Crete tourist guide

Christmas in Greece

2018-12-24 10:35:54

Holidays in Greece officially begin on December 22. During this time, schools are closed for almost 15 days. Of course, just like us, the elements of a festive design (such as decorations on houses, changed decorations of shop windows) start to appear much earlier. Christmas traditions are still strongly cultivated by both the older and the younger generation. Going to church and decorating ships and Christmas trees are elements common to all regions of Greece. However, some traditions and rituals are specific to specific regions.

Do the Greeks dress a Christmas tree?

Before the custom of decorating the tree came to Greece, the symbol of the holiday was καραβάκι (karavaki), meaning a wooden boat decorated with lights. Especially on the islands, it was an obvious symbol of Greece's dependence on the sea. The Christmas tree began to appear here relatively recently. Interestingly, the custom of decorating karavaki is still present. On the city squares and in private homes you can now see both a magnificent Christmas tree and a beautifully decorated boat. The holiday decor is maintained until January 7, the day of St. John (Agios Ioannis).

Who brings gifts to Greeks?

The tradition of gift giving is also cultivated, but this role does not belong here to Saint. Nicholas, like us. In Greece, it is done by Agios Vassilis, who leaves gifts on the last day of the year, that is, on New Year's Eve. During the lifetime of Agios Vassilis (Saint Basil), he was a kind and hardworking bishop in Caesarea helping poor, sick and old people.

Culinary holiday

Christmas dishes are like much of our Christmas tradition. According to Greeks, sweets are strongly associated with happiness and hospitality. It is with this thought that holiday sweets are prepared. The first preparations begin at the beginning of the second half of December. On the occasion of holidays, aromatic melomakarona and kourabiedes cookies are usually baked.

These holidays Greeks willingly spend outside the home, in taverns and restaurants, which is an opportunity for endless meetings with family and friends. Christmas meals help to enjoy this moment as long as possible. The Greek Christmas table should embody abundance. You will find on it nuts, almonds, dried fruits, pomegranates and many other gifts of mother-earth. The culinary symbol of Christmas is a cake called christopsomo , or "bread of Christ".

The dishes characteristic of Christmas are a turkey stuffed with eg chestnuts, pine nuts, meat and raisins. Pork in various forms and Christmas soup often appear. Another popular simpler dish is lamb stew. Of course, family gatherings are accompanied by carafes full of wine, crayfish and ouzo.

Gosia i Piotrek,  2018-12-24 10:35:54

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