![]() The reason that Name Days are a thing goes back to medieval times, when name giving had a somewhat magical aspect to it: it was believed that the name that was given would have significant influence in their destiny and wellbeing. ![]() The Name Day is a second birthday: presents are given to the one celebrating, gatherings and parties are arranged, and the well wishing is considered a staple of social protocol in Greece: so much so that there are apps that remind people of Name Days as they roll in, so nobody forgets to at least call and wish their best to their friend, colleague, or relative that is celebrating. On the day when these saints are being celebrated (usually their death or martyrdom anniversary or commemoration), their namesakes have their Name Day. ![]() Names of saints such as Maria, Giorgos (George), Yiannis (John), Dimitri, Anna, and many more are very prevalent among the Greeks. To know what they’re talking about, and to best enjoy your time in Greece, here are some of the most important Greek traditions that you should know about!Įveryone has their birthday that they celebrate, but Greeks also have Name Days! Most of the Greeks are named after a saint of the Orthodox Greek church. Knowing some of the basic customs of the Greeks can greatly enhance your experience when you visit, especially since a lot of those customs are not only upheld quite faithfully but also are alluded to by many Greeks in their casual everyday speech! It is about living, breathing history and past experiences through customs that survive and are alive today, with roots in antiquity or medieval times. This culture is not only about respecting and being proud of the famous ancestors of antiquity that shaped so much of what we call “the western civilization” today. ![]() It’s these experiences and the history that have shaped the unique culture that imbue modern Greece today. Over these several centuries there are many parts of history, a lot of mythology, and innumerable communal experiences that the Greeks share as a nation in a deep, visceral place where emotions lie. Greece has a rich and long history that spans several millennia. ![]()
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