Web Site Hosting By

GENERAL INFORMATION ON GREECE

Culture & People

The Greek language has existed for about 3,000 years, and is the oldest written language of Europe. The Greek that is spoken today has developed from ancient Greek, and is called ‘demotic’ Greek.

Many English words have Greek roots, for example, ‘biology’ comes from bios (life) and logos (word).  Even the word ‘alphabet’ comes from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, alpha and beta.  The word ‘bible’ comes from the Greek biblia, meaning ‘books’, and the original language of the Gospels was Greek.  Did you know that many other English words have roots in the Greek language?

Architecture
Analysis
Centre
History
Democracy
Dialogue
System
Energy
Philosophy
Theatre
Politics
Economy

Public education is free, and children must attend school from the age of six to 15.  Six years of primary school is followed by three years at the gymnasium, and an optional three years at the lyceum.

About 98 per cent of Greeks belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, and most are baptized and married by an Orthodox priest.  Priests have long beards, and they wear black robes and black hats.  They often play an important part in village life.  When Greeks go into a Greek Orthodox church, they usually cross themselves, light a candle and kiss an icon (a religious painting) of Jesus, Mary or a saint.  The congregation usually stands during the service.

The most important event in the religious year is not Christmas, but Easter, when great celebrations take place throughout the country.  On the evening before Easter Sunday, people gather in the church and at midnight, everyone lights candles and says, “Christ is risen.” The next day, families roast lamb on spits and have a festive meal.

Most Greeks are named after saints. They usually celebrate their Saint’s Day, or Name Day, rather than their birthday.  For example, on Saint George’s Day, everyone called George will be visited by friends and family and given presents.  Villages often have a patron saint, and on the Saint’s Day all the inhabitants celebrate with feasting, music and dancing.  The Name Day for Saint Basil (Vassilis in Greek) is on January 1, and is a day of celebration for everyone.  Presents are exchanged and a special cake is baked.

<< Prev       Next>>