Christmas
Ancient Greece
Christmas, Saturnalia, and the Real Birth Date of Jesus
Christmas is celebrated on December 25th in most parts of the world. Supposedly, this was the date of the birth of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Christmas is regarded as a celebration honoring that birth. However, various scholarly sources claim that...
Greece
Greek Christmas and New Year’s Customs From Asia Minor
Many people in Greece have roots from Asia Minor, and their refugee ancestors brought with them many unique Christmas traditions and customs.
The festive season of Christmas and the New Year is an opportunity for many people, especially for the...
Tourism
The 25 Stops of Jesus and the Holy Family in Egypt
Twenty-five locations in Egypt make up the trail that Joseph, Mary and infant Jesus followed as they fled King Herod's soldiers.
Culture
Unusual Greek Christmas Customs
The Christmas tree, the lights, the manger, the wrapped presents under the tree, the stockings next to the fireplace, the Christmas-themed movies on TV and Netflix have become Greek customs as well, just as they are in the United...
Culture
Kalikantzaroi: The Greek Goblins that Run Wild at Christmas
From Christmas Day until the Feast of the Epiphany, on January 6, Greeks watch over their homes especially carefully, looking for moved items or stolen Christmas goodies. That's because, according to Greek folklore, a group of tiny goblins, called...
Greece
The Gifts of the Three Magi: The Most Precious Relics on Mount Athos
Among the innumerable treasures and holy relics preserved at the Holy Monastery of St. Paul on Mt. Athos (in Greek Άγιον Όρος, meaning "Holy Mountain") one of the most precious, and invaluable to Greek Orthodoxy, are the Holy Gifts...
Greece
How Melomakarona and Kourabiedes Got Their Names
Melomakarona and kourabiedes are two words which, for Greek people, embody Christmas itself. They bring to mind the sweetness of the holiday season, both literally and figuratively.
The two traditional Christmas sweets are an integral part of Christmas and New...
Food
Enjoy Your Christmas Turkey With a Greek Twist!
This Turkey Roll, filled with potato mousse, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, topped with roasted bell pepper sauce, is just traditional enough to satisfy our comfort food intake needs at this time of year while also adding a flavorful twist.
We...
Culture
Mistletoe Marks Joy of Christmas, New Life All Over the World
Mistletoe is one of those plants that lives almost all over the globe and at this time of year, it gives us something to look forward to -- or not -- at holiday gatherings.
Here are some things you may...
Greece
Christmas and New Year’s Carols From All Over Greece
Greece is steeped in fascinating holiday traditions, with its Christmas carols, or kalanda, being some of the most heartwarming seasonal customs.
Every year, Greeks anxiously await Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and January 5, the day before the Epiphany, when...