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Showing posts with the label Christmas Greek customs

Hobgoblins

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Since ancient times, the pomegranate has been the symbol of good fortune, youth, and fertility.  In many Greek villages, on New Year’s Day, the householder stands outside the front door and breaks a pomegranate hitting it hard on the floor so that the seeds

Carols

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The mornings on the days before Christmas and New Year, children in groups go from one house door to the other to sing the carols.  Every region has different Christmas carols but everywhere the lyrics are joyful and wish luck and prosperity to the family members.  When signing, children usually

Happy New Year with St Basil’s Cake!

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St Basil’s Cake is prepared for the dinner of New Year’s Eve. Some families in the villages cut the cake after lunch on January 1st, but most families cut it right after the coming of the New Year at midnight.    This cake, called vasilopita in Greek, is dedicated to Saint Basil, who is the Santa Claus in the Greek tradition and