The peoples of Greece: culture and traditions. Greek traditions: the most important holidays and customs

Modern customs and traditions of Greece - this is something that is still worth learning a little about before the trip, so as not to get into trouble while traveling in Hellas. Firstly, the customs of Greece and its laws do not provide for the export of souvenirs from the country in the form of broken pieces of ancient monuments: a carefully gouged tiny stone from the Labyrinth of Knossos in your bag can serve as a reason for a very large fine at customs. By the way, one original fact: the customs of Greece have recently included ... strikes, so do not be surprised if the shops or banks you need are suddenly closed, and public transport will not run on some days. This is how the local population defends its rights. And more about the opening hours of the establishments: the customs and traditions of Greece, like other warm countries, provide for a daytime siesta in the heat, and from lunchtime until 17, some shops and banks are also closed. Well, during excursions and trips, especially independent ones, do not forget that the religious customs of Greece do not allow women to visit some closed monasteries, and shorts and open T-shirts are not suitable for visiting Orthodox Greek churches and temples, although in general the Greeks are quite happy with the uniforms in the temple tolerant.

The customs of ancient Greece today: holidays and carnivals

Over the long period of its existence, the culture of Greece has retained its originality, although the customs of Ancient Greece and the customs of modern Greece are not so similar. Basically, the customs of Ancient Greece were reflected in the lavish festivities that locals arrange throughout the year. So, in order. Christmas holidays begin, as in all of Europe, from December 25, and here the customs of Greece differ little from the generally accepted ones. Religious Greek festivals for Easter are very similar to ours, which is not surprising - the Greeks, too, mostly profess Orthodoxy. Easter is the time of the most ambitious festivals in the country. The celebration of Easter smoothly turns into the May Day (Protomaya - at this time, residents take massive outings, just like ours), then spills over into Midsummer's Day, the Days of Saints Peter and Paul at the end of June and summer festivals and carnivals throughout the country. Autumn in Greece is rich in holidays in honor of the god of wine Dionysus with a corresponding entourage.

Ancient Greek traditions

Of course, let's not forget that the Olympic traditions of Greece and the present also have a close connection. Thanks to Pierre de Coubertin, the Olympic traditions of Antiquity and modernity remain inseparable: both in those days and now the Olympic Games are the largest sporting event in the world, and also very spectacular. But let's move away from the Olympic Games and look at the traditions of Greece in relation to the modern life of people. Some ancient Greek customs, apart from holidays and carnivals, have influenced everyday life. For example, many traditions of Greece remained from paganism - the Greeks are very, very superstitious. It is noteworthy that they themselves deny this, but without fail, while no one sees, they will spit three times over their shoulder, seeing a black cat on the road, and cross their fingers under the table while praising one of their family members. Until now, the traditions of Greece are the wearing of talismans from the evil eye, various amulets, for example, from garlic wreaths, on the doors of houses, and all sorts of coins, figurines and other symbolic things under a car seat, in a wallet, etc. And the traditions of Ancient Greece associated with hospitality have almost completely passed into modern life: any guest who comes to a Greek's house has the right to be fed and watered, even if he dropped in for a minute on some business - then the house and family will be prosper. Do not forget that you need to enter a house or a store with your right foot - in this case, you will bring the owner good luck.

Warm and gentle sea, cozy cafes under the shade of cypresses and olive trees - and cheerful people, open to communication and fun - this is how Greece appears in the imagination. And everyone, when mentioning Greece, will remember the famous ancient Greek myths and the tremendous influence that the rich Greek culture had on Byzantium and Eastern Christianity.

The Greeks do not forget about their great past - they are sincerely proud of their country, do not hesitate to wear national costumes - and national celebrations keep the memory of customs and traditions.

