New Year in Greece. New Year in Greece - Mollenta - Youth information portal
The end of the year in all countries of the world is marked by a series of bright holiday holidays. This time is considered the most magical time, therefore, we all think about how to celebrate the New Year long before January. And many people think of going to another country to celebrate in order to have an amazing, unexpected and, of course, bright start to the next year. We will dedicate today’s material to such brave and desperate travelers: we will talk about how the New Year is celebrated in Greece and what tourists should expect from local traditions.
New Year in Athens
An unimaginable atmosphere of miracles and magic reigns on the Greek streets immediately with the onset of winter. Residents literally decorate each town from head to toe: festive illumination pleases the eye not only on the streets and in store windows, but also in the courtyards and windows of houses. You can enjoy the colorful decoration of the streets of Greece throughout the celebration period and constantly find something new in it.
Interestingly, the traditions of celebrating the New Year in Greece also extend to decorating ships. The sails and masts of ships in ports, hung with illumination, dark time days twinkle like a myriad of stars. An indescribable spectacle!
It is worth coming to Greece in advance for the Christmas holidays for the sake of successful shopping. Stores start promotions and sales 2 weeks before holidays. By the way, during this period trade is so brisk that even the traditional Greek siesta is cancelled. Boutiques and shopping centers They work on an extended schedule, sparing no effort to ensure that the Greek Agios Vasilis (Father Frost) has time to purchase gifts for all children and adults.
So if you are going to celebrate the New Year in Greece, then think about planning a vacation for Christmas as well. Catch two at once winter holiday and get to know the traditions of another country - isn’t this an excellent foundation for a successful and productive next year?
How to celebrate New Year and Christmas in Greece - history, customs and traditions
At first sight modern Greece Looks like an ordinary European country on New Year's Day. There are Christmas souvenirs, decorated Christmas trees, colored illuminations and Santa Clauses everywhere. Of course, American influence has noticeably standardized the symbols of the New Year, but in Greece they do not forget about national New Year customs and traditions.
New Year's traditions in Greece, as in other countries, have developed over the years, passing from generation to generation. However, not always what was traditional for Ancient Greece turned into New Year's traditions in modern Greece. Therefore, let us consider the historical and current customs of the Hellenes separately.
New Year in Ancient Greece
As you know, there were many gods in Ancient Greece. Therefore, the Greeks cannot talk about Christmas here, but the New Year in Greece has really been celebrated since time immemorial.
The Hellenes celebrated, but again with a demonstration of the free Greek morals - New Year in Ancient Greece fell on June 22, the day summer solstice. Why was this day chosen to start the year? There are two versions. The first relates the choice of date to the ceremony Olympic Games: They started on the first full moon following the summer solstice.
According to another legend, it was so easily regulated moon calendar, which the Greeks were then guided by. The month was either 29 or 30 days, so 11 days were lost solar year. The Hellenes understood this and tried to adjust the difference by adding the missing days every 8 years. To begin chronology, it was convenient to use days clearly associated with natural phenomena.
One way or another, the New Year in Ancient Greece was different interesting traditions. Fun events were held throughout the country on this day. festivities, and the main rite of the holiday was a carnival procession dedicated to the god of wine, Dionysus. Those walking dressed as satyrs (the retinue of Dionysus), who were reputed to be unrivaled lovers of women and wine. And the spectators encouraged the procession with loud shouts and jokes. The wine flowed like a river, and the fun lasted literally until you dropped.
Today, it is customary for the Greeks to celebrate the New Year according to the general calendar: from December 31 to January 1. Also, with the advent of Orthodoxy in the Greek lands, the Christmas holiday received special respect here. The Greeks meet him along with others European countries– from December 24 to 25. How Christmas is celebrated in Greece, and what New Year traditions modern Greeks honor right now.
So, the first holiday in a long series winter holidays- Nativity. On this day, you can find many installations about the Holy Family on the streets, and in every house figurines of angels, candles and treats are prepared for guests. At Christmas, it is customary for the Greeks to attend church, especially for godparents and their godchildren. Adults go with their children to the service, and afterward they give the children symbolic Christmas presents.
An unusual feature of Christmas among the Greeks is the tradition of cleaning the fireplace. This procedure is considered a symbol of getting rid of last year’s “cargo.” It is understood that by sweeping away the ashes, a person cleanses the house of all the adversities, problems and difficulties of the past year.
