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May 1st: celebrating nature

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Today, I’m not going to take you to any archaeological site. Instead, we’re going to Hymettus Mountain, very near Athens, to celebrate May 1st in a pre Covid-19 fashion. May first has been traditionally celebrated by going out in nature. … Continue reading

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“Tsougrisma,” a Greek Easter custom

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There is no Easter bunny hiding eggs for the Greek children to find. The eggs are in plain sight, on the table, for everyone to take. Yet, no one may eat them before “cracking” them with someone, exchanging wishes and … Continue reading

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Happy new year with a pomegranate

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In ancient Greece, pomegranates played a prominent part in the myth of Persephone, but were also symbols of fertility, plenty, and wealth.  In modern Greece, the pomegranate has maintained its symbolism. Custom demands that the new year begin with the … Continue reading

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Photos of the week: Easter barbeque

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In Greece, Easter is a family affair, a time to feast on all the foods forbidden during Lent, surrounded by friends and family. The day calls for barbecue; the tradition calls for lamb, roast on a spit over charcoal, a … Continue reading

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Easter in Greece comes with a bang

Everyone knows of New Year’s fireworks, but in Greece, it’s Easter that’s more worth of a bang. Nearly everyone, but especially young men and boys, will buy some sort of firework to light at the church courtyard during the Easter … Continue reading

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Clean Monday: celebrating the beginning of Lent

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Clean Monday, celebrated a few days ago throughout Greece, marks the beginning of Lent, a 7-week-long period of strict fasting. One might expect Greeks to approach the daunting prospect of 49 days of abstinence from their favorite delicacies with regret, … Continue reading

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The Greek Santa comes on New Year’s Day

The Greek Santa’s name is not Father Christmas, nor Santa Claus and he doesn’t bring presents at Christmas. His name is St. Basil and he brings presents to the Greek children on the 1st of January. According to Orthodox tradition, … Continue reading