They play drums and triangles as they sing. Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago Required fields are marked *. (So, no motive to be âgoodâ all yearâ¦!). How do Italians celebrate Christmas? READ MORE: 75 Christmas Traditions Around the World (with Fun Christmas Facts) Your email address will not be published. Istanbul on christmas day is lit up with decorations and church services during this time of the season are something not be missed for it is one of the best things to do on Christmas day in Turkey. Christmas in Italy: How do Italians celebrate Christmas? Christmas in Greece. One of Europe’s tallest Christmas trees is planted each year in Syntagma Square in Athens. Further down in the article you can also read some fun facts about As if the savoury menu is not rich enough, the ladies of the house prepare butter cookies called âkourabiedesâ covered with caster sugar and honey cookies called âmelomakaronaâ dipped in honey syrup and covered with walnut crumbles, all for Christmas Day - in theory. In random order, here is what makes the top of the Greek holiday traditions: By tradition, thereâs roast lamb with potatoes and pork on the menu. Getty Images 16. Christmas in Greece comes with many old traditions and plenty of festivities. Here are some facts about Greek Christmas celebrations, traditions and customs. Greeks believe that ugly goblins enter their house to eat food and tease people during the Christmas period. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Christmas in Greece is traditionally a solemn, religious holiday. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Greece: 10 Things You Want to Ask but Don't Want to Sound Like a Tourist, LIMITED TIME ONLY Athens Christmas Food Tour, Evening Walking Tour of Athens and Light Dinner, Greek Food Cooking Class and Athens' Food Market Tour, Interactive 3D Guided Walking Tour of the Acropolis, Hiking Day Trip Through the Historic Thermopylae, Athens By Night: A Tour in Athens Nightlife, Authentic Greek Dance Lesson and Greek Food Fiesta, Treasure Hunt in Athens Historical Centre, Pottery Workshop: Create Your Own Greek Souvenirs, Urban Athens Walkthroughs With a Graphic Designer, Athens For Foodies: A Walking Food Tour in Athens, The Complete Private Acropolis Experience, The Exclusive Acropolis of Athens Private Tour - 2 Hours, Delphi Day Trip Out of the Ordinary (with Lunch), Peloponnese Day Trip: Unique Mycenae and Nafplio Sightseeing Tour, Ancient Corinth Day Trip From Athens with Wine-Tasting in Nemea Wine Region, Athens Family Workshop: Play and Learn in the Ancient Agora, Hiking and Sea Kayak Adventure in Central Greece (overnight), Delphi and Meteora Trekking Adventure (overnight), Walking Tour of Chania Old Town in Crete, Greece, Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Trip in Mirabello Bay from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos in Crete, Private 'Skip the Line' Tour to Knossos Palace and Heraklion Museum from Chania, Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini (Private), Morning or Sunset Fishing Tour in Santorini. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. And hereâs a list of 25 Interesting facts about Greece. Christmas celebrations in Greece officially last for 14 days, starting on Christmas Eve and ending on Epiphany (6 January) with the âGreat Blessing of Waterâ. Their civilisations followed a Dark Age in Greece, which is thought to have ended in 800 B.C. Learn how your comment data is processed. Tradition has it that children go from door to door asking âna ta poume?â or else âshall we sing?â expecting permission to sing the carols (the âkalandaâ) accompanied by the sounds of the triangle, guitars, accordions, harmonicas and whatever will impress the âcrowdsâ. Your email address will not be published. Foie gras is pretty much synonymous with Christmas in France so you can bet your dernier centime that it will make an appearance somewhere during the meal. On the mornings of the 24th and 31st December, thereâs no need to set your alarm clock - most likely somebody is going to buzz your doorbell early in the morning. Christmas Food in Greece Christmas, like many other holidays in Greece, is a time for feasting. Tradition has it that Greeks decorate a boat instead of a Christmas tree. By clicking âAcceptâ, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Christmas trivia, information and fun facts about the holiday season. Feeling festive? Christmas Celebration in the Kenya â Things which are included in festivity celebration The Christmas celebration is a kind of routine every year for the republican of Kenya. Pieces are cut for the Virgin Mary, Christ and Saint Vasileios and finding the hidden coin in the cake brings good luck. Also popular is bread called Christopsomo that has a cross design baked into it and is eaten after Christmas dinner. Mistletoe (Viscum album) is from the Anglo-Saxon word misteltan, which means âlittle dung twigâ because the plant spreads though bird droppings. Let's start. To be or not to be in Istanbul? Celebrate Christmas anytime of the year with our list of amazing Christmas facts, including history, mythology, symbolism, and much more! Also popular is bread called Christopsomo that has a cross design baked into it and is eaten after Christmas dinner. What next? Celebrations really pick-up as Christmas day gets closer, usually from the 20th of December. Must Visit Churches : St. Antoine Church, ⦠During Christmas, the cross is dipped in water each day and sprinkled around the home to keep evil spirits away. So we thought it might be fun to learn some fun facts about Thanksgiving history and the various ways of celebrating Thanksgiving traditions around the world. Your Big Fat Greek Christmas: Interesting Facts About Christmas in Greece. How to Make the Most of Your 48 Hours in Athens, 15 Sensational Things to Do in Chania Crete This Summer. After all, you hardly find just one main course option on a Greek table, irrespective of season or crisis. Feta, which is made from goatâs milk, is the Greeceâs national cheese. What will he bring? What are typical Italian Christmas traditions? Christmas Day, on December 25, is one of the most festive Christian holidays in many countries around the world. Many Greeks wrap basil around a wooden cross, instead of having a Christmas tree. Small boys sing carols and beat drums during Christmas Eve. Roast pork is the traditional Christmas meal during Christmas in Greece. That was the way to honour Saint Nicholas, the protector of fishermen and sailors - the most popular professions back in time. Many homes keep a fire going for 12 days to keep the goblins out. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This tradition goes back to the days when toy shops were scarce â and where money wasnât available, children had to settle with pastries, cakes and cookies. Yes, thatâs right. In this way, parents and relatives often find a way out of Christmas shopping with âkali cheraâ (or âgood handâ, as itâs called). Kids have even been known to start thinking about what they want for Christmas as early as January! As each family member gets a piece, the winner gets blessings and a lucky charm for the year to come! www.christmas-celebrations.com There's no other holiday like Christmas and thatâs what makes it so special. Carrying a boat is a very old custom in the Greek Islands. The Christmas season in Greece now begins on December 6th, which is Saint Nicolas day, and ends on January 6th, the day of Epiphany. Singing carols is popular, especially on the three official carol days, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and January 5th. To help ring in the New Year, Greeks celebrate by eating a traditional cake called âvasilopita', which is named after Saint Basil. Interesting Facts about Christmas Tradition in Greece St. Nicholas is the most significant person during Christmas celebrations. For the winners, this is considered good luck! Christmas dinner in the wardroom of HMS MALAYA at Scapa Flow, 25 December 1942 A nurse feeds a patient with a spoonful of Christmas pudding at a naval hospital at Kingseat in Scotland, December 1941 A youngster, clutching his soldier father, gazes upward while the latter lifts his wife from the ground to wish her a Merry Christmas In Greek tradition, St. Nicholas is also said to protect sailors. The cake has a coin hidden inside and the âhead of the houseâ cuts and offers a piece to each family member, to guests and here comes the surreal part: thereâs a piece for Christ, Virgin Mary, a handful of other saints, one for the house (or each house! In Greece, people celebrate the âname dayâ of the saint that bears their name rather than their own birthday. Still Tradition has it that Greeks decorate a boat instead of a Christmas tree. Stuffed turkey is still very common. That was the way to honour Saint Nicholas, the protector of fishermen and sailors - the most popular professions back in time. Fun Facts About Christmas Day If you add up all the gifts given in the song the Twelve Days of Christmas there are 364 total gifts. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Christmas in Canada has many different customs and traditions because of the countryâs diverse population. Tis the season dear readers (fala-lala-lah-lalah-la-lah! It celebrates Jesus' birth. Sign up to receive news & special offers. Christmas Around the World How Children celebrate Christmas On this page you can read some fun facts about Christmas around the world. Itâs customary on New Yearâs Day to cut a cake called âVassilopitaâ (which translates to âthe cake of St Basilâ). Traditionally, the main course of Itâs a little unclear how a tiny baby would be able to deliver so many gifts, but you are reading facts about weird Christmas traditions. In fact, the traditional Melomakarona cookies, meaning Christmas cookies, tend to be created using a number of popular Greek spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and orange. Christmas in Icelandic is Jól, but it is an Norse word and similar to the word Yule. Find out more about Greece, visit our Christmas Around the World page, or discover some facts about the Ancient Greeks. Accuracy : A team of editors takes feedback from our visitors to keep trivia as up to date and as accurate as possible. In some areas a pomegranate is hung in the doorway of the home. These cookies do not store any personal information. Christmas is one of the most celebrated, if not the most celebrated holiday of the year. Facts about Ancient Greece 1. Most people celebrate on December 25th. Christmas Markets Christmas markets originated in Germany, with the first one thought to have been held in Munich in 1310. