Christmas in Greece can be very special. It might not be a white Christmas, but sunny weather in December definitely has its perks. The Christmas table is too much to handle but overwhelmingly delicious and family is what Greek Christmas is all about.
What do Greeks say, though, to wish someone a Merry Christmas?Here are some commonly-used holiday greetings that will come in handy whenever you decide to celebrate Christmas in Greece or around a Greek table.
Καλά Χριστούγεννα. Kala Cristouyenna means Merry Christmas and comes from the words kalos (good) and Cristouyenna, a compound noun made of the words Christos (Christ) and yenna (birth). Although even Greeks misuse it, this greeting is supposed to be used before Christmas, when Christmas is approaching and not on Christmas Day or after.
Χρόνια Πολλά. Hronia Polla is what you would use on Christmas Day or on the days that follow. It is basically a wish for many years of good health and prosperity and is generally used in Greek on various other occasions as well, such as birthdays, name days and religious celebrations.
Καλή Πρωτοχρονιά. Kali Protohronia just like Kala Hristouyenna is supposed to be used after Christmas and before New Year’s Day. It basically means “have a good new year’s day”. When the New Year has arrived and it is officially New Year’s day, Greeks say…
Καλή Χρονιά. Kali Hronia is a greeting that you hear everywhere around you in Greece for the whole month of January. It is once again a wish for a good new year full of good health, luck and prosperity for everybody.
Now you have the basics down to spend Christmas in Greece or around Greeks. Remember! Never say no to food, maybe bring a dessert when you are invented in someone’s house and when it’s the first couple of days after New Year’s Day always enter houses right foot first! Χρόνια Πολλά και Καλή Χρονιά με υγεία!
Kala Cristouyenna means Merry Christmas and comes from the words kalos (good) and Cristouyenna, a compound noun made of the words Christos (Christ) and yenna (birth).
Merry Christmas in Greek is Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Kalá Christoúyenna). To wish someone a Happy New Year, it's Καλή Χρονιά – Kalí Chroniá (that's a soft 'ch' like in “Christmas”).
Christians have historically celebrated this day (and the weeks leading up to it, known as the “Christmas season”) by greeting others with the words, “Merry Christmas.” Some Orthodox Christians greet each other with “Christ is Born” and in reply “Glorify Him”.
Christmas is considered the major festivity of the year, the most sacred and important. As most of the Greeks are Orthodox, they passionately celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25 and associate a strong religious meaning to this day.
In ancient Athens, the festival of Kronia used to take place on the 12th day of Hekatombaion and coincides with Christmas celebrations. The main symbol associated with this holiday is the “Karavaki” – a decorated boat that symbolizes a Greek maritime culture.
Melomakarona are traditional Greek Christmas cookies made with a combination of olive oil, honey, flour, and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Kourabiedes are another popular Greek Christmas treat. They are buttery shortbread cookies dusted with powdered sugar.
The good news of Christmas is that even when the world or our circ*mstances change – the message of Christmas is timeless. Because Christmas is about the birth of God's Son – Jesus.It is about how he came to give us love, hope and joy. That message doesn't change from year to year.
The karavaki is the symbol of Christmas in Greece. After all Greece is country that has a rich tradition of seafaring and a deep appreciation for its seas. This is a Christmas tsoureki.
Each village and island in Greece had its own traditional carols, which contained details from the local community and economy. Calanda are one of the most “lively” customs of Greek Christmas. They are sung on the day before Christmas & New Year and sometimes on the day of Lights (January 6).
Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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