What do Greeks do for birthdays?

Today, most young people tend to shun the name day celebration, exchanging it for birthday festivities. However, the older generations of Greeks and those living in rural areas usually do not celebrate birthdays at all, as they are not part of Greek Orthodox tradition; instead, they maintain the name day feast.

What traditions do Greek people celebrate?

What do Greeks do to celebrate?

The most famous Carnival celebrations in Greece are held in Patras, the largest city in the Peloponnese, and Xanthi, a town in Northern Greece. There are big Carnival parades, parties, an all-over merry atmosphere and lots of drinking and dancing on the streets.

How do you wish happy birthday in Greek?

Greek: Χρόνια πολλά! Romanization: Hrónia polá! Meaning: “Happy birthday!” / “Happy Name Day!” (Literally: [I wish you] many years [to live]!) Greek: Και στα εκατό!

Did Greek gods celebrate birthdays?

The ancient Greeks did not prefer individual celebrations of birthdays, most often celebrating the birthdays of their gods. The moon goddess, known as Artemis, celebrates her birthday every month, making her own cake and carrying it to her temple.

Introduction to Greek culture

Who was the ugliest god?

Hephaestus. Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera. Sometimes it is said that Hera alone produced him and that he has no father. He is the only god to be physically ugly.

Do Greeks eat cake?

Ancient Greece Has The Answer. The first 'birthday' cake was created in ancient Greece as a sign of devotion to one goddess, in particular.

How do you say cheers in Greek?

The Greek version of “cheers” is ya mas, which means “to our health”. As in other countries, you clink glasses when you toast.

What do you say for name day in Greek?

“Χρόνια πολλά!” [hronia polla] “Many years”, is the most common wish that fits almost all joyful events. You can use this wish for birthdays, name days, New Year, Christmas, etc..

How do you wish someone well in Greek?

Siderenios is often used to wish to someone that they feel better soon and literally feel as strong as iron. And while perastika and siderenios are very common but more informal get well wishes, Καλή Ανάρρωση (kali anarrosi), is what a Greek person would choose to wish to their boss, colleague or professor.

Do Greeks like to party?

Greeks love to party

Along with basketball and football, partying is a national sport in Greece. When the rest of Europe starts heading to the clubs around 11PM, Greeks are only getting ready. Here, you should not be surprised to see people showing up around 12.30AM or 1AM and only return home at sunrise.

How do you say Merry Christmas in Greek?

Christmas Greetings in Greece

The Greek word for Christmas is Christougena or Christougenna, literally meaning "Christ's birth." When Greeks say "Merry Christmas," they say, "Kala Christougena." The apparent g sound is pronounced like a y.

Is George a common Greek name?

George, or Giorgos, or Georgios (Γιώργος ή Γεώργιος) is the most popular Greek male name, and the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of Saint George every April 23rd.

What do Greeks say at baptism?

Baptisms/new baby

Na sas zisei (να σας ζήσει): this means “May he/she live (a happy life)” and is said to the family of a newborn baby, either the first time you see the infant or at its baptism. Panta axia (Πάντα άξια): meaning “always worthy,” this is said to the godmother at a baptism.

What does Yasu mean in Greek?

You may also hear the word "ya" tossed around in casual settings which is an abbreviation of yassou/yassas. It is the Greek equivalent of saying hi or hey and shouldn't be used in formal settings.

What does Kalispera mean?

Greetings. Start your day off right with the morning greeting kalimera, meaning good morning. The same word structure applies throughout the day, so just switch to kalispera (good afternoon) and kalinixta (good night) as time passes. For a more informal greeting, try yasas (hello) or yasou (hi).

Does opa mean cheers?

A Greek folk expression of good cheer, often used during dancing, expressing fun and excitement.

Is there a Greek god of desserts?

Baklava: The Greek God of Desserts.

Is there a Greek god of food?

Demeter, in Greek religion, daughter of the deities Cronus and Rhea, sister and consort of Zeus (the king of the gods), and goddess of agriculture.

What is Greek pastry called?

There are many different kinds of pastries but the most common pastry in Greece is without a doubt the “filo pastry”.

Who is the god of poop?

Sterculius, the Roman God of Feces.

Who is the prettiest Greek goddess?

Aphrodite was the most beautiful of all the Goddesses and there are many tales of how she could encourage both Gods and humans to fall in love with her.

Who is the god of stupidity?

In Greek mythology, Koalemos (Ancient Greek: Κοάλεμος) was the god of stupidity, mentioned once by Aristophanes, and being found also in Parallel Lives by Plutarch. Coalemus is the Latin spelling of the name.

What is the female version of the name George?

The name George is both a boy's name and a girl's name meaning "farmer". For girls, typically used as a nickname for names such as Georgia and Georgiana, although Orange is the New Black stars Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli recently used it as a full name for their daughter George Elizabeth.

What does Michael mean in Greek?

Ancient Greek

Borrowed from Hebrew מִיכָאֵל‎ (mīḵāʾēl, “Michael”, literally “Who is like God?”).