During the day at Christmas, children especially frolic: they go from house to house and sing kalandas - small songs on the theme of Christmas, the Greek equivalent of carols. As in Russia, it is simply impossible to refuse little artists a reward for their work, so the kids receive well-deserved portions of tasty treats or even hard coins.
The adults are fussing about preparing the evening feast. Christmas Eve is traditionally celebrated on family circle for the beautiful and wide table. Christopsomo is considered a truly Christmas holiday dish in Greece. This is a honey loaf with the addition of various spices. On Christmas Eve, every family member must enjoy a piece of Holy Bread.
New Year traditions in Greece are more diverse, because this holiday is secular in nature. Greeks can celebrate the beginning of the year both in a narrow family circle and in a noisy group of friends. In any case, the celebration is fun and exciting.
By the way, if in Greece they celebrate the New Year at a party, then they come to the house of hospitable hosts not empty-handed, but with stones. Sometimes guests bring a gift big Stone, and then it symbolizes a full cup of wealth, prosperity and success. Or you can give the owners a small stone. In this case, it should be said that all the hardships and sorrows of this house in the new year will be as small and inconspicuous as a stone offered.
Popular family tradition on the Greek New Year - fortune telling by pomegranate. The head of the family throws the fruit with all his might at the wall, so that the grains scatter as far as possible from each other. In Greece, a fruit broken into hundreds of small pieces symbolizes good luck and prosperity at home: a scattering of pomegranate seeds promises the owners a lot of money, joy, success and happy moments in the coming year.
Another New Year's ritual– a symbolic exchange of “photographs” before the festive feast. Skewers are purchased especially for the holiday and decorated with fruits, sweets and candles. For young Greek women, the New Year is also an occasion to tell fortunes: the girls place a piece of pie received at dinner near their heads and fall asleep with the hope of seeing their chosen one in a dream.
In the meantime, the adults are guessing and exchanging small gifts, in front of the fireplace, children hang socks or shoes for gifts. After all, at night, the most important guest will make his way into the house through the chimney - Agios Vasilis, as Father Frost is called in Greece. Let's talk about the Greek wizard in more detail.
Greek Santa Claus
Santa Claus in modern Greece, of course, is partly related to the image of Santa Claus. The cute fat man in a bright red suit and with a bag of gifts has already become a worldwide symbol. But there is also a national Santa Claus in Greece, nicknamed Agios Vasilis.
The ancestor of the Greek Grandfather Frost was the Orthodox Saint Basil. This man did not look like Santa at all; on the contrary, his lifestyle was ascetic: thin, emaciated, with pale skin and an early gray beard, Vasily lived only 49 years. But his good deeds left him with great fame. He lived by charity: he helped the poor, took care of orphaned children, took care of animals, provided various help those in need, and did not require any return.
For his righteous deeds, Agios Vasilis became the prototype of the New Year's wizard. And now in Greece you can meet people who have dressed themselves in the image of St. Basil. The outfit consists of a multi-colored costume, reminiscent of monastic vestments, and a tiara hat. The elder does not have a bag with an abundance of gifts behind him, but Agios Vasilis will always find a worthy present for a good person.
As stated above, the real Greek Santa and Father Frost do not give gifts expensive gifts. Therefore, in Greece it is not customary to give luxury gifts for the New Year: most often everyone makes do with symbolic gifts.
Thus, most Greeks receive a basket of elite wines from each other during the holidays. Often such a gift is supplemented with decks playing cards: this means the guest of the house wishes the owners a lot of money and always good luck in business. The already mentioned “cameras” and pebbles are also considered unique gifts. Children receive sweets, toys, books, etc. for the New Year.
What is served on the New Year's table in Greece
In the evening, all family members and guests gather for a magnificent festive table. Traditionally, Greeks serve suckling pig with baked potatoes or turkey. Be sure to serve desserts at the feast: honey cookies and Vasilopita pie. This is a traditional New Year's loaf with nuts and currants. Often a coin is placed in it to determine who will be luckiest in the New Year. In this case, the first piece of the pie is left to Saint Basil, and then they look at seniority: the youngest of the celebrants is the last to receive his pie.