One of the brightest and most important holidays in Greece is Easter. Easter is celebrated according to the Julian calendar - just like ours. The Easter procession is an impressive sight. For the festive night, the Holy Fire is delivered to Athens. They meet him with all the pomp and solemnity, in the presence of the guard of honor. After the main symbol of Easter is delivered to the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord, thousands of people come up with their candles to take with them a piece of the Holy Fire. First, the pitch darkness is illuminated by the light of only one flame - and then thousands of small lights, like rivulets, spread in all directions until they merge into one fiery sea - a real triumph of light over darkness. Festive festivities with carnivals, songs and dances continue throughout the entire Bright Week.

In Greece, Maslenitsa is also celebrated. The whole Maslenitsa week (Apocries) lasts festivities with carnivals and masquerades.

Carnival in Nausa, the third largest after Patras and Athens, is notable for its connection with history. In memory of the period of the Ottoman yoke, the participants of the carnival dress in janissaries and kleft, scenes from historical events are played out.

The Raguzaria carnival is associated with the name of Dionysus, which takes place in the city of Kastoria from January 6 to 8. Ragutsarya means beggar. The mummers, like beggars, go from door to door and ask for gifts in order to use them to drive out evil spirits - and even pull the owners out of the house.) These days, wine flows like a river, the carnival procession takes place to the sounds of a brass band and is accompanied by comic performances. All residents of the city, young and old, take part in the carnival - and even tourists can become participants!

The celebration of May 1st in Greece is also associated with ancient times. This holiday is named in honor of the god May, and personifies the victory of summer over winter, life over death. This is a holiday of spring and nature. In Athens, on this day, a festival of flowers is held, accompanied by a majestic procession. On May Day, the Greeks collect flowers, tree branches and herbs, weave a May Day wreath and decorate houses, streets and churches with this. A wreath is woven from a vine, flowers of almonds, figs, pomegranates are woven; decorate with bunches of barley and wheat, and sometimes add onions and garlic - from the evil eye. This holiday is not as noisy as others.

Hospitality Is another Greek tradition. It is a matter of honor for a Greek to receive a guest worthily. The Greek can be mortally offended by the refusal to come to visit, or the attempt of the invitee to pay for himself in a cafe. As with us, in Greece they do not go to visit empty-handed.

This is just a small part of what can be said about Greece. Many national cultures are mixed in this country, each city or village has its own local characteristics and traditions. While traveling in Greece, you can make many new discoveries for yourself.

Greeks are hospitable, friendly and rather superstitious people, although few of them admit the latter. They will in every possible way deny their belief in the power of the evil eye, but they will definitely knock on wood three times and spit over their left shoulder before expressing their admiration for someone's elegance or beauty.

Many traditions of the Greeks are rooted in ancient times and are directly related to the reception of guests. Not a single holiday in the country is complete without a noisy feast, dances and songs. Something, but they know how to relax here and love:

only 12 public holidays are celebrated per year, and also name days, carnivals, festivals and many other cultural events.

Holy easter

The most important public holidays in Greece are - Easter and Christmas... Many rituals and rules are associated with them, which every family tries to adhere to. 40 days before Easter, the Greeks begin to fast - butter, milk and meat are excluded from the diet. The first day of fasting is called Maundy Monday, or Sarakosti. They try to have a meal on this day with relatives, and on the dinner table there are only lenten dishes - vegetables, bread and fish. In the evening, it is customary for the whole family to go outside and fly bright kites into the sky.

On the day of Holy Easter, the godparents should present their godchildren with a beautiful candle and new clothes. Each family prepares in advance for the holiday: they cook eggs, bake Easter muffins and prepare all kinds of dishes. It is not customary to walk and have fun on Friday, the streets are quiet. On Saturday evening, the whole family dresses beautifully and goes to church, where everyone is obliged at 12 o'clock at night to light a lamp from the sacred fire and bring it home. Upon returning from service, all the candles in the house are lit with an icon lamp and they begin to eat at the table. Easter is celebrated all week long.

Winter holidays

Many interesting customs and traditions of the Greek people are associated primarily with Christmas. On this day, each family goes out into the yard and smashes a grenade there. It is believed that the red grains of the fruit symbolize happiness and wealth. In the evening, the kids go caroling, receiving coins and sweets in gratitude.

