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Theologia Giotsa - 16ο Primary School of Larissa (Greece)

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Theologia Giotsa - 16ο Primary School of Larissa (Greece)

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Greek Christmas customs. A presentation of Christmas and New Year traditions.

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This is how young and old prepare them.....

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This is also how we spread joy and love during the Christmas holidays.

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 A greeting full of kind words for Christmas.

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 Christmas boxes for old people.

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Lanterns for light, so that Jesus does not get lost...

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Paper gingerbread.... Beautiful decorations for the Christmas tree

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Paper gingerbread.... Beautiful decorations for the Christmas tree

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Banking gingerbread...  Merry and sweet Christmas activity

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Banking gingerbread...  Merry and sweet Christmas activity

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Theologia Giotsa- 16o Primary School of Larissa

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Theologia Giotsa- 16o Primary School of Larissa

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We watched a video about internet safety, discussed and made a poster related to the topic.

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Hi! My name is Lara. I am 10 yers old.I Like to play šport.  I am from Slovakia. 

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Hello, I'm Thomie Siskou,  I’m a Physical Education teacher for 23 years. I’m the school principal of the Primary School of Argyropouli,a village near Larissa. I like
very much working on projects etwinning and I love reading too.

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Argyropouli is a village in the Municipality of Tyrnavos, built at the foot of Mount Olympus. It is 13 km from Tyrnavos and 29 km from Larissa. It has a population of 1,670 people and the main occupations of the inhabitants are agriculture, animal husbandry and timber.

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Hi! My name is Angela and i come from Greece. I like art, music and communicating with my students.

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Artemis (Artemida) is a town in the Eastern suburbs of Athens and is located close to the sanctuary of Vravrona where Artemis, deity of the hunt, was worshipped. Today it is one of the most populated areas of eastern Attica and is rapidly changing from a resort town in the Mediterranean to a place of permanent residence.

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ΑΡΤΕΜΙΔΑ ΤΑ ΚΑΛΥΤΕΡΑ (1080p)

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Theologia Giotsa- 16o Primary School of Larissa

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Theologia Giotsa- 16o Primary School of Larissa

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Parental permission

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Hi, I am Theology Giotsa and I teach in a Primary School in Larissa. I have been teacing for 20 years.
I get excited when my students have imagination, creativity and great ideas.
I like to constantly learn new things and meet new people with whom we will exchange ideas

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https://goo.gl/maps/8uQrpcbXEt573u547

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Στους Χάρτες Google βρείτε τοπικές επιχειρήσεις, δείτε χάρτες και λάβετε οδηγίες κατεύθυνσης.

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Gia sas !!! I am Marialena, school nurse at upatras primary school. I love yoga and music, all kind of Arts,

Communication skills,

Pedagogy,

interested in Physical education and

School partnerships and networks

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8θ δημοτικό πανεπιστημιου πατρων

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Patras is the third biggest city in Greece and the largest in the Peloponnese. It is the capital of Achaia and its population amounts to 167,446 according to the 2011 census. It is one of the most important and largest ports in Greece.

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Η Πάτρα Από Ψηλά - Patras Greece From Above

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Christmas in Greece is a special and unique experience. The country has adapted most of the Western traditions of the holiday, including sparkling lights, decorated trees, “winter” villages and all of the typical decorations you’ll find practically everywhere that celebrates the holiday.

A  tradition of light exists in the central Greek city of Volos, where people gather along the shore and release thousands of “fanaria” or heat-propelled lanterns into the sky on December 26.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=Dw_m1EIZCOU&feature=emb_logo

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Celebrations for the Holiday Season start in Greece on December 25, when Jesus Christ was born, and end on January 6 on Epiphany Day, when Jesus Chris was bapted. The whole period is called Dodekaimero (12 days) as it lasts 12 days.

Most of these Holiday Traditions are based on Greek Orthodox religion, although over the years, new multicultural ideas have been adopted making various old school traditions fade.

CHRISTMAS IN GREECE

Christmas is now up and running in almost all countries of the world, including Greece. The festive spirit is everywhere you go and the streets are all lighted up. Are you ready to dig a bit deeper into the Greek tradition?

The main difference that visitors notice when in Greece during the holiday period, is that Christmas seems to a much more low-key event than in other parts of the world, and certainly the United States. However, Greece and especially Athens is getting more and more into celebrating Christmas and you will see Christmas trees everywhere as well as many Christmas lights and decorations on the streets.

Naturally, you're likely to come across many variations, or entirely different traditions and customs in various parts of Greece. Most of them, however, are increasingly departing from their past religious focus and, now, their main focus is on the family and the gathering of the loved ones.

Decorate the Christmas Tree or a Karavaki?

