When you think about having a white Christmas, you think about snow right? Well let us change your perceptions and make you think about Greece, instead! You may have heard about Greece and its beautiful white buildings! But do you know about the Greek traditions of celebrating Christmas? The Fox Rent A Car Christmas Around the World Blog post series takes you to Greece to let you find out what great Christmas traditions this ancient culture follows.
Christmas in Greece: Traditions
Contrary to most countries, Christmas in Greece is not the most important holiday, Easter is as the majority of the greek population is Greek Orthodox. Christmas holidays in Greece lasts for 12 days, from the 24th of December to the 6th of January, the day of Epiphany. Over the years the traditions have changed tremendously, but some of the old traditions are still present.
Christmas in Greece: Decorations
An important symbol of Christmas in Greece is a wooden bowl filled with water in which they place a wooden cross that is wrapped in basil. Usually the mother of the house, gets holy water from the church in which she dips the cross and basil and then blesses every room to protect the house and the family from mean creatures, the “ Killantzaroi” who disturb the Christmas peace. More and more families buy and decorate a Christmas tree today, but this is not a typical Greek tradition. Usually the Greek decorated a boat with flowers and lights, as St Nick is the patron of sailors and a very important in the maritime culture of Greece.
Christmas in Greece: Food
Before Christmas people enter a 40 days fasting period. Though it used to be a religious tradition, it has become less religious and more health oriented. This fasting follows a lot of vegan rules: they cannot eat animals or any product coming from animals. A few days before Christmas the house wives bake Christmas cookies, made with honey.
The second day of Christmas is the “Day of the Pig”, as all the dishes are made with pork, from sausages to bacon as well as a Greek specialty with the pig’s intestines… They call it the Christmas hog and for many years, this was the main meat family would have for a while. Nothing used to be wasted; they would find a use for every bits and pieces of the hog. Even though this tradition is fading, many families still have pork roast as the main dish for Christmas. Another traditional dish in Greek Orthodox homes during the Christmas holidays is baking Christ Bread “Christopsomo”, a sweet bread that is prepared with great care, as it is supposed to keep harm from the house and family in the coming year.
Christmas in Greece: Songs and Celebrations
Children go from houses to houses to sing Christmas carols – called kalanda – on Christmas Eve. They receive sweets or dried fruits as little presents in exchange. Imagine it as a Christmas version of trick or treat. During these 12 days of Christmas celebration, lots of events are organized, especially in the larger cities in Greece. Music is important during the Christmas holidays. Shows, plays and concerts take place in the streets and various activities are also organized for kids.
Christmas in Greece: Presents
In Greece presents are also exchanged also, but not on Christmas Day. They are exchanged on January 1st, which is St Basil day. However, presents are not as important as in other culture. Only a few presents are exchanged, and people make smaller gifts. Christmas is not so much commercial in Greece. It is part of the tradition though, to bring gifts to hospital and orphanage to share the warmth of the holidays.
As you can see, Christmas in Greece is a little different than Christmas in the US. It still is an important holiday for families to get together and celebrate. Who knows, maybe you will celebrate Christmas in Greece oneday, and now you are know what to expect!
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all!