For the celebration of the New Year, the hostess bakes a loaf, inside which she puts a silver coin... Happiness and good luck await those who find her in the new year. The cycle of winter holidays ends with the Baptism of the Lord. In all churches and temples, water is consecrated, conducting one interesting ceremony: the priest throws a cross into the river or any body of water, and all the men present swim after him. The first one who gets it will be happy and healthy all year round.

Birthday

In Greece, it is customary to give a child the name of the saint whose holiday coincides with the day of his birth. Greeks take it easy if they forget to congratulate them on their birthday. But skipping the name day is unacceptable and is considered a sign of extreme disrespect. To help their compatriots avoid unpleasant situations, every morning the radio broadcast begins with a reminder, whose names are "celebrated" today.

The most popular names in the country are Georgiy, Konstantin, Janis, Dmitry, Maria and Elena. On the days of their celebration, cafes and taverns are crowded with visitors, and patisseries sell the same amount of sweets and cookies as at Christmas. This is due to one ancient custom: the birthday man must necessarily treat all his relatives, acquaintances, colleagues and neighbors with something sweet. But no one expects gifts in return. The best reward for generosity is considered to be the wishes of health, happiness and long life.

Engagement and wedding

The Greeks are very responsible about the betrothal. The future union of two loving hearts is simply impossible without the consent of the girl's father. The groom is obliged to ask his permission and present some kind of gift. If the parents have nothing against marriage, then a priest is invited to the house. He blesses the wedding rings, the couple puts them on their left hand, and only after that they are considered engaged.

The official part of the wedding at the city hall is considered optional. The main thing is to get married in a church. On this day, relatives and close friends help the bride to dress. In no case should the groom see his chosen one on the eve of the wedding - this is a very bad omen that promises an unhappy life and constant quarrels. In order for a young family to live in prosperity and harmony, they are showered with rice after the wedding.

Each invitee must personally congratulate the newlyweds. Only after they hear the wishes of happiness, prosperity, healthy children and long life from all the guests, the whole procession goes to a restaurant or cafe. It is customary to celebrate magnificently: tables are bursting with all kinds of food, wine flows like a river, and incendiary music and dances do not stop until the first rays of the rising sun.

Baptism

One of the most ancient customs in Greece, which is still revered and respected today - baptism of the child. During the ceremony, the baby is undressed and wrapped in a new snow-white diaper. First, the priest blesses the water, adds a few drops of olive oil to it, and then dips the baby into the holy water three times, repeating his name. The newly baptized is dressed up in a white undershirt, a cross is put on his neck and he receives the First Communion. After that, the parents and godparents accept congratulations from the guests. At the exit from the church, all participants in the celebration are presented with symbolic gifts - sweets or chocolates.

As for the gifts to the baptized, they are given only by the godparents. They should definitely present the child with a gold chain with a cross and a Sunday outfit, including shoes. It is believed that without these gifts, the child will constantly stumble through life and will not be able to buy the necessary clothes for himself.

Rules of behavior

In order to feel comfortable with someone visiting, while on vacation in Greece, it is better to immediately remember a few simple rules of conduct. The fact is that the traditions of Greek hospitality are somewhat different from those we are accustomed to. Due to the hot climate , from 3 to 6 pm everyone in the country has a rest. It is not customary to make appointments or harass over the phone during this time.

Going to visit be sure to check out the nearest pastry shop... It is not accepted to come empty-handed. The best option is considered to be some kind of dessert in a beautiful package. We hasten to disappoint - you won't try it... It is believed that the hostess of the house has prepared enough for the reception and your present will go to the refrigerator to wait for its turn.

Punctuality is far from the quality in a person that is put in the first place.... Greeks are often late even for business meetings, not to mention the usual gatherings in a restaurant or cafe. If you sit at a table alone, you can wait a very long time for the waiter. No, no, don't think about it. The service here is at a high level, just everyone will wait for friends to join you, and then they will come to take the order. Well, it is not customary in Greece to go to restaurants and cafes alone, but only by noisy companies.

