The Living Tradition and Folklore

Greek identity is determined “not only by Greek identity is determined not only by the inanimate structures that belong to bygone times but by the living tradition" Ahrweiler-The Making of EuropeThe problem of historical continuity, of p y,succession, and of cultural heritage was posited quite squarely by and to the G k b h b f d f h i d Greeks both before and after the period of national regeneration.

A synoptic term for the coherent nature A synoptic term for the coherent nature of a conscious group, the word Hellenic, or Greek, was first defined by Herodotus. Herodotus' definition, which for his day might well be considered an accepted

ifi h i th t i ki one, specifies homaimon, that is, akin or of common blood; but at once adds a common religion a shared character and common religion, a shared character, and a common language as being of equal force and the basic traits of Greek identity.

IsocratesIsocratesEvidence of participation in patterns of Greek life was determined not birth or Greek descent, but chiefly, by participation in a generally, Greek education which of itself allowed unimpeded access to works of Greek allowed unimpeded access to works of Greek literature.

Due to the geographical formation of Greece, g g p ,Greek folklore traditions are often highly localized with obvious distinctions between the various geographical territories the various geographical territories. However some elements are accepted at large, especially the ones related to the

di i f h G k O h d Ch h traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Christmas (December 25)Christmas (December 25)Christopsomo or Christ Bread was/is the centerpiece of traditional Greek Christmas table, as well as large quantities of dried figs, nuts and honey. htt // kf d b t / d/ kb dhttp://greekfood.about.com/od/greekbreadspitas/r/christopsomo.htm

Singing carols from door to door is a tradition g gthat is still widely observed even in city areas where the traditional heritage seems to fizzle out more quickly. Traditionally children sing from q y y gdoor to door as a way of announcing the arrival of the 12 days of Christmas, firstly offering their compliments to the house and residents and pending with requests for gifts, which in older days came in the form of sweets and biscuits, while nowadays cash - is definitely more y yappreciated. Carols are sung on two date (December 24 for Christmas and on December 31 for New Year’s Christmas and on December 31 for New Year s Day)

Greeks traditionally exchange their season's gifts y g gon New Year's or Agios Vassilis' (St Basil's) Day. According to Greek carols and customs, it is this Greek Orthodox holy martyr, hailing from the y y , gdepths of Asia, who has the lucky gift-giving task - not St Nicholas. In older days, families would place a large log in the fireplace for Agiosp g g p gVassilis to step on as he slipped down the chimney with a bag of toys. And in some areas of Greece it was believed that Christ himself visited via the chimney to check on the preparations for the Christmas feast.

The chimney was, and to some still is, the y , ,passage through which the cunning and quasi-sinister kallikantzari would arrive to cause havoc to naughty children, drunks cause havoc to naughty children, drunks and the lazy. The kallikantzari are imagined to be tall, black and ugly goblin-like creatures, with red eyes and hairy like creatures, with red eyes and hairy bodies. For Greeks, keeping the fire burning during the 12-day period from Christmas Eve through to the Epiphany on Christmas Eve through to the Epiphany on January 6 was once a way of keeping the kallikantzari at bay.

Easter, ‘Pascha’ in Greek, is the most Easter, Pascha in Greek, is the most sacred and celebrated of all Greek holidays. The word ‘Pascha’ comes from Hebrew and it means ‘pass over’Hebrew and it means ‘pass over’.Easter begins with a 40-day fasting, ending within the Holy Week during which ending within the Holy Week during which a complete fasting diet is followed. No meats, dairy, fish, poultry or dishes that

d ith th f d b are prepared with these foods can be eaten.

The Greek Orthodox Church does not always The Greek Orthodox Church does not always celebrate Easter on the same date as the Catholic or Protestant Church does. The

i h h O h d Ch h h reason is that the Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar when calculating Easter.

Good FridayMost shops and businesses are closed and flags are flown at half-mast in commemoration to Christ.

On Friday evening the coffin of Christ is decorated with gold cloth and fresh flowers, where the faithful bow and stoop to kiss the where the faithful bow and stoop to kiss the symbolic body of Christ.

After this follows the procession of the ' pEpitaphios' which is carried out of the church and paraded through the streets in a lengthy funeral procession.

'Anastasi' - resurrection is the most important day of the Easter calendar At midnight all the lights are extinguished Easter calendar. At midnight all the lights are extinguished in the church and the priest comes from behind the doors of the altar carrying a candle. He walks to somebody in the front row and lights their candle, this person with his pass the light from candle to candle and the light fills the the light from candle to candle and the light fills the church. The light is a symbol of the resurrection. Everyone kisses one another and say 'Christos Anesti' - Christ has risen, 'Alithos Anesti' - truly He has risen. The candle is carried back home taking care the flame is not carried back home, taking care the flame is not extinguished. At the house 3 crosses are made with the flame above the entrance door, in order to bless the house and its inhabitants by the light of Christ's resurrection. It is also customary to light a huge bonfire in the churchyard to also customary to light a huge bonfire in the churchyard to burn Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus

It is tradition after the mass, when the people go , p p ghome they sit down and eat 'mageiritsa' a soup made of lamb's innards bringing the fasting to an end. After the 'mageirista' dyed red, hard-boiled g y ,eggs are brought to the table. The egg is a symbol of Resurrection, representing the emergence of Christ from His tomb to geverlasting life. The red color signifies the blood of Christ. The tradition is that people rap their eggs against their relatives' eggs and the owner gg g ggof the last un-cracked egg is considered lucky.

