641 are participating
#Christmas
Originally a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, Christmas has become very secular and many celebrate this as a time to get together and bring joy into the lives of others.
How we celebrate Christmas in Greece! Kalikantzari During the 12-day period from Christmas Day until the Epiphany, it is said that hobgoblins called ”kallikántzari” (friendly but troublesome little creatures which look like elves.) visit households. The Kallikantzari live deep down inside the earth and come to the surface only during this time, slipping down chimneys and playing pranks on people. Throughout Greece, there are various customs and rituals performed to keep these “elves” away. Fireplaces are kept alight to prevent them from entering the houses through chimneys. They disappear on the day of the Epiphany when the waters are blessed, and they return to the earth’s core. Christmas Trees & Boats The decoration of the Christmas tree was not originally a Greek tradition. It is said that the Bavarian King Otto decorated the first Christmas tree in 1883. Due to the fact that Greece had a sizeable maritime identity and they were known as a seafaring nation, wooden boats are also decorated to welcome the sailors home for Christmas. Today, both boats and trees are equally popular and adorned. Christmas boat. Christmas in Greece – a highly decorated boat signifies the importance of shipping. Christmas Meal On Christmas Day, tables are set with foods that have become tradition, passed from generation to generation. Pork or Lamb roasts served with potatoes and vegetables are a popular main course, followed by the traditional “Kourabiedes” (almond cookies coated with icing sugar) and Melomakarona (honey-soaked semolina cookies). Of course, this is all accompanied by a variety of good Greek wines! Holiday Carols Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and the Eve of the Epiphany, you’ll find Greek children out caroling singing “the Kalanda.” They go from household to household, singing and playing musical instruments and beating triangles. Houses open their doors, listen to the Kalanda and offer the children small amounts of money.
Which one you liked more?
Kalikantzari
Kalanda
Christmas Boat
Kourabiedes - Melomakarona
8 quizzed
December 30, 2024
2
0
Are you learning Greek? If the answer is yes... then we say today the "κάλαντα" Kalanta Christougenon (Greek: Κάλαντα Χριστουγέννων) is a Greek traditional Christmas carol (kalanta) translated into English simply as "Christmas Carol." This carol is commonly abbreviated as Kalanta or Kalanda, some other common titles for this Christmas carol are Καλήν εσπέραν ("good evening") and Χριστός γεννάται ("Christ is born"). This carol is commonly sung around Christmas and accompanied by light percussion instruments such as the triangle and guitar. have a look here and vibe with the Greeks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QyzYV5XRBU The song we say today is this: Greek: Καλήν εσπέραν άρχοντες, αν είναι ορισμός σας, Χριστού τη Θεία γέννηση, να πω στ' αρχοντικό σας. Χριστός γεννάται σήμερον, εν Βηθλεέμ τη πόλη, οι ουρανοί αγάλλονται, χαίρεται η φύσις όλη. Εν τω σπηλαίω τίκτεται, εν φάτνη των αλόγων, ο βασιλεύς των ουρανών, και ποιητής των όλων. Πλήθος αγγέλων ψάλλουσι, το Δόξα εν υψίστοις, και τούτο άξιον εστί, η των ποιμένων πίστις. Εκ της Περσίας έρχονται τρεις μάγοι με τα δώρα άστρο λαμπρό τους οδηγεί χωρίς να λείψει ώρα. Σ' αυτό το σπίτι που 'ρθαμε, πέτρα να μη ραγίσει κι ο νοικοκύρης του σπιτιού χρόνια πολλά να ζήσει. Translation: Good evening noblemen If this is your will, Christ's holy birth May I sing in your noble house Christ is being born today In the town of Bethlehem Heavens rejoice All nature rejoices Inside the cave (He) is being born In a manger for horses The King of the heavens The Creator of everything. A crowd of angels are singing, "Glory in the highest!" And this is holy, The faith of the shepherds. From Persia three magi arrive With their gifts A bright star shows them the way Without any delay. In this house we have come May no stone ever crack And the landlord May live for many years. #learninggreek #greeklanguage #greece #greeksongs
December 24, 2024
0
0
Show more