Every country, every nation has its own customs and traditions, which people take respectfully and seriously. And if for some reason you find yourself in a foreign country, study the customs of this people, so as not to find yourself in an awkward situation.

The inhabitants of Greece also have their own traditions, customs and customs.

Greece has a strong belief in the power of the evil eye, but no one openly admits this. It is difficult to find a child in Greece who does not have a turquoise bead as an amulet, sometimes with an eye drawn on it. For the same reason, turquoise beads adorn the necks of horses and donkeys in villages.

Before the Greek expresses his admiration for someone's beauty or elegance (especially for children), he will spit and knock on wood three times. This rite is done in order to divert the envy of the gods from the one you praise.

If you come to visit a Greek, he will certainly offer you something to drink (water, tea, coffee), since not to offer a guest at least water is considered by the Greeks to be a bad omen (bad manners), no matter what time of day the guest comes.

Especially important is the guest who was the first to cross the threshold of the dwelling in the new year, it is for this reason that the Greeks try to invite a friendly and respected person to visit, on the first morning after the new year, entering the house, they must cross the threshold with their right foot, while wishing the family a happy New Year. At the same time, if the guest is not going to stay overnight, he should not brush his hair or cut his nails while visiting.

The most wonderful and touching custom in Greece concerns the baptism of children. The godparents are obliged to give the child (their godson) a gold cross on a chain, as well as a full set of Sunday clothes, including shoes, otherwise it will be considered that the godson will stumble through life and he will never have enough clothes.

Most of the customs are associated with religious rites or holidays, although many of them are of pagan origin.

Religious traditions dating back to pre-Christian times are votive offerings: people who are sick, or those whose lives are in danger, make a vow to offer the chosen saint a sign of their gratitude, a kind of bribe for intercession before God. It can be anything from building a chapel to lighting a candle.

Also, the Greeks bring tama - thin silver tablets with a reduced relief or a model of what they asked to protect from evil or cure - hearts, eyes, legs, hands, children, and sometimes even houses, boats, yachts and cars.

These offerings adorn the frames of icons of saints, icons that are considered not just paintings, but saints in themselves. Some icons are said to work miracles, and the icon of Our Lady of Tinos, for example, attracts more pilgrims than Lourdes.

The Greeks are not afraid of death, because they consider themselves leading a righteous life and are convinced that after death, they will definitely go to heaven.

A funeral in Greece is a carefully designed event, followed by a compulsory treat - coffee and brandy - for those who have come to see the deceased, and for close relatives and friends, a wake with a fish menu is also arranged.

It is unacceptable to cremate the dead in Greece. All who left this land are buried in marble graves with large white crosses. Three years after the burial, the bones are dug up and placed in family tombs, thus solving the problem of overpopulation of cemeteries. Cemeteries in Greece are always full of people; there is always a priest in the cemetery who is ready to serve a memorial dirge at any moment.

Due to the fact that the Greeks believe in the afterlife, Easter is becoming a major religious event. It begins with Holy Week, during which almost everyone observes fasting and goes to church. On Good Friday, the procession of decorating the Holy Sepulcher with flowers takes place, culminating on Holy Saturday with an open-air midnight service.

On Easter Sunday, there must be a lamb fried on a spit and decorated Easter eggs (which just need to be broken with those who are present at the holiday. The rite of beating eggs is as follows: one holds an egg in his fist, the other hits it with his own egg. The latter says: " Christ is risen! ", And the first answers:" Indeed he is risen! "Then the eggs are turned over, and the procedure is repeated. At the end of the holiday, each family is left with a mountain of hard-boiled eggs, which are cut into a salad the next day.

Gastronomic addiction

Greek cuisine is an example of typical Mediterranean or Balkan cuisine. But in many ways, the cuisine of the Greeks is different from the cuisines of its closest neighbors - Bulgaria, Albania and Italy. First of all, spices. The Greeks add them to their food more often than others in Europe. However, Greek cuisine is not spicy.

Another distinctive feature of Greek cuisine is the abundance of olive oil. It is added to almost all dishes and is used not only as a fragrant seasoning, but also during thermal processing of food. Another essential ingredient is lemon.

