Tag Archives: Greek culture
A visit to a Greek kiosk (periptero) Posted by Ourania on Jun 10, 2015
If you have been to Greece you have probably noticed the kiosks (περίπτερα) which are found in every city. The first kiosks appeared at the end of the 19th century, as a form of financial assistance to the war-wounded. At first, the only products found in a kiosk were tobacco and newspapers. In the 50’s…
Happy Independence Day! Posted by Ourania on Mar 24, 2015
On the 25th of March we celebrate the Independence Day, i.e. the revolution of the Greeks against the Turks in 1821. This post is not about the historical facts, there are just some information about the way we celebrate, about kalamatianos, the famous Greek dance, and about the traditional foods we eat. Freedom or Death…
A Greek New Year’s Eve Posted by Ourania on Dec 31, 2014
Χρόνια πολλά from frozen Athens! This post is about traditions and customs. New Year’s Eve (Παραμονή Πρωτοχρονιάς, paramonee protohronias) is a special day in Greece and each region has different traditions but some customs are common. In the morning, the children sing the New Year’s Eve carols (κάλαντα Πρωτοχρονιάς, kalanda protohronias) and get money…
Pas kala? Exrpess anger in Greek! Posted by Ourania on Nov 4, 2014
One of the stereotypes about Greeks is that they get angry very often and that they use bad language. Although it’s true that the Greek language is rich in slang and idioms that we use when we get angry, cursing is socially acceptable only in football fields or in places where teenagers hang out…
How to be polite in Greek Posted by Ourania on Sep 9, 2014
One of the first topics Greek students have to learn is the use of the polite form. It is a relatively “new” element, as it did not exist in ancient Greek, and has its origins in French. It is formed by the second plural person. E.g. «Τι κάνετε κύριε Δήμου;» (Tee kanete keerie Demou?) How…
Free Samples of Modern Greek Language Books Posted by Ourania on Mar 12, 2014
Learning a foreign language is not easy. Sometimes learners tend to buy loads of books in their attempt to master the new language as quickly as possible. However, instead of learning the language they often overload the shelves of their bookcase with books that they will never read. There’s nothing wrong with buying books and…
Let the kites fly, it’s Clean Monday! Posted by Ourania on Mar 3, 2014
Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα, Kathara Deftera) is the first day of the Lent that lasts until Easter. It is called “clean” (καθαρά, kathara) because the Christian believers purify themselves spiritually and physically by eliminating the consumption of meat, eggs and dairy products and by abstaining from sin. Customs Each region has its own customs but…