The costumes of Greece are a beautiful part pof a very rich cultural history Some of the characteristics of Greek folk costumes can be traced back to elements in costumes can be traced back to elements in ancient Hellenic and Byzantine costumes. The costumes of the mainland and of the islands are different.

Very little has survived to give us an indication of y gwhat ancient Greek dance or music was like. No secular music was notated during the Byzantine Empire.pNikolaos Politis, the greatest Hellenic folklorist of all, documented and published the most extensive works of folklore traditions and extensive works of folklore traditions and customs. Politis believed that a significant amount of present day traditions were based on ideas that present-day traditions were based on ideas that were virtually timeless, but were distinctive and unarguably Greek in the way in which they were expressed expressed.

Greek dancing unites the Greeks to each other gand reinforces the essence of community. The circle dance has been danced in Greece since ancient times. Researchers have found since ancient times. Researchers have found many artworks depicting dance poses from the ancient and Byzantine periods which bear a striking resemblance to the Greek dances of striking resemblance to the Greek dances of today. Indeed, certain dances (Hasapiko, Kalamatiano, Serra, & Tsakoniko) can be traced back hundreds or thousands of years back hundreds or thousands of years.

The Evil EyeThe Evil EyeMatiasma, malocchio, mal de ojo. Greek, Italian and Spanish for the evil eye. Its modern presence can be felt most strongly in Mediterranean nations, as well as in India and the Spanish influenced South American and the Spanish-influenced South American countries.

To most Greeks, those who cause ,matiasma are not bad people, though some do believe that only malicious, envious individuals cause the ailment. envious individuals cause the ailment. The afflicted become sluggish and nauseous and suffer from a feeling of “having something inside you” – a lump in having something inside you a lump in the throat. Some believe that matiasma can kill or maim livestock, cause mechanical failure in machinery even mechanical failure in machinery, even topple carts of fruit and brick walls.

Infants are especially susceptible. A young Infants are especially susceptible. A young baby can die if the cure is not administered in time. Those who are aware of the dangers f i f i f i of praise often spit after paying a

compliment. They may make a spitting motion or sound when offering praise to a motion or sound when offering praise to a newborn, or mutter “let it not be bewitched.”

For adults, matiasma is not usually , yconsidered to be life-threatening. The cure – xematiasma – is relatively simple, though it varies from person to person, as though it varies from person to person, as does the manner of diagnosis. If someone is afflicted by matiasma, a drop of oil placed in a glass of water drop of oil placed in a glass of water sitting before the patient will dissolve rather than float on the surface. Th G k O h d Ch h l b li The Greek Orthodox Church also believes in the evil eye, and they refer to it as "Baskania".

Never hand some one a knife. Set it down Never hand some one a knife. Set it down and let them pick it up, or else you will get into a fight with that person.G k b li h i h f Greeks believe very much in the power of garlic to keep evil away. You will usually find beautiful braids of Garlic, or some find beautiful braids of Garlic, or some huge, one of a kind head, dangling in the entrances of shops, restaurants and h It i th ht th t li t l homes. It is thought that garlic not only wards off the evil eye but also keeps away evil spirits and demons. away ev l sp ts a d de o s.

Bread is considered a gift from God. No Bread is considered a gift from God. No bread is ever thrown away. If it is not eaten in some way or another, it is fed to the

i l hi k i d d animals - chickens or pigs, and even dogs, as it would be a sin for it to end up in the garbage and has to be consumed by some garbage and has to be consumed by some living creature.

Greek Orthodox priests are very revered. Greek Orthodox priests are very revered. When greeting one, it is customary to kiss his hand or ring in respect. But it’s considered a b d lki i h bad omen to see one walking in the street, and most folk whisper ‘Skorda (garlic)’ under their breath.their breath.

Greeks spit for a number of superstitious p preasons. The most common is to keep evil away from you. For example, if you hear of some one speaking of misfortune or bad news, and fear the p g ,possibility of the same thing happening to you, you would spit three times on your own person. Greeks say " Ftise Ston Korfo Sou" or loosely y ytranslated, spit on yourself/your cleavage. It wards off the evil from coming to you. Now I’m not talking about drawing from the depths of g g pyour throat… a simple little spray will do. Spit three times and remember …Ptew not Phtewwey.

Sometimes two people have the same thought p p gand speak the same words at the same time. Take for example two girlfriends going out shopping together and stopping to admire a dress pp g g pp gin a window. They both say ‘That’s Beautiful’ simultaneously.Greeks believe this to be an omen that those two Greeks believe this to be an omen that those two persons will get into a fight and they say to ‘Piase Kokkino’ or ‘Touch Red’ to avoid the argument Both persons have to touch something argument. Both persons have to touch something that’s red, right then and there. Any item will do, clothing, food – anything.