The special pride of the Greeks is cheese. In Greece, at least 50 varieties are produced (each region has its own special recipe). The Greeks consume the most cheese in the world - over 25 kg per person per year. The most popular variety is called "Feta": it is he who is used in the preparation of the famous "Greek salad". In Greece, this salad is called "choriatiki" (rustic).

Meat is no less popular in Greece. Pork, lamb and goat meat are preferred. Moussaka is one of the most famous dishes prepared with the addition of both meat and traditional Greek vegetables. Pastizio is another favorite dish of the Greeks. Fish, shellfish and other seafood are popular.

Ancient wisdom says that the soul of every country is hidden not in its land, water or air, but in the people who inhabit it. It is their habits, traditions, national traits, common aspirations, hopes and dreams that shape its character and create that very unique aura, thanks to which one state can be immediately distinguished from another. And if this is really so, then Greece will appear before us cheerful and carefree, sly and a little pensive, ardent and temperamental, but at the same time surprisingly open and friendly, especially to its guests.

Traditions of modern Greece

Greeks are very conservative by nature. They treat the customs of their ancestors with great respect, they sacredly believe in God, celebrate all church holidays, do not conduct business from two to five o'clock in the afternoon, observing a siesta and visit the very coffee house in which their fathers and grandfathers still sat. Even the richest and most Europeanized of them do not consider it shameful after work to change a suit from Armani to a free national outfit made of cheap cloth. They also have enough small household habits, which over the years have turned into real traditions, ignorance of which can turn into a real scandal for an unlucky tourist.

So, if you are going on vacation to the country of Homer and Aristotle, it will not hurt you to learn a few basic rules

Rule # 1. When going to a Greek restaurant or cafe, always bring enough cash with you

The fact is that many Greek establishments outside the tourist area do not accept checks and credit cards at all. So, taking with you an insufficient amount of money, you can get into an extremely awkward situation. It will be especially unpleasant if you were in a restaurant with a business partner or friend from the local community. Indeed, among the Greeks, the inability to pay for yourself and your guest is considered a great humiliation, and your authority will greatly fall in his eyes.

Rule # 2. Going to the beach, be prepared to pay for a seat on the sun lounger

The vast majority of Greek beaches are divided into small sections, each of which is the personal property of the person who bought the license for it. Usually this is a local resident with a house nearby. He takes care of the purity of his land and the piece of sea to which it adjoins, personally buys and installs sun loungers and umbrellas there and makes sure that they are always reliable and tidy. For this, he has the right to charge a certain bribe from tourists wishing to use the beach equipment. If you do not want to pay it and make a scandal, he will certainly turn to the local tourist police, which, most likely, will not only write you a fine, but also permanently close the possibility of visiting this beach for you.

Rule # 3. Come back later or learn to wait

Time flows much slower in Greece than in the rest of Europe. And this phenomenon is explained simply by a pathological dislike for haste, which is present among the majority of the local population. The Greeks do everything thoroughly and gravely, they never rush anywhere and manage to completely ignore even the watch they wear on their wrist. So, when you come to a Greek restaurant, be prepared to wait for the ordered dish a little longer than you are used to, and your tourist bus, in the schedule of which the departure time is 9-30, will most likely leave no earlier than 10. Good morning in Greece talk until two o'clock in the afternoon. And dinner is usually served at 21-00, which makes ten o'clock in the evening not too late for a friendly or business call.

Rule # 4. Don't forget about tips

Leaving a tip in cafes and restaurants is considered by the Greeks to be a rule of good form. Thus, you thank the waiter for the service and let him know that you are completely satisfied with his work. The amount of tip must be at least 10% of the order value, but not more than 20%, otherwise the waiter may think that you simply do not understand the local currency and will try to return the money to you.

Rule # 5. If a Greek invites you for a walk - only he pays for everything

If your Greek friend invites you to have a couple of glasses at the nearest tavern or bar, don't even think about trying to pay for yourself. This can offend him so much that not a trace of your friendship will be left in a minute.

