Christmas (Xristouyenna- Christouyenna), meaning “the birth of Christ,” is one of the most important celebrations within the Greek Orthodox church. Traditions vary depending on which region or Island one is from. Here are a few of the popular traditions celebrated in Greece as reported by Greece Country Manager Sam Pinakoulaki:
Kalikantzari
During the 12-day period from Christmas Day untilthe Epiphany, it is said that hobgoblins called”kallikántzari”(friendly but troublesome little creatures which look like elves.) visit households. The Kallikantzari live deep down inside the earth and come to the surface only during this time, slipping down chimneys and playing pranks on people.
Throughout Greece, there are various customs and rituals performed to keep these “elves” away. Fireplaces are kept alight to prevent them from entering the houses through chimneys. They disappear on the day of the Epiphany when the waters are blessed, and they return to the earth’s core.
Christmas Trees & Boats
The decoration of the Christmas tree was not originally a Greek tradition. It is said that the Bavarian King Otto decorated the first Christmas tree in 1883. Due to the fact that Greece had a sizeable maritime identity and they were known as a seafaring nation, wooden boats are also decorated to welcome the sailors home for Christmas. Today, both boats and trees are equally popular and adorned.
On Christmas Day, tables are set with foods that have become tradition, passed from generation to generation. Pork or Lamb roasts served with potatoes and vegetables are a popular main course, followed by the traditional “Kourabiethes” (almond cookies coated with icing sugar) and Melomakarona (honey-soaked semolina cookies). Of course, this is all accompanied by a variety of good Greek wines!
Holiday Carols
Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and the Eve of the Epiphany, you’ll find Greek children out caroling singing “the Kalanda.” They go from household to household, singing and playing musical instruments and beating triangles. Houses open their doors, listen to the Kalanda and offer the children small amounts of money.
New Year’s eve is very much like Christmas eve. Families gather together to ring in the new year at 12 am. A light soup and various baked pies are offered accompanied by wine, brandy, whisky, and in Crete, Raki.
New Year’s Day morning, Agios Vasilis(father Christmas) brings presents and fills children’s stockings. New year’s lunch is roast pig/lamb, veggies, and potatoes served with various salads and wine! To finish the celebrations, the head of the household cuts the Vasilopita. The person who finds the lucky coin in their piece of cake will have good luck for the year to come.
Happy New Year to all with Good Health & Happiness! Καλη Χρονια σε ολους με Υγεία και Ευτυχία!
New Year's eve is very much like Christmas eve. Families gather together to ring in the new year at 12 am. A light soup and various baked pies are offered accompanied by wine, brandy, whisky, and in Crete, Raki. New Year's Day morning, Agios Vasilis (father Christmas) brings presents and fills children's stockings.
As per Greek traditions connected with their Orthodox religion, Christmas is a time for family reunions and celebrations last up to twelve days until January 6th when presents are given to children on the night between New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
The year starts off with the feast day of Agios Vasilis (aka Saint Basil, the Greek Santa Claus). In addition to religious services, Greeks start off the year with a sweet breakfast pastry consisting of semolina, custard, or cheese called bougatsa.
Kala Cristouyenna means Merry Christmas and comes from the words kalos (good) and Cristouyenna, a compound noun made of the words Christos (Christ) and yenna (birth).
Most Greeks are named after a religious saint. A very important tradition is that everyone who has a name coming from a saint celebrated by the church celebrates his name on a given day of the year. On the "name day" of someone, his friends and family visit him without invitation and offer wishes and small presents.
Yiaprakia is a traditional dish enjoyed during the Christmas holiday, originally from Northern Greece. This meal is made of cabbage leaves and filled with minced pork alone or in combination with rice, often accompanied by avgolemono sauce.
Since the Christmas season lasts from Christmas Eve to the Epiphany on January 6, most Greeks will wait until St. Basil Day on January 1 to exchange gifts – although many families now also give gifts on Christmas Day.
The Greek word for Christmas is Christougena or Christougenna, literally meaning "Christ's birth." When Greeks say "Merry Christmas," they say, "Kala Christougena." The apparent g sound is pronounced like a y.
Greeks love to exchange kind greetings at any opportunity – even wishing one another “Happy Week” on Mondays – Καλή Εβδομάδα (Kali Evdomada). Merry Christmas in Greek is Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Kalá Christoúyenna). To wish someone a Happy New Year, it's Καλή Χρονιά – Kalí Chroniá (that's a soft 'ch' like in “Christmas”).
While Greeks don't send out large volumes of holiday cards as the English do, it's not frowned upon to extend a little seasonal cheer to friends and family.
Vasilopita is the traditional cake or bread served at midnight on New Year's Eve to celebrate the life of Saint Basil. After baking the Vasilopita cake, a coin (“flouri” φλουρί) is inserted in such a way so that no one knows where it is.
In many countries, New Year's Eve is celebrated with dancing, eating, drinking, and watching or lighting fireworks. Some Christians attend a watchnight service. The celebrations generally go on past midnight into New Year's Day, 1 January.
On the sixth of January, the Christmas holidays in Greece officially come to an end with the 'festival of light' ('ton foton' in Greek), also known as Epiphany. This feast day in the Greek Orthodox Church is known as 'Theophania' which means 'a vision of God' or 'Christ shining through'.
This is done after coming back from the New Year's Day church service. It is considered to bring good luck and signifies a new beginning to life. The onions represent fertility and growth. Among the ancient Greeks, it was also considered as a symbol of rebirth.
Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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