Tuesday 10 December 2013

Christmas in Greece

Christmas (Χριστούγεννα), the Feast of the Nativity of Christ is one of the most joyful days of the Greek Orthodox Church. Traditionally, the Christmas holiday period in Greece lasts 12 days, until January 6, which marks the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany). There are many customs associated with the Christmas holidays, some of which are relatively recent, “imported” from other parts of the world (like eating turkey on Christmas day and decorating the Christmas tree). In the past, Greeks decorated small Christmas boats in honour of St. Nicholas and today, they are increasingly choosing to decorate boats, instead of trees, reviving this age-old Christmas tradition.


Carols 

The singing of Christmas carols (Κάλαντα / Kalanda) is a custom preserved in its entirety to this day. On Christmas and New Year Eve, children go from house to house in groups singing the carols, accompanied usually by the sounds of the musical instrument "triangle," but also by guitars, accordions, lyres and harmonicas. Until some time ago, children were rewarded with pastries but nowadays they are usually given money.


Christmas Elves

Greece’s hobgoblins are called "καλικάντζαροι / kallikántzari”, friendly but troublesome little creatures which look like elves. Kallikantzari live deep down inside the earth and come to surface only during the 12-day period from Christmas until Epiphany. While on the earth’s surface, they love to hide in houses, slipping down chimneys and frightening people. Throughout Greece, there are various customs and rituals performed to keep hobgoblins away. Kallikantzari disappear on the day of Epiphany when all waters are blessed, and they return to the earth’s core.



Sweets & Treats

Traditional delights symbolize good luck in the New Year and adorn the white-clothed tables. "Μελομακάρονα / Melomakarona (honey cookies) and "κουραμπιέδες /kourabiedes" (sugar cookies with almonds) are the most characteristic and they mark the beginning of Christmas festivity. Another traditional custom that dates back to the Byzantine times is the slicing of Vassilopita (St.Basil’s pie or New Year’s Cake). The person who finds the hidden coin in his slice of the cake is considered to be lucky for the rest of the year. St Basil (Agios Vassiis) also brings the presents to children on New Year ’s Day.





Kostas Kokkaliaris

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