Greek customs and traditions

For me, Greece is one of the most beautiful countries and I do not think that just because
it has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world, but because it managed to
retain over time the traditions and customs, so today is one of the most visited places and
among the countries that have managed to preserve their traditions very well.
First, when you say Greece, you automatically mean art and passion, where theater is
born. Athens is the city where this art was practiced, where it was institutionalized as part of a
festival named in honor of the Greek god Dionysus Dionysia. Tragedy and comedy were three
species of the genus dramatic adopted there. Plays were usually played on holidays to the
delight of Athens residents that had a chance to watch the Barth of the finest arts. At the
beginning of the theater, actors played using masks. So each actor had two masks, to show
the joy and sadness of the character. Moreover, at first only men were allowed to play their
role to interpret and women needed special masks which were described Girls traits. There
were arranged places for theatrical performances (lecture) and special texts were written by
actors and choir. Greek authors wrote tragedies and comedies. Greek theaters were built on
the coast. Because of their special shape, the voices were heard very well, even if the actors
whispered! Some performances lasted one whole day. The public brought their pillows and
when they got hungry or thirsty they bought snacks and wine. Because the theater was a
unique method of relaxation and the audience was very numerous, actors were armed with
sticks to defend themselves after a public revolt and often these riots were taking place
because the plays had a sad end. With theater in Greece arose the great writer and philosopher
Socrates, literature and cinema.
Greek cuisine is one of Mediterranean, and within it, a culinary tradition is very
representative of the Cretan. Greek cuisine uses fresh ingredients that integrates various
traditional local dishes such as moussaka, Stifado, Greek salad, fasolada and many other
traditional dishes. Greek cuisine varies widely across regions within Africa and from island to
island. It uses some flavors different than in other Mediterranean cuisines: oregano, mint,
garlic, onion, dill and bay leaf. Other herbs and spices used are basil, thyme and fennel seeds.
The oldest and defining ingredient in Greek cuisine is olive oil; it gives the characteristic taste
and is used in any dish or dessert. The vegetables most used are eggplants, tomatoes, potatoes,
green beans, okra, peppers and onions. Honey is derived primarily from citrus: lemon, orange,

bitter orange and the thyme and pine Mediterranean. Mastic, a resin aroma, is still the pride of
Chios. Greece is particularly a suitable land for sheep and goat rearing, so beef dishes are rare.
There is, therefore, a variety of cheese from sheep and goats. Greek cuisine has evolved over
thousands of years by absorbing and generating with the same ease various influences. Some
dishes are rooted in ancient Greece, others come from the Hellenistic and Roman periods or
Byzantine. Many dishes come from Ottoman cuisine and the names are evidence of their
Arabic, Turkish or Persian origins.
I believe that there is much to say about Greek cuisine but we cannot define culture
without talkinf about music and dance. Greek vocal music has origins in ancient times, in the
mixed choirs singing performances, celebrations or religious ceremonies. Music played an
important role in education in ancient Greece. The boys were taught music for six years.
Other influences subsequent Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and Middle East have put
their mark on Greek music. Each dance adds to Greek art. This art considered by the Greeks
as one of the most elevated and divine origin, has acquired the greatest importance in Greek
life events. Different from modern dance, dance in ancient Greece was not seeking a plastic
perfection or simple entertainment. It represented a real language, it was a total expression of
emotions and deep feelings. Greeks celebrate important events especially through music and
dance. Traditional dances are reserved mostly for men, although women often dance. Usually
dance, rhythm and tempo vary by region. Sigal is a slow dance while Sirte dancing is
originally from Crete, where men and women come along. Another Greek dancing is Susta,
which is only danced in pairs.
Theatre, dance, music, food are those that make a holiday more beautiful . Greeks
celebrate with great pomp usually important events in the family - weddings, birthdays and
anniversaries, baptisms, and different days of patron saints of villages. These local
celebrations occur most often during the summer, specifically in July-September. Tourists are
attracted mainly by various folk performances taking place on these occasions. Local
celebrations and cultural festivals are organized in variable data and have different structures
depending on the venue.
Vasilopita is one of the most beautiful and oldest traditions in Greece.
Of the many great significance to Christian tradition has the feast of St. Basil the Great
- called Vasilopita celebrated by every family on the first day of the new year. On this
occasion, the first day of the year,there is a kinf of bread in introducing a penny. Around it

gather all family members in an atmosphere of joy and cut the bread into multiple slices, by
the head of the family. The first slice is for the head of the family, second to home and further
on, a slice for each family member from the oldest to the youngest. Who will be lucky will
find pennies in his slices and will have a lucky year. It is one of the traditions of this
beautiful beautiful peop. Many people observe this tradition for health and happiness and
good luck.
We all know that the Greeks are traditions and superstitions fans and the best known
tradition that i respected at every holiday is Breaking dishes: clearly, Greeks love to break
dishes especially at parties. It seems excessive, dangerous? Fellow guests in the '30s used to
throw knives of dishes at the feet of dancers. Fortunately, because the girls were often injured,
knives were replaced by plates. They make more mess, but are less dangerous.
There is much to say about Greek culture. It is one of the countries whose inhabitants
have considered it more important that the tradition and heritage of ancestors are preserved.
Two pages may not include the beautiful culture and traditions of Greece but I tried to present
briefly the beautiful Greece.

POPA IULIA DIANA