Modern Greek culture and traditions have been shaped by classical past. The current culture and traditions is rich and varied representing the region’s customs has an overlap between the western culture and the eastern culture. Notably, Greek culture and traditions have developed for thousands of years. Greece customs can be traced back to the Paleolithic era through the classical era and the golden ages. In the past, the Greeks created a noble civilization, which was later adopted by the Romans.
This civilization flourished for thousands of years before it was conquered by long invasions of civil wars, diseases, religious conflicts, and economic disasters. Despite these calamities, it is worth noting that the Greek culture and traditions did not disappear completely. A bit of it existed, evolved, and transformed throughout the excruciating period. This paper focuses on Greeks’ celebrations, beliefs, food and cooking, national days, and family structures and Gender roles.
Celebrations and national holidays
In Greece, the majority of celebrations are related to the religion, however a few of them relate to paganism (Brown 1). Most life-cycle celebrations revolve around the Greek Orthodox Church. As such, Sundays, January 1, March 25 (annunciation), Easter Monday, August 15 (dominion of the holy virgin), Labor Day, and Christmas are public holidays.
Of all these celebrations, Easter celebration is considered the most significant festivity followed by charismas. Easter festivities commence two months earlier. During the Holy Thursday, the symbolic red eggs are painted. In Greece, it is thought that Mary the mother of Christ painted eggs with red dye to commemorate the renaissance of Christ.
On Easter Friday, flags are half raised to commemorate the death of Christ. During this day, Christians mourn the death of Christ with symbolic coffins. These coffins are ornamented with flowers and carried around the streets. Easter Sunday is spent with friends and families feasting.
Other festivities in Greece include marriage, baptism, and carnival (Brown 1). Marriage is among the most celebrated festivity in Greece. Weddings are marked with several gifts. For instance, the bride’s father is required to offer his daughter together with the bridegroom with a well equipped home. On the wedding day, the bride is clothed by female collogues and kept out of the public until the formal procedure commences.
The priest presides over the wedding ceremony, and once he declares the couple as married a party is thrown to honor the celebration. Thereafter, the couple leaves for a honeymoon. Another important ceremony in Greece is baptism. According to the Greek Orthodox, baptism is among the most significant festivities. Baptism is usually marked one year after the birth of the child. Priests preside over these ceremonies. Children are dressed in white clothes as the priest administers olive oil on them.
Beliefs
Greek beliefs have developed from sacred celebrations and rituals. As such, they believe in Christian Orthodoxy. The Greeks’ perceptions of life are based on the individual’s fate and destiny. Various stipulations and practices link this fate with trust in the Christian God. However, some practices are associated with paganism and folk beliefs. Generally, the Greek Orthodox Church has become an essential part of the Greeks’ culture.
Most celebrations and the national days are celebrated in accordance with the church’s rules. It is believed that the church and the Greeks’ life have had a close relationship because of the country’s historical past. 400 years ago, the church played a very important role in enhancing their cultures and beliefs against the Ottoman culture. Currently, the church plays important roles in the country’s state and civic affairs.
Across the country, the youth are not devout to the church compared to the elderly (Brown 1). Despite the changes, it is worth noting that the youth still attend and play major roles in various religious celebrations. In spite of the effects of globalization, the country remains predominantly religious unlike other western nations. Other religious groups such as Muslims, Judaism, and Roman Catholic form the minority groups.
Family structure and gender Roles
In Greece, societies are made up of close-knit families (Brown 1). In these societies, vital social organizations are formed based on family ideas. Marriage as an institution plays a vital role in the functions of the society. As such, family in Greece represents a social cluster with individuals related by blood or marriage.
The marital family is made up of a husband, wife, and the children. The marital family, children, and their ascendants make up the extended family. The conjugal families together with their ascendants make up the extended family. On the other hand, the National Statistical Service of Greece regards all individuals living together as a family, whether or not they are associated.
Despite the fact that family lives have changed significantly over the last centuries, as the Greeks transition from rural culture to urban culture, it is worth noting that to date women still play a significant role in the family units (Brown 1). Women are expected to be the household managers and solve family disagreements. In this regard, the family’s ability to unite relies on the woman. On the contrary, men are considered as the family spokespersons, and they benefit from the social status and respect.
Greeks maintain a healthy communication between adult generation and youth generation. It is the responsibility of the older generation to offer advice and help to the youth. Equally, families support their children emotionally and financially. Family support among the Greeks has enhanced nepotism in the businesses and organizations, as family members prefer to offer contracts or jobs to their relatives rather than non-family members.
Food and cooking
All over the world, Greeks are renowned for their quality food and unique cooking styles. As such, the Greek cuisines are often referred to as an icon of a healthy Mediterranean diet.
The act of sharing food and beverages among family members, relatives, and friends is considered as a fundamental facet of the Greek culture. Their cuisines comprise of fresh ingredients. These ingredients include garlic, onions, fennel, zucchini, grapes, apples, dates, and figs (Brown 1). Compared to other cultures, their cuisines are remarkable for their creativity that combines and makes the most of the produce and humble ingredients.
For centuries, the ingredients have been used in making a range food. These dishes are seasoned with herbs and olive oil. Foods such as rice, mutton, pork, and fish are part of Greeks’ everyday diet. Mezedes are used as appetizers and are usually served prior to meals. They are served in small dishes. They often comprise of lemon juice, olive oil, grapes. The idea of appetizers can be traced back to the Roman times.
The Greeks cooking has also been profoundly shaped by various rules of the Greek Orthodox Church. During Christmas, Easter, or Virgin Mary’s day, all the people abstain from all food derived from animals. These habits have inspired cooks to come up with a variety of exquisite vegetarian dishes as a substitute for animal products.
In the last centuries, the Greeks have been exposed to several cultures from the Romans, Russians, the French, and the British. The culinary traditions of these cultures have influenced, but they have never dominated their food and cooking. Their cooking relies on the readily available flavored ingredients rather than complicated ingredients found in other cultures.
To the Greeks, no meal is complete without drinks or beverages. After a meal, a glass of wine or coffee fresh fruits is served. All over Greece, coffee is appreciated as wine and has formed a central part of their culture. Coffee is served in every village and has taken a center stage in every social interaction event. Greek coffee is hot and thick and is normally served with small demitasse cups.
For thousands of years, grapes have been grown in Greece. These grapes have been used in the production of wines. Over time, the country has been renowned for its famous alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks served in the country include ouzo and tsipouro. Ouzo is the most renowned liquor compared to other alcoholic drinks.
These drinks are blended with water, mezedes or ice when serving. On the other hand, Tsipouro is analogous to ouzo. However, it has an intense flavor of anis. This drink can be prepared locally at home, and its taste varies from one region to another
Bibliography
Brown, Deborah. “Greek Culture and Traditions – Where the West Meets the East– Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency.” N.p. 2010. Web.