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kcixcy

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I've never really been to a Greek baptism or a Greek wedding reception. I've heard a lot about the baptism itself and I'm aware of what happens at the ceremony (my friend is the godmother of the child), but I don't know much about the reception... what should I expect? And how should I dress? Do they tend to be formal or casual? The baptism reception that I am attending is being held in a banquet hall.
 
I've never really been to a Greek baptism or a Greek wedding reception. I've heard a lot about the baptism itself and I'm aware of what happens at the ceremony (my friend is the godmother of the child), but I don't know much about the reception... what should I expect? And how should I dress? Do they tend to be formal or casual? The baptism reception that I am attending is being held in a banquet hall.
It pretty much consists of dinner and dancing...thats about it ahaha
 
I've never really been to a Greek baptism or a Greek wedding reception. I've heard a lot about the baptism itself and I'm aware of what happens at the ceremony (my friend is the godmother of the child), but I don't know much about the reception... what should I expect? And how should I dress? Do they tend to be formal or casual? The baptism reception that I am attending is being held in a banquet hall.
We do dress up for church and the reception follows the ceremony so you will be dressed up. The celebration is like a shower. You naturally eat a meal, bring gifts, and ooh and ahh at the baby. Enjoy....
 
We do dress up for church and the reception follows the ceremony so you will be dressed up. The celebration is like a shower. You naturally eat a meal, bring gifts, and ooh and ahh at the baby. Enjoy....
Oohing and ahing at the baby is my favorite part!
 
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I've never really been to a Greek baptism or a Greek wedding reception. I've heard a lot about the baptism itself and I'm aware of what happens at the ceremony (my friend is the godmother of the child), but I don't know much about the reception... what should I expect? And how should I dress? Do they tend to be formal or casual? The baptism reception that I am attending is being held in a banquet hall.
You will enjoy it for sure.... lovely ceremony, prayers for all,the little one being bathed in holy water and olive oil I think?....
And of course the oohing and ahhing from the baby!...lots of presents and goodies all around.... Celebrations,fun and Greek dancing.. Kalley Mera!
 
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A baptism reception is similar to a wedding reception, it is a celebration after the ceremony which happens in a church :)
 
I would say dress in similar clothes as you would going to church in your "Sunday best" but a little more elevated to that ... Greeks dress "To the Nines". The reception is often at a function hall, local restaurant, or someone's home or in the church hall. No matter where the reception is, you should dress as you would for a day wedding.
 

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!

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.

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?

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.

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

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