Widely considered to be the cradle of Western civilization and democracy, Greece has spread its magnificent influence through almost all corners of the globe. Greek culture has famously evolved over thousands of years, and it remains the backdrop of well-known books and movies even to this day. Greece’s revolutionary art, literature, architecture, mythology, science, and philosophy are widely studied throughout the world--I mean, who didn’t spend ninth-grade reading Homer’sThe Illiad and The Odyssey?
Today, Greece is a popular vacation spot and is well-known for its gorgeous crystal blue water, romantic rocky coastlines, and iconic white-washed architecture. However, Greece has much more to offer its visitors than its beaches; its rich cultural traditions and famous history are enough to intrigue any traveller. With so much to cover, let’s dive in and discuss some of Greece’s cultural highlights!
Language
The first discovered written words in Greece were found on the island of Crete, and they can be dated all the way back to before 12th Century B.C. The language evolved in complexity over time, eventually adopting the Phoenician alphabet and syllabary. By the Classical Period (6th-4th century B.C.), each Greek state had its own dialect based on this alphabet.
As Athens established in dominance in the world in the coming years, the Greek language (specifically the Attic dialect) began to spread throughout the globe. The vast conquests of Alexander the Great worked to spread Greek language and culture throughout the Western world. Then, over the centuries, as Greece became a nation-state, there were numerous debates about which of the many dialects to use as the official language of the country.
Finally, in 1976, the Dimotiki language was adopted in education and administration, and it has since been kept as the formal and official language of modern Greece. However, most regions in Greece have retained their local oral dialects, and, of course, their local accents.
History
The vast and rich history of Greece is the subject of numerous college courses, and certainly cannot be summarized quickly. After all, first signs of civilization in Greece date back to 11,000 B.C. Yet, it is the Classical Period, which ranged from the 6th-4th century B.C, that is most famous throughout the world. This time period saw the birth of the city-state (Athens and Sparta ring some bells?), the Olympic Games, the construction of the Parthenon, Greek poetry and literature, foundations of democracy, as well as revolutions in philosophy and science.
This Classical Period lasted until the conquest of Greece by the Roman Empire in 168 BC. Greece then spent many centuries under the rule of the Byzantines and Ottomans, up until its independence in 1821.
With such a rich history, visitors to Greece have much to learn and explore!
Traditions and Customs
Greek customs and traditions are an incredibly important aspect of the culture of the islands. From religious traditions like Easter and Christmas, to superstitions and celebrations, the Greeks’ traditions reflect the country’s past and are one of the things that make the country so interesting and exciting to visit. Below are just of few of this rich and exciting celebrations!
Name Day Celebrations
Name day celebrations are often even more important than birthdays in some families. Many Greeks are named after a specific saint, and everyone who has the name of a saint that is celebrated by the church celebrates his or her name on a specific day of the year. On the "name day" of someone, friends and family celebrate much in the way birthdays are celebrated, with well- wishes, small presents, pastries, and food.
First Day of the Month Celebration
Kalo Mina, or “good month,” is a traditional greeting that Greeks share on the first day of the month. This first day of the month signifies a new beginning, and greeting one another with good wishes on this day is an important part of the culture.
Spitting
Have you ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding? If so, you may have noticed the bride’s family spitting on her as she walked down the aisle at her wedding. Greek tradition believes that spitting chases away the devil and evil spirits. Yet, Greeks do not actually “spit,” but it sure sounds like it! What they actually say is “ftou, ftou, ftou.” Greeks commonly spit when someone mentions a bad news or speaks of death, when someone comments on someone’s health, or even when complimenting a child.
Evil Eye (Mati)
Mati is maybe the most notorious superstition that Greece actually shares with Turkey and a few other regions. Mati is the belief that the ‘evil eye’ is a curse (matiasma) that is cast by an envious or jealous person. To protect against the evil eye, Greeks believe that a certain charm must be worn. This is what the famous blue pieces of glass with an eye painted on are for.
Plate Smashing
Another famous Greek tradition is the smashing of plates. Though the origins of plate smashing is uncertain, it is associated with the expression of joy and happiness, or even demonstrate the appreciation for the music played at a party or wedding. Though the plate smashing tradition was banned in 1969 and replaced in live music clubs (bouzoukia) by throwing flowers at the feet of the singer, plate smashing can still occur in private celebrations like weddings (though generally plaster plates are used, since plate smashing can be an expensive tradition!).
Music
Music in Greece is very diverse due to the different influences of the Eastern and Western cultures of Asia and Europe. Greek music has a long history dating from Ancient Greece , during which time poetry, dancing, and music played an important part in festivities, performances, and celebrations. Today, music remains an important aspect of daily life.
Today, Greece enjoys various musical traditions, from modern musical artists to traditional folk music. Greek Folk Songs, known as Dimotiko Tragoudi, have its origins in ancient Greek poetry and music. This type of musical tradition uses various instruments, such as the lira and laouto (lute), the tambouras and gaida (bagpipe), the zournas (shawm), the daouli (drum), the dachares (tambourine), the ziyia (paired groups) and the violi (violin). These songs include love songs, wedding songs, songs of exile, songs of freedom, death, and sorrows. They express important parts of the history and the life of the Greeks.
Food and wine are, of course, very important aspects of the culture, as well. See here for more information of Greek food and wine!
Which of these cultural traditions are you most excited to participate in on your next trip to Greece?
Post written by Grace Klopp