Rule # 6. If a Greek invites you to dinner, leave your wallet at home.

The easiest way to ruin your friendship with a Greek is to risk paying the bill at the restaurant he invited you to. Indeed, according to the customs of this country, such a step is considered a manifestation of extreme disrespect and even disdain for your companion.

Rule # 7. Going to visit a Greek - be sure to buy a gift

If you are invited to visit a Greek home, do not forget to take with you a small gift for its owners. By doing so, you will show them your affection and affection. Usually in such cases they buy flowers, good coffee or chocolate. You should not give more expensive things, because their price can embarrass your Greek friends, and they will try to give away, putting you in an awkward position.

Way of life

The rhythm of life of the Greeks differs in many respects from that to which we are accustomed in Russia. He is much more measured and calm. Even residents of large cities, such as Athens or Thessaloniki, are in no hurry and conduct their affairs imposingly and unhurriedly. But this does not mean that the Greeks work little. They get up early - around 6 am, drink their traditional morning coffee and leave the house to be at work by 7 am. Working life is in full swing until 2 pm, and then freezes, giving way to a long siesta, and resumes only at 17-18 hours to last until the evening.

Coming from work, Greek men usually devote some time to their family, after which they go to a coffee shop or tavern for a glass of Retzina (a popular white wine) or coffee and find out the latest news. Young people, on the other hand, go to discos, where both national music and modern tracks in the style of “pop” or “club” are equally popular. The Greeks go to bed quite late - somewhere around 12, or even by one in the morning, but this does not prevent them from actively and cheerfully starting the next working day.

Features of the language

The Greek language is rightfully considered one of the most ancient in the world - its history goes back more than 4 thousand years. The writing of the Greeks is more young - it is 3 thousand years old. It is believed that today Greek words and phrases can be found in absolutely any language of Europe. This is explained by the fact that the culture of the Hellenes was assimilated by the Romans, who, as you know, for many centuries undividedly owned the territory from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea.

True, the language that is used by the Greeks today is quite different from the original ancient Greek - it is rather its southern dialect, diluted with Turkish and Italian words.

The morphology of modern Greek is a system of three genders (masculine, feminine, and neuter), two numbers (singular and plural), and four cases (genitive-dative, nominative, accusative, and vocative).

Conversational Greek is not difficult at all to learn. It can be easily mastered in a few months of active communication, provided that you are completely immersed in the language environment. Writing will be more difficult. You will have to spend at least a year studying it, unless, of course, you have special talents for languages.

Facial expressions and gestures

In terms of the richness of facial expressions and gestures, the Greeks confidently rank first among the peoples of Europe. Even such recognized masters of gestures as Italians and Turks pale in comparison. The faces, arms and even the shoulders of the Hellenes are in tireless movement during a conversation, focusing on which a stranger can grasp the essence of the conversation, being 30 meters away from the interlocutors. True to the absolute majority of Russians, these gestures will seem illogical, since almost all of them have nothing to do with the gestures to which you and I are accustomed. For example, in order to say “no,” the Greeks do not turn their heads to the left and to the right, as immigrants from Eastern Europe would do, but throw them back slightly, slightly covering their eyes and clicking their tongue.

In order to call the interlocutor, they do not bend their fingers with a slightly outstretched palm upward in the Slavic manner, but, on the contrary, scratch the air with their open palm downward.

If a Greek wants to speak, he will demonstrate this to the interlocutor by resting his index finger to his lips.

A Russian would translate such a gesture as a request to shut up.

The question “What do you mean?” Expressed by the Greek with the help of a gesture will also be incomprehensible to us. In this case, he will raise his eyebrows and turn his head to the right and to the left several times, as we would have done by saying “no”. As you can see, the difference between ours and Greek gestures is quite significant. True, there are pleasant exceptions. These include the “yes” gesture - a slow shake of the head from top to bottom and the “thank you” gesture - the hand is placed on the heart, and the movements of the head repeat the “yes” gesture.