What not to do on New Year's Eve in Greece
The Greeks strictly observe and New Year's bans. Bad omen It is considered to allow animals with black fur into the festival, breaking dishes and grinding coffee. Some even prefer not to drink coffee at all on this day! Also, on New Year’s Day in Greece it is not customary to make noise or stomp loudly, otherwise St. Basil will not bestow blessings on your home. But all this is quite conditional, so young people celebrating the beginning of the year in club bars and restaurants, carefreely having fun and having fun to the roar of music.
Holidays in Greece for the New Year
If you are planning to visit Greece in December or early January, then it is better to go to the city of Athens or go to the resorts of the islands. Metropolitan Athens on New Year holidays become the epicenter of celebrations: here tourists will find a lot of interesting and vibrant events. However, the resorts are also not lagging behind in terms of organizing leisure time - there is more than enough fun for everyone. Come, relax on holidays in Greece and enjoy fresh impressions and new discoveries!
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There are also carols, and what kind of “fees” do children receive for singing? What is christoxylo and why is it burned in the fireplace? How can you become happy in next year After eating vasilopita, what surprise awaits inside? Since when have ancient Christmas rituals, such as cleaning the fireplace and burning the olive tree, not changed? New Year for the Greeks is a secular holiday with concerts in squares and colorful bouzouki performances in restaurants and austerity afterwards.
If you are going to celebrate Christmas in Greece, first of all, don’t be surprised why Greeks go to church. Secondly, do not be surprised that they celebrate Christmas at the same time as the entire Western Christian world - on the night of December 24th to 25th. Orthodox Greece has long switched to the Gregorian calendar, according to which it celebrates all holidays, secular and church.
In Ancient Greece, the New Year fell on the longest day of the year - June 22, since the Greeks calculated their chronology from the first day of the Olympic Games, which were held in honor of Hercules.
On Christmas, godparents always give gifts to their godchildren and take them to church, and the whole country is decorated with figurines of the Holy Family, elegant Christmas trees and glowing boats. Prices in Greek stores drop to a critical level, and in taxis and food outlets, on the contrary, markups appear - the so-called “Christmas gift” that you will give to the staff, whether you like it or not. In cities, the concentration of people is square meter will exceed everything acceptable standards, shops in pre-holiday days will switch to non-stop operation, and all that remains is to forget about transport, put on comfortable shoes and enjoy all this pre-holiday hype.
In Greece it is also customary to exchange “photographs”. Fotiki are skewers with fruit strung on them. Usually oranges, figs, apples, and candies are used. A symbol of light and hope - a candle - is installed at the top.
Who really makes good money at Christmas in Greece are the children. Regardless of hearing and voice, they learn “kalanda” - Christmas songs, a prototype of “carols” - and, accompanying themselves on a metal triangle, make all their neighbors happy with their appearance, including local shops, eateries and even offices. In pre-crisis times, their fee from each adult was estimated at between 5 and 20 euros. Rates have dropped dramatically in the last two years. We'll see how the next Christmas goes, but most likely the guys will have to be content with candy. And also say thank you.
The Feast of the Nativity of Christ in Orthodox Greece is celebrated on December 25, according to the new style. Residents of Greece celebrate Christmas with a special joyful mood, because it is always accompanied by the tradition of decorating the house, preparing holiday dishes and the beginning of a new life in the new year, expelling everything bad from the past.
When dividing the pie, the first piece of the pie is intended for St. Basil, the second for the house, the next for the oldest member of the family, and so on until the youngest, who gets the last. Some girls put their piece of pie under their pillow to see their betrothed in a dream.
In Greek villages and villages on the eve of three holidays: Christmas - New Year - Epiphany, home owners once went out into the forest and looked for the strongest spruce tree or instead used an olive tree, which they cut down and brought home. This tree was called "Christoxil" - Tree of Christ. The tree was cut down and carried into the house, so that it could be burned in the fireplace throughout the holiday period - from Christmas to Epiphany. Today, this tradition is preserved only in some villages in Northern Greece.
Another tradition that has survived to this day is cleaning the home fireplace. This was done in order to clean out all the ash from the previous year, the chimney and pipe so that evil spirits and demons could not enter the house in the new year. On Christmas Eve, in the evening, the whole family gathers around the fireplace, the head of the family lights a fire from wood chopped from the tree of Christ. As he says popular belief While this tree is burning, Christ becomes warm in the cold Bethlehem cave. In every house they tried so that there would be enough firewood from this tree to Epiphany holidays- "Ta Fota".
