Christmas in Greece

Cheryl Chatzis
Writes from Salonica, Greece
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Rice beans & pastichio

Traditionally the Christmas lasts 12 days in Greece. There are many customs associated with the holiday period of Christmas, some very old and some others relatively recent, like the decorated tree. Almost everyone decorates a Christmas tree, whether it is real or artificial. In older times, this custom did not exist in some parts of Greece where they used to decorate little boats instead.

The singing of Christmas carols has been enjoyed for many years. It was the custom for young people to visit the neighbours and sing carols for them in return for favours. Nowadays, money is generally offered.

In Greece, kalikantzeri are goblins that appear from the earth during the 12 days of Christmas. They're known to engage in mischievous behavior during this time. Honestly, I didn't know anything about "kalikantzerakia" until this year when our children came home and excitedly told us that they'd perform as the goblins during their school Christmas program this year.

Στην Ελλάδα, οι καλικάντζαροι είναι μικρά δαιμόνια που σύμφωνα με τις λαϊκές δοξασίες κρύβονται στα έγκατα της Γης και εμφανίζονται στην επιφάνεια κατά τη διάρκεια των 12 ημερών από τα Χριστούγεννα, μέχρι την ημέρα της γιορτής των Θεοφανείων. Όπως πιστεύεται, κατά τη διάρκεια της εδώ παρουσίας τους κάνουν διάφορες καταστροφές και ζημιές. Ειλικρινά, δεν ήξερα τίποτα για "καλικατζαράκια" μέχρι φέτος, που τα παιδιά μας, όταν γύρισαν σπίτι από το σχολείο και ενθουσιασμένα, μας είπαν ότι θα συμμετείχαν στη σχολική θεατρική παράσταση ως καλικατζαράκια στη Χριστουγεννιάτικη γιορτή του σχολείου.

The center of Kozani ( Northern Greece) lit up for the holidays.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ
A Christmas tree and a Christmas boat displayed in a central square of Thessaloniki, northern Greece (source AFP).

Rice beans & pastichio