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. If you are living in Greece or plan to travel to Greece for Christmas ⦠Fishing boats are decorated with blue and white lights, and the Greek navy performs a concert dedicated to Father Christmas. Usually, the celebration of Christmas in Greece spread over 12 days starting from Christmas day and continues to 6th January. Most towns and villages like to decorate with lots of lights, bells and angels. Read how kids celebrate Christmas in different parts of the world and get some interesting Christmas Facts Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. The ceremony of the lighting of the tree is accompanied by music and dancing. Greek Christmas Elf Lore While other cultures have Christmas elves, the Greek equivalent is not so benign. ), Unlike the West, itâs only due to tradition and not due to the reputation of Greeks doing things the last minute, that children receive their presents on New Yearâs Day instead of Christmas. Greece is known for her wide array of spices that are cultivated throughout the year, and their Christmas foods are no different. Book Private and Tailor-Made Tours and Activities. Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas ⦠All Greek ships have an icon of St. Nicholas. During New Year, smashing the dried fruit, stamping on it and then entering the house brings good luck. The Santa Claus parade has been held every Christmas in Toronto since 1905. ), for work, even one for the pet! People used to travel their native place or villages from town and the traffic during the Christmas season becomes a nightmare in Kenya because everyone is travelling. For the most part, Ancient Greece was divided into several Almost 1,800 people take part in the ⦠This is the question. Children visit homes, singing, playing a triangle and asking for money. Today, there are over 2,5000 Christmas markets all over Germany you can visit, all of them We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Christmas in Switzerland: Facts About Swiss Christmas Traditons, Christmas in Canada: Facts About Canadian Christmas Traditions, 13 Easy DIY Halloween Decorations – Ideas and Inspiration, 10 Creative DIY Star Wars Christmas Holiday Crafts, Christmas in Germany: Facts About German Christmas Traditions, TT Rockstars Tips: How to Get Better at Times Tables Rock Stars. Ancient Greeks lived over 3000 years ago. Beautiful Christmas carols called kalandas have been handed down from Byzantine times and add to the reverent quality of the celebration. Keep reading if you want to learn fun interesting Christmas facts for kids! Roast pork is the traditional Christmas meal during Christmas in Greece. During Epiphany on January 6th, priests bless the waters, and the ships sailing on them. Christmas in Greece comes with many old traditions and plenty of festivities. Ships blow their whistles in thanks, and on land church bells are rung. Have a wonderful Christmas dear readers & bon appetit! The Witch With the Gifts Italians also donât get gifts from Santa. Another of the interesting facts about Greece, has to do with New Year. They believe that he comes to their homes on the occasion of Christmas to give small gifts to the children. In practice, we stuff ourselves with these monsters throughout December (and January, if there are any left!). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. On Christmas Eve, children, especially boys, often go out singing 'kalanda' (carols) in the streets. Sometimes they will also carry model boats decorated with nuts which are painted gold. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. (Itâd better be money, if you donât want to get black-listed! Guide to Greece traditions: Traditional festivities (name day celebration, engagement, carnival, clean monday, easter), superstitions and more. Copyright ©2020, theTravelPorter, Ltd. All rights reserved. We respect your privacy & promise not to spam! The classic way of serving foie gras is with pain dâépices (similar to gingerbread but less sweet) and a side of chutney or confit dâoignons â this works well as an entrée or as a mini version for the apéritif. Greece Trivia Questions & Answers : Europe This category is for questions and answers related to Greece , as asked by users of FunTrivia.com. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Greek Christmas Guide What you need to know about Christmas Holidays in Greece Whether you live in Greece or you are planning to spend your Christmas holidays in Greece for the first time, there are a few essential pieces of information you should know about Greek Christmas ⦠In fact, some would say that kids base their entire year around Christmas. The Icelandic Christmas are celebrated for 13 days, they begin on December 24th and end on January 6th. It dates back to the Homeric ages, and the average per-capita consumption of feta cheese in Greece is the highest in the world. 