During the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, the main dishes on Greek tables are two breads - “Christopsomo” and “vasilopita”, as well as pork, which is prepared by everyone possible ways. The bread is decorated with various dough figures. Just like in many other countries, the Greeks serve turkey on the festive table, which they stuff with rice, chestnuts and raisins. In addition to turkey, popular dishes of these twelve days are geese, ducks and game (hare and wild boar).
There are many New Year's signs and prohibitions: for example, you can’t shout, and you can’t grind or drink coffee. Black dogs should not be allowed into the house, as a dog is a “demonic” animal. We must try not to break the dishes.
In the post-Christmas days, Greece is unusually quiet. Overfed people sit at home, sort out gifts and enjoy the comfort of family. They have a week to come to their senses and celebrate the New Year with dignity.
If Christmas in Greece is celebrated at home, with family, then New Year is a holiday both family and public. A lot of entertainment establishments do their own New Year's program, and in the first place, of course, are “bouzoukias” - truly Greek nightclubs with live music in a national vein. You need to book a table in such places long before the New Year, and such a pleasure will certainly not be cheap, but when did that stop the Greeks?
When celebrating the New Year with your family, the most awaited moment is the cutting of vasilopita - a traditional New Year's cake named after St. Basil, the local Father Frost. The vasilopita has an intrigue: a coin is baked into it - “flury”, symbolizing special luck in the coming year. The procedure of cutting the vasilopita will definitely have to be repeated in the work team, and then the already found flury will bring very tangible happiness to its owner: a cash prize or other pleasant reward.
In the coastal regions, specially carved wooden ships were hung with ribbons, flowers, and bells. There were several such ships in the village, but they were not in every house: only a wealthy person could “equip” a ship. Then the children walked around the village with them and sang carols.
In Greece, New Year is St. Basil's Day. Saint Basil was known for his kindness, and Greek children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that Saint Basil will fill the shoes with gifts. Residents of Greece, when they go to celebrate the New Year on a visit, take with them a stone, which they throw at the threshold of a hospitable home. If the stone is heavy, they say: “Let the owner’s wealth be as heavy as this stone.” And if the stone is small, then they wish: “Let the thorn in the owner’s eye be as small as this stone.”
In Greece, according to their custom, at exactly midnight the head of the family must go into the courtyard and break a pomegranate fruit against the wall. And if his grains scatter throughout the yard, then happiness and joy await his family in the new year.
On the New Year's table, the Greeks serve pickled cabbage, cabbage rolls, and pieces of chicken wrapped in pickled cabbage. Among the sweets, the New Year's table must include “melomakarona” and “kurabiye”, as well as “diples” (deep-fried dough served with walnuts and honey syrup) and much more.
Christmas and New Year in Greece take people out of their normal way of life for a long time, or rather, out of their budget. They will be followed by weeks and even months of austerity, when bars will fill only on Saturdays and taverns only on Sundays. The population of Greece will tighten their belts and, disdaining cafeterias, will begin to master the coffee maker given for the holidays. The most practical ones, however, will save part of their salary, because massive sales begin in Greece in mid-January - and this is also a tribute to tradition.
The next surge of revival will awaken Greece around February, when carnival weeks come here - an analogue of Maslenitsa, but this is a completely different story.
New Year in Greece is a holiday that combines the past and present, combining the secular and religious customs of the country. At first glance, the picture is familiar to us - Christmas trees, garlands, festive fireworks. But if you take a closer look, you can easily find unique, original Greek New Year traditions!
Who brings gifts to children?
New Year, aka Προτοχρονια (Protohronia ) is a favorite holiday of Greek children, because it is on this day (and not on Christmas, as in most Western European countries) that they receive their gifts from St. 9th Valisius (Greek equivalent of Santa Claus).
Saint Basil (Agios Vasilis) was one of the Fathers of the Church. And since the celebration of the New Year in Greece coincides with the day of remembrance of St. Basil (died January 1, 379), his role in the celebration is special.
The legend says that during his short life this man constantly helped the poor and needy, and distributed ordinary people all your fortune. Therefore, Basil, who has since received the nickname the Great, became a symbol of generosity and kindness for the Greeks.
And, by the way, his homeland is ancient the city of Caesarea, and not the North Pole at all).
