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| Home » Easter » Easter World » Greek Easter |
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Greek Easter |
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“I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world” by Socrates, from ‘Plutarch, of Banishment’ aptly throws light on typical Greek aura and elegance. Greek Easter is better known as Paskha. The word “Pascha”, better known as Easter in Greek, stems from the Jewish “Pasah” which means “Passover. The corresponding Greek word for “Pascha” is “Lambrí” meaning brightness; hence many Greeks believe that Easter is a joyous occasion, as on this day Christians all over celebrate Christ’s victory over death. |
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| Since time immemorial the ancient land of Greece has significantly contributed towards the advancement of human civilization and today the Greek culture is widely accepted in many countries like Cyprus, Albania, Bulgaria, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, Romania and Egypt. |
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| Easter festivities comprise of various activities where special Easter carnivals, folk dances, liturgical dramas are held at the major cities of Greece. The time is also widely observed as the indication of spring, rebirth of nature and season of beautiful flora and fauna. The Greek Easter traditions begins with a 40-day fast, of the 40 days, one week is chosen for the complete fast, where only natural foods are eaten. No meat, dairy, fish or poultry dishes are prepared and consumed on those days. Easter celebrations of the Greeks begin with Resurrection on Holy Thursday. |
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On that day women folk of the house traditionally prepare ‘tsourekia’, a sweet buns resembling brioche and color eggs with special red dyes, as the egg symbolizes the renewal of life and red stands for the blood Christ has shed for the salvaging humanity from sins.On Holy Saturday, according to Greek Orthodox Easter rituals, the Eternal Flame is brought to Greece by military jet, and is distributed to the priests who carry it to their local churches. Also special candles made for Easter called “labatha” are often given as gifts to children by their parents. At the midnight hour, the priest calls out "Christos Anesti" (Christ is risen), and passes the flame. The night air is filled with the singing of the Byzantine Chant "Christos Anesti," and the "fili tis Agapis" wishes are exchanged. Soon the church bells ring joyfully, non-stop, while ships in harbors all over Greece blow their horns, floodlights are lit on buildings, and spectacular fire works are displayed on the city streets. Special Greek Easter recipes like ‘Mayeritsa’, ‘Greek Chicken’, ‘Garithes Me Feta’, ‘Koulourakia’ and ‘Oretiko’, a great Greek appetizer, are prepared and feasted by the whole family.
So, next time you plan to visit the historic land of Greece, try not to miss the vibrant Greek Easter celebrations.
To know more on Greek Easter, keep navigating Dgrretings.com.
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