Tuesday the 13th of the month that is Tuesday the 13th of the month that is considered unlucky in Greece and not Friday the 13th. Th F ll f C i lThe Fall of ConstantinopleConstantinople was so heavily defended by its' surrounding walls that even when it by its surrounding walls that even when it fell it was a surprise to the west. It was unimaginable that such a well constructed defense, the best ever in the world at the time could be breached.

The number 13 on its own is not an unlucky The number 13 on its own is not an unlucky number in Greek culture. The opposite is often considered true by many Greeks, that i h h b hi i id d is that the number thirteen is considered to be lucky. Some areas in Greece say that the number 13 represents the 12 apostles and number 13 represents the 12 apostles and Christ with Christ being the 13th member.

In Greek superstition if you sneeze it is In Greek superstition if you sneeze it is believed that somebody is talking about you. Since you do not know who the person i fi b i is you may try to figure out by saying out peoples names. If you say a name and you stop sneezing it is thought that that is the stop sneezing it is thought that that is the person who is talking about you.

In Greek superstition if you have an itchy p y yhand it foretells that you are either going to receive or give money.If you're right hand is itchy it indicates If you re right hand is itchy it indicates that you will get money. If you're left hand is itchy it indicates that you will give money If both hands are itchy then give money. If both hands are itchy then you will both give and receive money.In general the right hand is considered to b l ki h h l f h d F hi be luckier then the left hand. For this reason it said that you receive from the right and give from the left.g g

God loves the burglar, but he loves the God loves the burglar, but he loves the householder too. ''St. Nicholas, help me!'' - ''Give yourself a hand as well''.~God helps him who helps himself.H th h kl th th l Here the hens cackle, there they lay eggs.

You spoke to me differently, father, before p y, ,you were ordained. Manolios changed; he turned his clothes inside out inside-out. Pity the man who has no nails to scratch himself. Expensive in barn and cheap in flour.The building of the village was not yet

l t d th b i d! complete, and the beggars arrived!

If you want to see a Greek church or If you want to see a Greek church or monastery inside, you must be properly dressed. It's considered rude to enter a h h if h ld d k ' church if your shoulders and knees aren't

covered. This rule goes for both men and women. women.

Since 1982 it has been legal to have a civil Since 1982 it has been legal to have a civil marriage. But still 95 % are married religiously in the church.The rosary that most of the Greek men are holding in their hands, sitting outside the kafeneion (cafe in Greece) has no religious kafeneion (cafe in Greece), has no religious meaning, but is only a way of killing time

From ancient empires (China, Java, and From ancient empires (China, Java, and India, Persia) the peripatetic Shadow Theater crossed into the Ottoman Empire where he flourished as Karaghöz, (Dark Eye) the often bawdy, rowdy, character th t' t i l f th T ki h K hö that's typical of the Turkish Karaghöz tradition.When Ottoman Greece discovered When Ottoman Greece discovered Karaghöz and baptized him Karagiozis.

Greece is among the very few European Greece is among the very few European countries that adopted shadow theatre, abandoning, however, its religious aspect and adding the provincial Greek culture's and adding the provincial Greek culture s own uniqueness to it. Thus, shadow theatre slowly developed into an art form y pof its own kind, acquiring a Greek interpretation which also included music, acting and social satire incorporated with acting and social satire incorporated with traditional folklore.

The themes of each "Karagiozis" play were g p yadapted to various current social and political issues, as well as to historical events of Ottoman-ruled Greece These historical of Ottoman ruled Greece. These historical "Karagiozis" plays were very popular in the past and during times of crises, as they lifted the audience's spirits and offered hopethe audience s spirits and offered hope.

Through the main character, Karagiozis, a g , g ,puppeteer would satirise authority figures and situations. Ugly and hunchbacked, Karagiozis represented the common folk, in a collision with p ,everyone and everything unjust, whether it be a social or political injustice. He often pretended to be a man of all trades in order to find work and sought silly but cunning solutions to the various difficult and strange situations he'd get into. Karagiozis, the puppet character, is famous g , p pp ,for his pranks, which he set up to tease those around him.

The Seven Beasts and KaragiozisThe Seven Beasts and KaragiozisA comedy in four acts, it connects with the Hellenistic period though materials

i d i h Al d h G d associated with Alexander the Great and the early Christian hero St. George, martyred in the fourth century. The play martyred in the fourth century. The play is known in ten versions; its popularity and the wealth of cultural information th i id t th t th l the versions provide suggest that the play can be conceived as a mythic statement relevant to the political life of Greece. eleva t to t e pol t cal l e o G eece.

Karagiozis is the story of an outsider making g y gdesperate attempts to become assimilated into a world structured on concepts he neither relates to nor understands. It is suggested that perhaps gg p pthe Karagiozis is the unwritten history of the Greek people trying to conform to the laws, customs, values, fashions and politics of Western , , pEurope that had been imposed upon them by the countries that helped liberate them from the Turks. The Greeks with their own local traditions were trying to do things in a way that even though seemed superficial to them were essential to progress with the rest of the world p g