Christmas in Greece is one of the popular festivals in Greece among the local people. It is the time when the Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This festival is celebrated worldwide in December. Christmas in Greece holds a lot of significance among the locals.
Christmas in Greece goes back to the time of St. Nicholas, who was known as the patron saint of sailors. According to Greek tradition, his clothes were soaked with brine, his beard drenched with saltwater, and his face was covered with perspiration because he had been fighting the storms and waves to reach sinking ships and rescue drowning men from the sea. Even today there is an old custom where many ships never leave port without a St. Nicholas icon carried in the boat.
Christmas Festival in Greece is in fact one of the most popular festival. Previously this festival was not considered much of a holiday as compared with Easter. Over the years this festival has become increasingly popular. The houses and streets are decorated with lights. If you get an opportunity to visit Athens you will see the largest Christmas tree in Europe. The tree towers above the constitution square. Besides there are quite a number of stage shows which features the most celebrated Greek entertainers.
During this time of the year a common feeling of brotherhood is spread all over Greece. Most of these families have been sharing this custom for centuries. It is a festive time when people celebrate the event with their friends and family. Guests are invited for dinner and a variety of scrumptious dishes are prepared. The guests are served with roasted lamb and pork with loaves of bread which are integral parts of Christmas dinner in Greece.
During this time of the year people sing and dance to the tunes of the carol. Many children travel from one house to another singing ‘Kalanda’. These children are presented with sweets and coins. On the eve of Christmas people exchange presents which are either kept beneath the Christmas tree or hung on the artificial branches. On Christmas day these presents are opened. At the end of the day the families gather for a community dinner.
Besides, there are quite a number of other rituals to keep the bad spirits away. There are a number of beliefs among the common people connected with these spirits. These creatures are believed to be species of goblins and appear during the 12-day period following Christmas to the Epiphany.Christmas in Greece is a celebration time when people shed off their grievances and make up for their past act of unkindness.
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