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Greek tradition

Podariko: Why Greeks Select Who Sets Foot First in the House on New Year

One of the oldest customs Greeks follow with the advent of the New Year is called “podariko”, from the root pod-, or foot, roughly meaning “good foot.”

Why Do Greeks Try to See Their Fortune in a Coffee Cup?

The reading of fortunes in the grinds of a Greek coffee cup is a centuries-long tradition, making coffee cup reading an act that ranges from a few minutes of fun to great (or ominous) expectations for one's future. The art of...

The History and Tradition of the Greek Dance Zeibekiko

The zeibekiko requires an inner intensity, as it is an improvised movement that expresses the feelings of the individual who gets up to dance.

How Greek Are You? Take The Quiz

Growing up Greek outside of Greece sets you apart from others, like it or not. There are just so many things that define Greeks and growing up in a typical Greek family. You think you are Greek and up on...

Mass Greek Exodus For Easter in the Village Unlikely This Year

Plans for a traditional Greek Easter at the village are dropped for a second year as the travel ban between regions of Greece stays in place.

Locals Revive Old Religious Tradition on Greek Island of Patmos

August 15 in almost here and Greeks are preparing for all the customs and traditions that will take place in celebration of Panagia, the Virgin Mary. On the Greek island of Patmos locals are preparing for the revival of...

The Most Peculiar Greek Vasilopita Recipe Contains Meat!

The New Year's cake -- commonly known as vasilopita -- recipe varies depending on the place of origin. It is not always sweet which may seem peculiar to certain Greeks, especially those who live in the capital or abroad. In...

Unique 'Vasilopita' Recipes from Across Greece

On New Year's Day or at midnight on New Year's Eve people across Greece cut the vasilopita, a traditional bread or cake containing a hidden coin which gives good luck to the receiver. Vasilopita is associated with Saint Basil's...

Vasilopita: The Roots of Greek New Year's Cake and How to Make it

Vasilopita is a traditional Greek dessert prepared across Greece for New Year's Day with the roots of the tradition stemming from the legend of Saint Basil. According to legend, St. Basil called on the citizens of Caesarea to raise a...

Where to Shop Greek Gifts for the Christmas Holidays

Christmas and New Year's days are holiday celebrations full of love. They are days meant to be spent with our family and friends, enjoying their company and exchanging gifts. In Greek tradition, the gift exchange occurs after midnight on New...