It is interesting that a few decades ago the image from c. Vasily looked a little like Santa Claus. According to church tradition, he is a tall, thin, dark-haired man in simple clothes with a long dark beard.Festive image of St. Vasily, where a few decades ago children were congratulated on New Year's parties, resembled the clothes of a priest. The Greek Santa Claus had a miter-like hat on his head and a staff in his hand. The suit itself could be any color. Nowadays, St. Basil most often appears to children in the form of Santa.
Weather in Greece for the New Year will definitely please those who do not like extreme cold and snow drifts, but at the same time do not mind experiencing the romantic charm of the European winter. Shopping at the Christmas markets, fun attractions in the city center and a cup of aromatic warming coffee at the nearest snack bar are a great “lite” option for a winter holiday in Europe!
How is New Year celebrated in Greece?
Almost the same as with us - friends gather in cafes, bars and restaurants , or go to visit someone. City streets are crowded with people - the main Christmas tree flaunts on the central square of each city; trees, houses and shops around sparkle with festive illumination, here and there there are models of ships and boats decorated with bright lights (read about this tradition).
In the central square you will definitely find a stage where festive concerts organized by the city authorities take place. For those who celebrate the New Year outside the home, the chiming clock is accompanied by a cannonade of fireworks and fireworks.
Greeks and tourists stroll leisurely among all this bustle, and meanwhile teenagers have fun in their own way. They gather in groups and organize mock wars among themselves, using harmless plastic “weapons.”
At the onset of the New Year, when the clock struck 12, the lights in the house are turned off, and then turned on, and I begin to congratulate each other with the words Χρόνια πολλά! ( for long years), or Ευτυχισμένο το νέο έτος (happy new year).
GamblingThe Greeks consider New Year's Eve a happy day, so they enjoy playing cards and dice, not only at home, but also in cafes, eateries, and clubs throughout the country. What can we say, even the main prize of the Greek national lottery - several million euros - is drawn on the first day of the new year!
In the evening, while waiting for the chimes to strike, the Greeks while away their leisure time by playing cards - this is considered a good omen. Moreover, they play for money, although the bet amounts are usually symbolic - so that the losers do not get upset.
Festive table
Every home on this day must have vasilopita - Greek New Year's pie(St. Basil's pie). Making such a pie is one of the oldest pre-Christian traditions that has survived to this day. On January 1, Greeks gather with their families to cut a cake, which is baked with a gold coin inside. The head of the family cuts the cake and the first piece is traditionally dedicated to Christ, the second to the whole house as a whole, and the rest is distributed among the whole family. The one in whose piece of the pie there is a coin will be happy for the whole next year.
As a rule, housewives try to leave one place at the festive table empty. This place is intended for Saint Basil, since his symbolic presence is good sign for family.
Kalo Podariko or First One In
Celebrating New Year in Greececannot do without one more tradition. After midnight, the first guest in the house should be a good person who will bring good luck and prosperity to the owners. Therefore, the Greeks specially invite lucky relatives or acquaintances for this purpose, but most often–children, as they symbolize purity of intentions and innocence. Following the first person to enter, all household members take turns crossing the threshold of the house, and the step must be taken with the right foot.
Pomegranate
This custom was already mentioned in one of the previous posts. The pomegranate, since ancient times considered a symbol of fertility, rebirth and prosperity, plays an important role in New Year rituals. In ancient times, pomegranates were hung over front door to lure happiness into the house.
Now the Greeks even take this fruit to church to bless it for a special ritual. Before the clock strikes 12, signaling the onset of the New Year, everyone in the household leaves the house and turns off the lights.
The person who steps into the house after the first person to enter (see previous paragraph) holds a pomegranate in right hand and smashes it forcefully against the threshold. It is believed that the number of seeds dropped symbolizes the amount of happiness of the family in the coming year.
KAli Hera
As you have already noticed, New Year traditions in Greece are focused on Special attention children. For example, in addition to gifts from St. Basil, they also receive presents from their closest relatives. Grandfathers, grandmothers, aunts and uncles give money to kids (Hera) or sweets as wishes for all the best for the next year. By the way, on New Year's Eve, as on Christmas, children visit relatives, acquaintances and neighbors, singing carols.
