What do people wear on Christmas in Greece?

Another traditional custom is the “Christopsomo”, meaning the “bread of Jesus” in Greek. Women prepare the bread on Christmas Eve and engrave on its top a cross while they also add various other ingredients and ornaments like nuts.

What are Christmas traditions in Greece?

On Christmas Eve, children, especially boys, often go out singing ‘kalanda’ (carols) in the streets. They play drums and triangles as they sing. Sometimes they will also carry model boats decorated with nuts which are painted gold.

Does Greece have a Santa Claus?

The Greek Santa Claus is known as “Ayios Vassileios” in Greek. He is like the father of Christmas; also an old man with a white beard, who is wearing a red cape. He is kind, cheerful and smiling and his purpose is to bring joy to children, by giving them gifts.

What is Greece traditional clothing?

In general, men’s traditional attire of Greece consists of a foustanella or trousers (full cut or baggy trousers), a shirt called “poukamiso”, a vest called “yeleko” or “meindani”, a sash called “zonari”, a hat, special leg coverings called “kaltses” and leg garters called “gonatares”, and shoes called “tsarouhia”.

How does Greece say Merry Christmas?

Christmas Greetings in Greece 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.

Why do Greek Orthodox celebrate Christmas on December 25?

Unlike other countries that are part of the European Union, Greece still has the true meaning of such a holiday as the Nativity of Christ – the birth of Jesus Christ. The date of this holiday is determined following the Gregorian calendar, so it falls on December 25th.

How do you greet someone in Greek?

The common verbal greeting in Greece is “Yassas” (Hello) or the more informal “Yiasoo”. Address people by their appropriate title, e.g. ‘Keerios’ (Mr) for men and ‘Keeria’ (Mrs) for women.

How long is Christmas in Greece?

14 days
Christmas celebrations in Greece officially last for 14 days, starting on Christmas Eve and ending on Epiphany (6 January) with the ‘Great Blessing of Water’. Following the Gregorian calendar, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on 25 December.

What are the customs of Christmas in Greece?

In general, don’t expect as many Christmas displays, lights, or other Western decorations, except of course in the windows of expatriates and the ever-increasing number of Greeks who have adopted Western customs. Greece has been an oasis of non-commercialism when it comes to Christmas, though some lament that this has changed.

What kind of clothing do people wear in Greece?

Once worn by fighters in the 1821 War of Independence, the traditional costume for men on mainland Greece features a kiltlike garment known as a foustanella.

When do they exchange Christmas gifts in Greece?

Unlike many countries around the world, Greece tends to swap gifts on January 1, as opposed to December 25, while also decorating boats instead of trees. This day is officially known as St. Basil’s Day.

What did Greek men wear during the Ottoman period?

During the Ottoman period, the clothes of people of different occupation and religious affiliation were strictly regulated. This period brought vraka (traditional breeches) and foustanella (traditional men’s skirt) to the Greek fashion.

What kind of clothing do people in Greece wear?

Traditional clothing is layered and colorful. Greeks living in the city are fashion-conscious and wear popular European trends. Clothing is lightweight yet conservative, and it is not unusual to see Greeks in Athens wearing designer brands. Greece has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

What are the most popular Christmas traditions in Greece?

Illuminated boats, roasted pork and honey cookies are all staples of a Greek Christmas. Folklore expert Evangelos Karamenes spoke to Culture Trip about the most popular Greek Christmas traditions to have survived the centuries.

Are there any superstitions or traditions in Greece?

Traditions and superstitions vary from island to island, from villages to villages and from region to region. You will find below the many Greek traditions still honored in Greek modern culture, no matter people’s age, until today. After reading about the traditions, get also informed about the Greek language.