Greek Christmas Customs you won’t find anywhere else

Winter is a marvelous time to visit Greece, and definitely a great time to get a feel for the Christmas spirit. With similar customs that many have seen worldwide, Greece’s many Christmas traditions come in variations that make it a truly magical experience. From carols sung by children to scary superstitions, Greece’s many Christmases’ traditions date back to generations past originating from villages, towns, and cities alike. For our first article this month we’d like to share some of the most popular Greek customs during Christmas, which you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Christopsomo

A ritual considered almost sacred, the preparation of the Christopsomo or ‘Christ Bread’ is a tradition that dates back generations. A piece of dough is kept aside for making a cross at the center of the bread, which is then ‘engraved’ with designs ranging from flowers and animals relevant to the family to symbols of abundance. On Christmas Eve the family gathered around the bread to carve it and exchange wishes.

Naughty Kalikantzori

It wouldn’t be a Greek Christmas without myths and superstition. One of the most iconic ones is the Kalikantzori. The myth describes them as dwellers living in the centre of the earth throughout the year, trying to see the world tree and cause it to collapse. Eventually, rising to the surface of the earth on Christmas Eve to cause havoc for the humans who reside there until Epiphany Day. Superstition says that the kallikantzaroi steal, misplace and soil things around the house and cause all other kinds of mischief. So, when you can’t find something in the morning after Christmas Eve, now you know the culprits.

Pomegranate Smashing

The farming of good luck and prosperity begins with some good old-fashioned pomegranate smashing. A very old tradition, upon returning from Church service on New Year’s morning, the ‘man of the house or person who oversees their home would smash (throw) a pomegranate on the floor inside their home. Fun superstitious fact, the more ruby-red, sparkling, and translucent the seeds are, the more blessed the year ahead promises to be. Now that’s ruby luck!  

Feasting

Another custom that’s not really found everywhere else in the world in the form the Greek’s do it in, however, it’s common in many celebrations, not just Christmas in Greece, is feasting. Before the good old days when we had access to refrigerators and storage units, people would store or rather ‘preserve’ meat in its own fat in the form of sausages, kavourma, and other preserved concoctions. Leading up to Christmas to ensure entire communities and villages were fed, the ‘heirosfagia’ would take place. This was essentially pig slaughter, not due to sick pleasure, but rather a necessity for survival and ensuring well-fed people during Christmas time. Today, the somewhat outdated tradition lives on as people literally feast on massive amounts of pork and other meats at the Christmas table.  

Christmas Boat

The Christmas boat is a symbol for the Christmas and New Year period not only because Greece is a seafaring country but because it represents travelling into a new direction blessed by the birth of Christ. The boat tradition dates way back, and today with modern technology and lighting it can be made to look as stunning as ever. Displayed in cities or local village squares, even homes; the boat comes in different shapes and sizes, yet stands to represent the same symbol.

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