Local customs
Each region has its own.K pFor example, in Crete it was customary to bring a plant called “sea onion” (Drimia maritima) into the house for the New Year. This is a wild, onion-like, poisonous plant that is not eaten even by animals - it causes a rash if it comes into contact with the skin. However, it has interesting property– even if sea onions are removed from the soil with roots, they do not dry out. It is believed that its ability to withstand the most adverse conditions can be transferred to humans and inanimate objects. This tradition has been known since the time of Pythagoras, from the 6th century BC, and is one of the oldest in Greece.
As you can see, the Greeks approach the New Year celebrations with all responsibility, trying to bring happiness, money and good luck into the house. After all, faith in good things, as you know, can work miracles!
Greek Orthodox Christians. But new year holidays For them, unlike the Russians, they begin on Christmas Day, December 25th. The fact is that they celebrate it according to the Gregorian calendar, which is almost 2 weeks earlier than according to the Julian calendar.
More than 90% of the country's population is Orthodox. Therefore, the Greek tradition includes the concept of “Christmas holidays.” New Year is called St. Basil's Day. It is celebrated widely and en masse. Behind him no less main holiday– Epiphany (January 7).
Everyone who goes to Greece to celebrate Christmas and New Year should be prepared to spend the holidays in an unusual and fun way. Tourists in this country are welcome and are happy to show all the Christmas and new year customs. The Greeks have similar traditions to the Russians. For example, gifts are expected from St. Basil just as they are from our good grandfather Frost. But he puts them not under the Christmas tree, but in the shoes displayed outside the door, filling them with sweets.
Preparations for Christmas begin long before it arrives. Shop windows and street cafes are decorated with festive garlands back in November. They also decorate their homes by hanging bright lights on the windows. Beautiful lighting is present in every yard.
Not only Christmas trees are decorated for Christmas, but also ships. Greece is a country where the sea and marine fishing are revered. The boat is a symbol happy life filled with joy and bliss. On the streets, squares and in Greek houses, next to the Christmas trees, there are the most beautiful ships, the sails of which are filled with the wind. The tradition of decorating boats arose much earlier than the custom of putting up Christmas trees, which were recognized in the country in the mid-19th century. The Christmas tree stood at the court of King Otto, and the capital of Greece at that time was Nafplio. Its squares were also decorated with green beauties.
It is customary to sing carols around Christmas. Children go from house to house, sing Christmas songs to the accompaniment of metal triangles, and receive candy and money for it. They come to all the neighbors, go into every shop. Godparents also give them gifts. Tradition - walking with godparents to church at Christmas has survived to this day.
– beautiful time for those tourists who want to make their family unforgettable gifts. It is at this time that every store lowers its prices to such an extent that you can afford literally everything. But do not take gifts to the hotel by taxi if you do not want to waste your capital. During this period, drivers greatly increase the cost of trips. Waiters of cafes and bars also want to receive Christmas gifts in the form of increased amounts of cash fees.
Moreover, in each of the cities, especially in Athens, there is a sea of people. Everyone wants to visit Greece. During the Christmas holidays, the weather pleases locals and tourists with warmth. The climate in this country is quite mild. The Greeks consider January the coldest month of the year. The average temperature during this period drops to +10. At night – up to +3. Precipitation possible. Some daredevils swim in the sea, but this is not worth doing if you are not involved in winter swimming. The water temperature only reaches +16.
Anyone who comes to this country during the Christmas holidays will become familiar with another unique tradition – the exchange of cameras. Pieces of fruit are threaded onto small skewers. Most often these are bananas, apples, oranges, figs, and candles are attached on top.
In the family of every self-respecting Greek, on the first day of the New Year, the following ritual is performed: the head takes the juiciest and largest pomegranate fruit and throws it against a strong wall. Afterwards, all members look to see how the grains scattered and whether they survived. The more scattered they were different sides, the happier and richer the coming year will be.
Gifts in Greece they do it in a peculiar way. Just before the celebration, neighbors and relatives present each other with huge wicker baskets. They are filled with bottles of expensive, elite wines, and card decks are placed between them. There is one more New Year's tradition. A cobblestone is placed in front of the neighbor's door. Its size and severity depend on what wish is made. If the stone is large, the neighbor will be rich, if small, it means there will be no troubles and adversities.
A secular holiday. Christmas traditions fade into the background during this period. A lot of people come out to the squares of Greek cities, performances are staged, the main characters of which are costumed actors, and wine flows like a river in restaurants, musicians play national instruments, and sirtaki are danced everywhere.
