National Holiday: 25 March (Independence Day) National Symbol: Greek cross (white on blue background) and the national colours: blue and white. The main Christmas meal is traditionally Lamb or pork, roasted in an oven or over an open spit. When it comes to facts about Greece, everyone thinks about ancient Greece, the Acropolis, and the islands.It is not only that. Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas has a holiday. One of these is to hide a pickle somewhere within the branches of the tree, and give a gift to whichever child in the household finds it. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. During New Year, smashing the dried fruit, stamping on it and then entering the house brings good luck. Twitter. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. In Greek tradition, St. Nicholas is also said to protect sailors. When I moved back to the US after living in the Netherlands for nearly four years, my American friends were often confused about the European nation about half the size of Maine, so here is a quick overview: Your email address will not be published. 2. Christmas Traditions and Customs in Greece Spending Christmas in Greece. 26 December is a bank holiday as well. 1. It’s more common to celebrate name days instead of birthdays. Basil's Day. Inspiring you to Exceptional Living & Intentional Praise. 1. Also popular is bread called Christopsomo that... On January 1st, a popular baked snack is a cake called Vasilopita. Have you been to Greece for the holidays? During Advent, the Greeks will hang little wooden crosses with sprigs of basil from wires over shallow bowls of water in their homes. Find out more about Greece, visit our Christmas Around the World page, or discover some facts about the Ancient Greeks. To get you started, here are 21 of my favorite fun facts about Greece. Merry Christmas in Kenya – Things that are too real . The alternative of not voting isn’t available in Greece. Or click the link below to see the other posts in the series. Greeks believe that ugly goblins enter their house to eat food and tease people during the Christmas period. Greece is divided into 13 regions. But in recent years things have slowly changed and now the occassion is celebrated lavishly. Christmas Day, on December 25, is one of the most festive Christian holidays in many countries around the world. Presents in Greece are normally distributed on January 1st, St. Christmas in Greece. In accumulation, neighbors bead in for a visit on Christmas day to taster the Christmas fare. Read Also: Is Samos Safe To Visit? It began regaining popularity only recently, partially because Russian leaders, starting with Vladimir Putin, annually attend a Christmas liturgy. The British ambassador in Athens was Thomas Bruce, also known as Lord Elgin, and he immediately set his eyes on the grandeur Acropolis. Between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6th), the Greeks will also keep their chimney fires burning, as legend says the Killantzaroi may enter through the chimneys to put out fires, play jokes, and sour the milk, leaving bad luck for the family. Facts about Christmas 1) Christmas is a Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe was the son of God. There are wild dolphins swimming in the Greek waters. Electric Christmas tree lights were first used in 1895. IT IS NOT A HOLIDAY. Fun Facts about Greece; Quirky Greece Facts. The highest point in Greece is Mount Olympus at 9,573 feet. Christmas trees are not traditional in Greece. History: The first evidence of people living in the region date back to 270 000 BC on the Chalkidiki peninsula. Families decorate the crust of the large, sweet loaves with symbols of their professions. Dec 26, 2018 - Fun facts about Christmas in Greece. Another of the interesting facts about Greece, has to do with New Year. Click to join us for a tour around the world as we experience the sights, sounds, smells and Let’s find out about some of these age-old traditions. These cookies do not store any personal information. The government of Greece is a Unitary parliamentary republic. Especially at Christmas! The ceremony of the lighting of the tree is accompanied by music and dancing. All Greek ships have an icon of St. Nicholas. Also popular is bread called Christopsomo that has a cross design baked into it and is eaten after Christmas dinner. Democracy Started in Athens. The DoubleTree cookies are made in Nashville. On Boxing Day, the 26th of December, friends and family are usually visited to exchange gifts. 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