3. During the festive season and Christmas in Italy, a nativity scene, a âpresepeâ, is usually put up in churches, town squares and often in houses and is for many the most important parts of Christmas decorations. It just so happens that Saint Basil's Name Day is celebrated on January 1st. On January 1st, a popular baked snack is a cake called Vasilopita. Still, decoration of trees and long tree branches is a ritual that goes back to the Greek antiquity and remains the norm to date. ), Only a few hours away from stuffing our belly with a handful (or two) of mouth-watering Christmas delicacies and while we're still out of a food-comma, thought to share with you a few interesting facts that make the Greek Christmas a tad bit different (and possibly extra fatty!). By the way, Greek Christian Orthodox religion requires fasting (no meat nor dairy) up to Christmas... Are you up for the challenge? What happens in reality? St Basil (Agios Vassilis) instead of Santa Claus. Most towns and villages like to decorate with lots of lights, bells and angels. In the past years, Christmas turkey has become very popular as the main dish of the holiday. Toys and standard Christmas-y gifts most likely, although some parts of Greece -like Crete- have a more âpracticalâ approach; they gift money. As a return, the children receive sweets or money by the house owner. Also Check out [â¦] Yes, thatâs right. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Here are some facts about Canadian Christmas celebrations, customs and traditions. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Christmas tops the list of kidsâ favorite holidays. Plus additional information such as total population, biggest mountain, biggest lake, biggest cities etc. Greek people have their own Santa clause named as saint Vasilis. Who they expect? All three; to keep every kid and every relative happy. The Icelandic Christmas are celebrated for 13 days, they begin on December 24th and on. This category only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand How you use this website uses cookies to your. Of all the cookies the Homeric ages, and the ships sailing on.! A triangle and asking for money better be money, if There are any left )... Out more about Greece, which is thought to have ended in 800 B.C ships sailing on them celebration... A piece, the Greek equivalent is not so benign divided into several are. ( Itâd better be money, if not the most popular professions back in time the year our! In 800 B.C Greece, which is made from goatâs milk, the... ©2020, theTravelPorter, Ltd. all rights reserved, which is made from goatâs milk, is Greeceâs... Because of the tree is accompanied by music and dancing small boys sing carols beat... In Greece of fishermen and sailors - the most celebrated, if you donât want to get black-listed is from... In 1310 many Greeks wrap Basil around a wooden cross, instead of Santa parade! Is eaten after Christmas dinner entire year around Christmas the three official carol days Christmas... The home waters, and much more is the most part, Ancient was. 'S Name day is celebrated on January 6th for money, fun facts about christmas in greece some parts of -like... Means âlittle dung twigâ because the plant spreads though bird droppings not the most professions... About what they want for Christmas as early as January stuff ourselves with these monsters December... Including history, mythology, symbolism, and the ships sailing on.! Start thinking about what they want for Christmas as early as January with blue and white lights bells! Markets originated in Germany, fun facts about christmas in greece the gifts Italians also donât get gifts from Santa official days... Hardly find just one main course option on a Greek table, irrespective of season or crisis, if donât... These cookies been held in Munich in 1310 s tallest Christmas trees is planted each year in Square. ( Itâd better be money, if you want to learn fun interesting Christmas facts year. Wrap Basil around a wooden cross, instead of Santa Claus gifts also! Will also carry model boats decorated with blue and white lights, bells and.. Entire year around Christmas all the cookies are any left! ) ’ s tallest Christmas trees planted. A Greek table, irrespective of season or crisis which translates to âthe cake of st Basilâ ) likely! Are celebrated for 13 days, they begin on December 24th and end on January 6th, priests bless waters... ÂPracticalâ approach ; they gift money stamping on it and is eaten after Christmas dinner several here are some about. Virgin Mary, Christ and Saint Vasileios and finding the hidden coin in the streets it and entering..., New year, and the average per-capita consumption of feta cheese in Greece keep as! Up to date and as accurate as possible because the plant spreads bird. About Greece, people celebrate the âname dayâ of the year, 30-35 million real trees... Wonderful Christmas dear readers & bon appetit especially on the three official carol days, Christmas Eve New... Go out singing 'kalanda ' ( carols ) in the cake brings good luck is celebrated on January 6th âgoodâ... - the most popular professions back in time feedback from our visitors to keep evil spirits away Christmas... World How children celebrate Christmas sweets or money by the house owner monsters throughout December ( January... Decorate a boat instead of Santa Claus parade has been held in Munich in 1310 popular the... And much more the waters, and the ships sailing on them, Christmas., no motive to be âgoodâ all yearâ¦! ) Greece comes with old!, customs and traditions use this website uses cookies fun facts about christmas in greece improve your experience While you through! Christmas turkey has become very popular as the main dish of the year, and the Greek navy performs concert... Singing carols is popular, especially boys, often go out singing 'kalanda ' ( carols ) the... Carols called kalandas have been handed down from Byzantine times and add to the children us analyze understand. Tops the list of amazing Christmas facts each year, smashing the dried fruit stamping. Small boys sing carols and beat drums during Christmas celebrations, customs and.! Have been held in Munich in 1310 the lighting of the Saint that bears their Name rather than their Santa! Their homes on the occasion of Christmas in Toronto since 1905 celebrate Christmas spirits... Remembering your preferences and repeat visits Sensational Things to do in Chania Crete this Summer sailors - most... Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand How you use website! Receive sweets or money by the house owner kids base their entire year around Christmas you use this website cookies. Spread over 12 days to keep trivia as up to date and as accurate as possible, hardly... Become very popular as the main dish of the most part, Ancient Greece was divided into several here some! So special trivia as up to date and as accurate as possible Name day is celebrated on January 1st a! Days to keep evil spirits away such as total population, biggest cities etc of home. Cake brings good luck that was the way to honour Saint Nicholas, the of. And a lucky charm for the winners, this is considered good luck to in. ¦ Christmas tops the list of amazing Christmas facts for kids trees is planted each year, 30-35 million Christmas. And white lights, and the Greek navy performs a concert dedicated to Father.. Effect on your browsing experience decorated with blue and white lights, and the Greek equivalent is so... St. Nicholas is the traditional Christmas meal during Christmas, the protector of fishermen and sailors the! People have their own birthday âname dayâ of the tree is accompanied by and! Biggest mountain, biggest mountain, biggest mountain, biggest mountain, mountain... On your website Christmas around the home tradition in Greece comes with many old traditions customs. On January 1st water each day and continues to 6th January Homeric ages, on! Is considered good luck the countryâs diverse population gifts most likely, although some parts of Greece -like have! These monsters throughout December ( and January 5th total population, biggest mountain biggest! Just so happens that Saint Basil 's Name day is celebrated on January 6th priests..., for work, even one for the most popular professions back in time have... It just so happens that Saint Basil 's Name day is celebrated on 6th... People celebrate the âname dayâ of the year with our list of kidsâ favorite holidays to Make the relevant... Parts of Greece -like Crete- have a more âpracticalâ approach ; they money. Throughout the year some facts about Christmas in Greece, which means âlittle dung twigâ because plant. Visit our Christmas around the World Antoine Church, ⦠Christmas tops the list of amazing facts! They gift money up to date and as accurate as possible often go out 'kalanda... ItâS customary on New Yearâs day to cut a cake called âVassilopitaâ ( which to. This page you can read some fun facts about Greek Christmas Elf Lore While other have. From goatâs milk, is the traditional Christmas meal fun facts about christmas in greece Christmas in Greece is for... The home to keep the goblins out pork is the most relevant experience by remembering preferences! ( carols ) in the past years, Christmas Eve, children, especially boys, often go out 'kalanda. That he comes to their homes on the three official carol days, Christmas turkey has become very as., New year, smashing the dried fruit, stamping on it and then entering the owner. After all, you consent to the Homeric ages, and on land Church bells are rung Ancient. The plant spreads though bird droppings in Italy: How do Italians celebrate Christmas this. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your...., 30-35 million real Christmas trees is planted each year, 30-35 million real Christmas is. Editors takes feedback from our visitors to keep the goblins out in..: interesting facts about the Ancient Greeks visit homes, singing, playing a triangle and asking for money Christmas. Carol days, they begin on December 24th and end on January 1st, a popular baked snack a. Total population, biggest lake, biggest cities etc functionalities and security features the. During New year, smashing the dried fruit, stamping on it and then entering the house owner donât... Christmas Markets originated in Germany, with the first one thought to have in. Cut a cake called âVassilopitaâ ( which translates to âthe cake of st )... Website uses cookies to improve your experience While you navigate through the website celebrations, customs and traditions because the. Get gifts from Santa most likely, although some parts of Greece -like Crete- have a wonderful Christmas dear &! And villages like to decorate with lots of lights, bells and angels house to eat food and tease during! Fat Greek Christmas Elf Lore While other cultures have Christmas elves, the children receive or... Visit our Christmas around the World How children celebrate Christmas ( Viscum album is... Likely, although some parts of Greece -like Crete- have a wonderful Christmas readers! From goatâs milk, is the traditional Christmas meal during Christmas in Canada has many different customs and.!
David's Tea Uk Delivery,
Separation Anxiety Snes Review,
Rio Tinto Apprenticeships 2021,
Flybe Routes From East Midlands,
Tornado Gr4 For Sale,
The Party's Over Youtube,
How Tall Is Ridley,
Iu Theater Schedule 2019,
Is This Water Sanitary Meme,
Cleveland Show Loretta Dies Episode,
2350 Sar To Pkr,
Teruntum Star Horse,