On the tables are roasted pigs with baked potatoes. This is a traditional Greek New Year's dish. Islanders often bake turkey, generously seasoning it with wine sauce. During the celebrations, children and adults eat spicy cookies. It is soaked in honey or various syrups. Favorite Greek sweet is vasilopita. It's a pie with a coin inside. It is decorated with a variety of nuts, braided dough, and berries. If the head of the family gets the coin, the year will be fertile and successful, but the first piece is saved for St. Basil, and the second is left within the walls of the house for good luck and prosperity. The head of the family receives the third piece. Next, the pie is distributed according to seniority. For the youngest child the delicacy is given in the finale.
On the eve of the festive night, the Greeks do a lot of fortune telling. Usually unmarried ladies do this. Wanting to see their betrothed in a dream, they place a piece of pie that they received at the table at the head of the table.
The Greeks adhere to certain rules prohibitions during the holidays. It is unacceptable to raise your voice or drink coffee (even grinding it is prohibited). There is a custom not to allow four-legged friends whose fur is black into the home. This color of dogs is considered devilish. And also, when the housewife accidentally breaks a glass or plate, it is customary to appease St. Basil with the most delicious morsel New Year's table. Breaking dishes among the Greeks is an unlucky omen.
Christmas and New Year - family holidays. Holidays are spent at home with family. This sweet time is busy pleasant impressions and gifts.
In the 5th century BC. Dion, thanks to its cult affiliation with Zeus and the Muses, especially revered in these parts, became the second capital of Ancient Macedonia. King Archelaus made it cultural center, comparable in importance to the main pearls of Greece - Delphi and Olympia - and combining the exclusivity of both.
The history of Thebes, one of the oldest cities in Greece, dates back to the heroic period. The “Seven Gates” of Thebes gave Hellas and the whole world the divine heroes Hercules and Dionysus. The names of Cadmus, Zetus and Amphion, Labdacids, Oedipus and many others are intertwined in the so-called Theban cycle of myths - a true treasure of the epic of Ancient Hellas.
Olives - how to cook them?
In this article, I will try to describe the most common methods of preparing table olives. Black olives in brine. We collect the olives when they are ripe, that is, as soon as they acquire blackish skin and strong flesh. We wash the olives thoroughly to remove all foreign substances and place them in a wooden or plastic pot, adding brine.
Meteors. Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsa
In the southwest of the Meteora rocks, next to the village of Kastraki, and among the destroyed monasteries: the Holy Monastery of the Pantocrator, John the Baptist and Dubiani, the monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsa (the Tranquilizer) is located. With regard to the “Pacifier”, many interpretations have been proposed, more or less interesting, but most likely, this name was associated with the name of the one who paid the costs of building the old monastery, which may have stood on this site.
Nafplio.Peloponnese
New Year in Greece is a holiday that combines the past and present, combining the secular and religious customs of the country. At first glance, the picture is familiar to us - Christmas trees, garlands, festive fireworks. But if you take a closer look, you can easily find unique, original Greek New Year traditions!
Who brings gifts to children?
New Year, aka Προτοχρονια (Protohronia ) is a favorite holiday of Greek children, because it is on this day (and not on Christmas, as in most Western European countries) that they receive their gifts from St. 9th Valisius (Greek equivalent of Santa Claus).
Saint Basil (Agios Vasilis) was one of the Fathers of the Church. And since the celebration of the New Year in Greece coincides with the day of remembrance of St. Basil (died January 1, 379), his role in the celebration is special.
The legend says that during his short life this man constantly helped the poor and needy, and distributed all his wealth for the needs of ordinary people. Therefore, Basil, who has since received the nickname the Great, became a symbol of generosity and kindness for the Greeks.
And, by the way, his homeland is ancient the city of Caesarea, and not the North Pole at all).
It is interesting that a few decades ago the image from c. Vasily looked a little like Santa Claus. According to church tradition, he is a tall, thin, dark-haired man in simple clothes with a long dark beard.Festive image of St. Vasily, in which a few decades ago children were congratulated at New Year's matinees, resembled the clothes of a priest. The Greek Santa Claus had a miter-like hat on his head and a staff in his hand. The suit itself could be any color. Nowadays, St. Basil most often appears to children in the form of Santa.
