Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Traditions in Greece and the Greek islands

Greece Customs and Traditions: Customs and traditions in Greece and also the Greek Islands are either of a religious character or originating from paganism. Furthermore, most of the traditions and festivals still celebrated today are religious. The Greeks are very superstitious and believe a great deal in religion but also in supernatural or paranormal phenomenon. Traditions and superstitions vary from island to island, from villages to villages and from region to region. Listed here are some of the many Greek traditions still honoured by all the Greeks, no matter their age, until today.

Greek traditional festivities Name day celebration Most Greeks are named after a religious saint. A really important tradition is that everyone who includes a name coming from a saint celebrated through the church celebrates his name on a given day from the year. On the "name day" of someone, his friends and family visit him without invitation and offer wishes and small presents.

The hostess of the home offers pastries, sweets and hors d'oeuvres to the guests. In Greece, name days tend to be more important than birthdays. Engagement It is a custom in Greece to obtain engaged before get married. The man needs to ask for the hand from the woman from her father and close family, while the two families give presents to bride and groom.

The couple exchanges wedding rings which are worn on the left hand. After the wedding, these rings is going to be worn on the right hand. In Greece, the engagement period may last for years also it is like a commitment towards the families. This custom is still vivid within the Greek mainland, while gradually it tends to disappear.