Greek Traditions

Traditions help preserve and promote cultural heritage, giving individuals a sense of belonging and identity. They connect people to their roots and history, just like they did for me. My mom’s side of my family is from a mountain village in northwestern Greece called Avgerinos. My Yiayia (grandma) and Papou (grandpa) immigrated from Greece to America in 1968 and started their life together here. Throughout my life, my family has taught me the important traditions of my heritage, including Greek Holidays. These events are celebrated with deep-rooted traditions and a variety of delicious foods that reflect the country’s heritage. Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter are among the most important holidays in Greece, each with its unique customs and culinary delights.

     Christmas in Greece is a time for family gatherings and religious observance. The holiday season begins on December 6th with the Feast of St. Nicholas and continues until January 6th, the Epiphany. On Christmas Eve, children go door-to-door singing “kalanda” (carols), and families attend midnight Mass. One traditional food on Christmas is a roasted lamb seasoned with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Another popular food and personally my favorite is tiropita, a delicious Greek pastry made with layers of filo dough and filled with a mixture of cheeses, typically feta. The crispy, flaky layers combined with the creamy cheese filling make it a favorite in Greek cuisine. For dessert, my Yiayia makes a common Greek pastry called Baklava, made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey. Overall, Christmas is a time of joy, reflection, and celebration, making it a cherished holiday for many.

     New Year’s Day, or “Protochronia,” is celebrated with various customs that symbolize good luck and prosperity for the coming year. One of my favorite traditions is the cutting of the “Vasilopita,” a special cake baked with a coin hidden inside. The person who finds the coin in their slice is believed to have good fortune for the year. Another tradition is the breaking of a pomegranate at the front door, as its seeds are considered symbols of abundance and fertility. Greek New Year’s symbolizes a new beginning and offers a chance to start fresh, set new goals, and make resolutions.

     Easter, or “Pascha,” is the most significant religious holiday in Greece, marked by a series of solemn and joyous events. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and culminates in the midnight Resurrection service on Holy Saturday, where candles are lit to symbolize the resurrection of Christ. On Easter Sunday, families gather for a festive meal featuring a whole roasted lamb and tsoureki, a sweet, braided bread flavored with mahlab and mastic, often decorated with red-dyed eggs. The Red-dyed eggs, symbolizing the blood of Christ and new life, are also a key part of the celebration. The eggs are used in a game called “tsougrisma,” where players try to crack each other’s eggs without breaking their own. Overall, Greek Easter is a time of deep spiritual reflection, cultural celebration, and communal gathering.

     Greek traditions surrounding Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter are a way to pass down important values and beliefs from one generation to the next. They are a reminder of the importance of family, faith, and shared values, encapsulating the spirit of Greece. I deeply value these holidays and traditions and look forward to passing them on to my children, as they have become a very important part of who I am today.