Weather in Greece for the New Year will definitely please those who do not like extreme cold and snow drifts, but at the same time do not mind experiencing the romantic charm of the European winter. Shopping at the Christmas markets, fun attractions in the city center and a cup of aromatic warming coffee at the nearest snack bar are a great “lite” option for a winter holiday in Europe!
How is New Year celebrated in Greece?
Almost the same as with us - friends gather in cafes, bars and restaurants , or go to visit someone. City streets are crowded with people - the main Christmas tree flaunts on the central square of each city; trees, houses and shops around sparkle with festive illumination, here and there there are models of ships and boats decorated with bright lights (read about this tradition).
In the central square you will definitely find a stage where festive concerts organized by the city authorities take place. For those who celebrate the New Year outside the home, the chiming clock is accompanied by a cannonade of fireworks and fireworks.
Greeks and tourists stroll leisurely among all this bustle, and meanwhile teenagers have fun in their own way. They gather in groups and organize mock wars among themselves, using harmless plastic “weapons.”
At the onset of the New Year, when the clock struck 12, the lights in the house are turned off, and then turned on, and I begin to congratulate each other with the words Χρόνια πολλά! (long years), or Ευτυχισμένο το νέο έτος (happy new year).
GamblingThe Greeks consider New Year's Eve a happy day, so they enjoy playing cards and dice, not only at home, but also in cafes, eateries, and clubs throughout the country. What can we say, even the main prize of the Greek national lottery - several million euros - is drawn on the first day of the new year!
In the evening, while waiting for the chimes to strike, the Greeks while away their leisure time by playing cards - this is considered a good omen. Moreover, they play for money, although the bet amounts are usually symbolic - so that the losers do not get upset.
Festive table
Every home on this day must have vasilopita - Greek New Year's pie (St. Basil's pie). Making such a pie is one of the oldest pre-Christian traditions that has survived to this day. On January 1, Greeks gather with their families to cut a cake, which is baked with a gold coin inside. The head of the family cuts the cake and the first piece is traditionally dedicated to Christ, the second to the whole house as a whole, and the rest is distributed among the whole family. The one in whose piece of the pie there is a coin will be happy for the whole next year.
As a rule, housewives try to leave one place at the festive table empty. This place is intended for St. Basil, since his symbolic presence is a good sign for the family.
Kalo Podariko or First One In
Celebrating New Year in Greececannot do without one more tradition. After midnight, the first guest in the house should be a good person who will bring good luck and prosperity to the owners. Therefore, the Greeks specially invite lucky relatives or acquaintances for this purpose, but most often–children, as they symbolize purity of intentions and innocence. Following the first person to enter, all household members take turns crossing the threshold of the house, and the step must be taken with the right foot.
Pomegranate
This custom was already mentioned in one of the previous posts about Greek traditions. The pomegranate, considered a symbol of fertility, rebirth and prosperity since ancient times, plays an important role in New Year's rituals. In ancient times, pomegranates were hung above the front door to attract good luck into the house.
Now the Greeks even take this fruit to church to bless it for a special ritual. Before the clock strikes 12, signaling the onset of the New Year, everyone in the household leaves the house and turns off the lights.
The person who steps into the house after the First Enterer (see the previous paragraph) holds a pomegranate in his right hand and smashes it forcefully against the threshold. It is believed that the number of seeds dropped symbolizes the amount of happiness of the family in the coming year.
KAli Hera
As you have already noticed, New Year traditions in Greece pay special attention to children. For example, in addition to gifts from St. Basil, they also receive presents from their closest relatives. Grandfathers, grandmothers, aunts and uncles give money to kids (Hera) or sweets as wishes for all the best for the next year. By the way, on New Year's Eve, as on Christmas, children visit relatives, acquaintances and neighbors, singing carols.
Local customs
Each region has its own.K pFor example, in Crete it was customary to bring a plant called “sea onion” (Drimia maritima) into the house for the New Year. This is a wild, onion-like, poisonous plant that is not eaten even by animals - it causes a rash if it comes into contact with the skin. However, it has an interesting property - even if sea onion is removed from the soil with roots, it does not dry out. It is believed that its ability to withstand the most adverse conditions can be transferred to humans and inanimate objects. This tradition has been known since the time of Pythagoras, from the 6th century BC, and is one of the oldest in Greece.
As you can see, the Greeks approach the New Year celebrations with all responsibility, trying to bring happiness, money and good luck into the house. After all, faith in good things, as you know, can work miracles!
