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kcixcy

Active member
It's the season for gift giving, and I have people in my life who love Greek stuff. Not all of them are Greek! So, I thought I would put together a list of ideas which, frankly, can be used year round for all kinds of situations! Hostess gifts, birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc... The ideas:

Ceramic Vases - Greek pottery is renowned for its intricate designs and beautiful colors. You can recreate this art by making your own ceramic vases. You can use different patterns to represent the specific period and region of Greece. Decorate your vase with beautiful Greek letters, mythological creatures, or patterns inspired by ancient pottery. Ceramics are a timeless gift that can be used for decoration or to hold flowers.

Personalized Maps - Greece is full of picturesque cities, islands, and scenic spots. Creating a personalized map of Greece could be an excellent unique gift for someone who loves traveling. You can use a 3D printing and scanning company to create a map of Greece in high-resolution, and then add personalized features such as landmarks that your giftee visited, special photos, and text. Personalized maps provide a timeless way of capturing memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Olive Oil and Honey Set - Greek olives and honey are known for their rich taste and aroma. You can put together a gift set of high-quality Greek olive oil and honey that your loved ones can use in their cooking. To personalize the gift, consider adding a recipe book with Greek-inspired recipes that include olive oil and honey as ingredients. This gift set is perfect for any food enthusiast looking to add unique flavors to their meals.

Greek-Inspired Jewelry - Greeks have a rich history of jewelry making. Handmade jewelry can be a perfect gift for people who love dressing up. You can make jewelry pieces, such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that incorporate Greek designs. Greek-inspired jewelry typically features images of gods and goddesses, ancient artifacts, or symbols of good luck. The fact that the jewelry is handmade adds personal value to each piece.

Greek Coffee Gift Set - Greeks are known for their coffee culture. Greek coffee is a treat that coffee lovers can enjoy. Put together a gift set that includes authentic Greek coffee beans, copper coffee pot (briki), and coffee cups. Don’t forget to include instructions on how to make Greek coffee! This gift set transmits the experience of a Greek coffee and is perfect for someone who loves coffee and would appreciate a unique coffee preparation.
 
This is an excellent list of gift ideas and souvenirs. My favorite is the jewelry - there are some really cool, unique pieces that you can find while in Greece. And if you are at a flea market, you can get great jewelry for cheaper prices than you would in a tourist shop, so it all depends.
 

How to choose godparents?

I'm currently planning a baptism for a child in the Greek Orthodox Church and finding myself at a bit of a crossroads. One of the most significant decisions we're facing is choosing the right godparents. I understand that in our tradition, the role of a godparent is not only a great honor but also carries profound spiritual and moral responsibilities. They are to guide the child in the Orthodox faith, ensuring they grow in the church and its teachings.

How do you choose? I have a few candidates and am trying to narrow it down.

Getting a Greek costume made?

I'm looking to have a traditional Greek costume made, and I want to ensure that it is as authentic and high-quality as possible.

It's for festival season but I don't know if I am in over my head. This could be anything from the iconic fustanella worn by men to the beautifully embroidered dresses seen in various regions across Greece. I’m open to suggestions on materials, designs, and specific regional styles that would make for a remarkable and authentic piece.

Could anyone here recommend a tailor or a shop—either within Greece or internationally—that specializes in creating traditional Greek clothing? It’s essential that they pay great attention to detail and use high-quality materials to capture the spirit and beauty of Greek traditional attire.

Additionally, if you have any advice on what specifics I should communicate to the tailor to ensure authenticity, or if you know of any resources where I could find patterns or detailed descriptions of traditional costumes, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thinking about the Greek way of hospitality...

I thought I would ask your thoughts oh Philoxenia - or the Greek way, or art, of hospitality. I noticed this when I travel in Greece. People are so kind, they often go out of the way for us, when I feel that they don't have to! How can one describe this to someone?

From what I understand, Philoxenia is not merely a practice but a deeply ingrained value within Greek culture that extends far beyond the simple act of hosting. It reflects a genuine, heartfelt welcome to strangers, treating them with the same respect and generosity one would show to a dearly beloved friend. This beautiful tradition, passed down through generations, turns the act of hosting into an art form, embodying warmth, respect, and a profound sense of human compassion. There have been so many stories I can think of...

This thought process was triggered because we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - someone in the village had taken on a Syrian refugee. Is this a Greek hospitality thing? Philoxenia?

Netflix Show about Alexander the Great

I just noticed there was a show about Alexander the Great on Netflix. How is it?

I have been noticing some buzz that it's fairly controversial, but those who are unhappy about it ... I can't tell if they actually know about him, or if they are just upset about how he was depicted.

I am trying to figure out if I want to watch it so your honest reviews are welcome.

I have studied Alexander the Great a little bit and no a bit about his life, so I am sincerely hoping it's worth my time. I am between shows at the moment.

What is kefi exactly?

I have always found the concept of kefi to be intriguing, and I would like to learn more about it from those familiar or even vaguely aware of this notion. From what little I understand, kefi seems to embody a unique blend of joy, spirit, and passion, deeply ingrained in Greek culture. It's more than just a word; it's a lifestyle, a form of expression, an unbridled enthusiasm for life.

However, I'm curious to know about the deeper nuances and applications of kefi. How does kefi manifest in day-to-day life, not just in Greece, but wherever one might find joy and enthusiasm? Is it something that can be consciously cultivated, or does it spontaneously bloom in moments of happiness and high spirits? It seems like it really permeates the culture, especially in Greece.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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