Why do Greeks usually only marry Greeks?

[nadellii]

This is some thing that I’ve noticed throughout the culture, and of course from the classic movie, My Big Fat at Greek Wedding. And I am just wondering, what is the actual reason that Greek people usually only marry within their culture? Does it have something to do with history, religion, or anything else? This is also some thing that is pretty common amongst other cultures, I definitely see it strongly in Jewish culture, Middle Eastern cultures, and Indian culture as well.

 

[ellinasgolfer0320]

It's because we understand each other. The Greek culture is also very strong and we bring hellenism wherever we go. If we marry a non-greek then we force them to accept the Greek culture.

It's not just Greeks, it's also other cultures/races too... people tend to marry people who have similar customs/histories/backgrounds

 

[Samos66]

I married a northern Italian and I regret it every day Greeks are different but all the same doesn’t matter where you are we all understand each other.

 

[Sandyrigo]

I think this is a bigger deal in the US. My husband had many Greek Americans try and convince him not to marry me. They could introduce him to a nice Greek girl. Relatives in Greece were extremely welcoming and we have cousins and friends there that are married to non-Greeks. 33 years later we are still married, have a summer home in Greece and visit for two months every year.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

It really all depends on the family. I have plenty of Greek friends who didn't marry Greeks, and all of my cousins didn't marry Greeks. Although, speaking from experience, it can be hard. It's nice to have someone as a partner who understands your cultural background.

 

[YiorgosGRK]

Greeks that dont marry other Greeks do it out of hatred of their own kind, parents, and themselves. Also when they do marry a non-Greek they leave the religion and the culture behind wanting nothing to do with it, even their family and relatives they abandon. But many get divorced, even to non-Greeks not knowing that the problem was always themselves. Around 80% of the Greek diaspora marry non-Greeks but 10% of Greeks in Greece marry non-Greeks.
One who abandons their own has loyalty to no one.