there is no significance of being polite, neighbourly, loving, caring and being kind to another.....it only exists in Greek culture as I have not heard of it anywhere else... It is what it Is....[I will ask my many Greek friends later on]...I have traveled extensively... Love to hear what others here have to say.... Kalley Mera apo mena from Thailand ❣️?
 
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Feelings are priceless❤️..good month[Kallo Mina],a good week[Kalley Dhomadha],a good day[Kalley Mera], good afternoon [Kallo misi MERI], good evening[Kallo Apoyevma].....Good night [Kalley Nikta]>>>>..see the masculinity and femininity in the day....I learnt this living with the Greek community in Mykonos,the island people..Khorianez....as they call them.... before the high rollers and big time tourism came into being[I was there from,1994].....the island was just a handful of hotels.... they were Sheppards, in my opinion there is no significance of being polite, neighbourly, loving, caring and being kind to another.....it only exists in Greek culture as I have not heard of it anywhere else... It is what it Is....[I will ask my many Greek friends later on]...I have traveled extensively... Love to hear what others here have to say.... Kalley Mera apo mena from Thailand ❣️?
It's nice you got to spend time on the island before it was ruined with tourism. I will never visit Mykonos now that tourism has destroyed the island. One could now argue that the island is no longer Greek.
 
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It's nice you got to spend time on the island before it was ruined with tourism. I will never visit Mykonos now that tourism has destroyed the island. One could now argue that the island is no longer Greek.
Totally agree...not Greek at all and it's really a shame. I look at some vintage travel posters and videos when Mykonos was truly Greek and it looks amazing. Shame it can't be like that anymore
 
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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?

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?

How did your family spend summers in Greece?

I’m curious how many of you spent summers in Greece growing up.

My experience was a little different. My parents both worked full time, so we never packed up and spent entire summers in Greece the way some Greek families did. But I had friends and cousins who seemed to disappear every June and come back just before school started, full of stories about village life, island beaches, family gatherings, and adventures with cousins.

I always found those stories fascinating and sometimes wished I had experienced that myself.

For those of you who did spend summers in Greece, what was it like? Did you stay in a village, a city, or on an island? What did your typical days look like? Are there any traditions, memories, or experiences that still stand out to you today? I'd love to hear your stories!

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.

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!

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