As in the rest of the world, a Christmas tree is a must in every house but did you know that until the 19th century the norm was to decorate a miniature boat called ' karavaki ' rather than a Christmas tree? Don't forget that Greece is a country surrounded by sea and its history and culture is strongly related to it. If you get lucky, you might still find the Christmas 'karavaki' in certain places.

Traditional Christmas Treats: Put your Chef's Hat On!

Another difference between Christmas in Greece and in other parts of the world, is in the Christmas treats.

Homemade melomakarona and kourambiedes are two examples of traditional Christmas sweets, and you can find them literally everywhere, and are offered plentifully as a gesture of hospitality over the Holiday period. They look nice, don't they?!

Other desserts include baklavas, karydopita (sweet nut pie) and diples.

Various Christmas traditional desserts on the table

Singing Time: Christmas Carols

Whilst in the main cities such as Athens you may see Christmas Carol singers on the streets on the week leading up to Christmas Day, it's Christmas Eve, on December 24th, which is the big day for carol singers.

There's a whole tradition behind it, which sees kids visit houses in their neighborhoods, ringing a triangle, and singing the traditional Christmas carols.

As they go from house to house, they will collect sweets and other treats as a reward for their efforts. What types of songs do they sing? Take a look at the video below which gives a great taste of Christmas in Greece.

When Do Kids receive their Gifts: December 25th or January 1st?

Perhaps the biggest difference between Christmas in Greece and in other parts of the world though is the day on which Christmas gifts are exchanged. For many people all over the world, this is on the 25th of December (Christmas Day).

In Greece though, children receive their Christmas presents on New Year's Day and not on Christmas Day. The Greek Santa Claus is called Saint (Agios) Vasilis. We celebrate his name day on January 1, so he brings the presents on that day.

As with many things though, traditions change over time, and so some Greeks may give presents on Christmas day instead.

Really lucky kids might receive gifts on both Christmas and New Year's Day!

What is the difference between Saint Nikolaos and Saint Vasilios and who is the Greek Santa after all?

Agios Nikolaos has a different story from Agios Vasilios. To understand the difference, we must look at each character separately.

Saint Nikolaos was a bishop in Myra in Lycia (Turkey) in the 3rd century. He was famous for his good deeds. The legend says that St. Nikolaos helped three children with his prayers to escape from a butcher who wanted to kill them. That is why he is the protector of children. He died on December 6, so this is the day we celebrate his memory.

After that, he traveled all over Europe to give gifts to children. Despite Lykia, St. Nikolaos became the protector of Georgia, Russia, Germany and other countries. The name Claus is the diminutive of Nikolaos in German. Later, in the 18th century, Europeans transferred the legend of Santa Claus from Lapland to the United States and Canada.

Saint Vasilis (aka Greek Santa)

Saint Vasilios was one of the three Hierarchs, who lived in Caesarea of Cappadocia (Turkey), in the 4th century. He dedicated his life and possessions to the poor. He always took care of the needy. He built hospitals, nursing homes and orphanages and his memory is honored by the Church on January 1.

In Greece, children wait for Saint Vasilios on January 1 rather than December 25. Greeks also celebrate the name "Vasilis" or "Vasiliki" on January 1. On this day they also eat the "Vasilopita", a cake with a hidden coin inside. The name "Vasilopita" comes from the name of Saint Vasilios.

Get Ready for The Christmas Feast

Of course you should not forget we are in Greece, where people love good food. The Christmas table the day of the 25th will be absolutely filled with delicious food.

Whilst turkey is starting to feature on some tables during Christmas in Greece, chicken, pork or lamb are still firm favorites accompanied by a seemingly endless selection of side dishes which include potatoes, salads, and pies.

Christmas dinner in Greece is a family celebration. On the table are delicious dishes such as turkey or chicken, yiaprakia (stuffed cabbage leaves) and Christopsomo ( Christ's bread).

Many Orthodox Christians who may have been fasting are now free to eat anything they want, and the entire family enjoys their Christmas Day meal together.

Christopsomo (Bread of Christ): Treat Yourself

At the end, everybody is served a piece of Christopsomo (bread of Christ), a special type of sweet, aromatic homemade bread. The father of the family blesses the bread, before it is shared out to everyone at the table.

Kalikatzaroi - The Naughty Greek Goblins

Kalikantzaroi, according to Greek tradition, are mischievous goblins who can do no harm to people. They are very ugly, small hairy creatures with long black tails and usually blind.

All of them have a drawback, some have only one eye, others can speak, etc. They feed on worms, frogs, snails and other small creatures and only come out at night because they are afraid of the sun.

These goblins live in the center of the earth where they try to cut down the Tree of Life that holds the world together. They use a big saw and saw the tree all year round. But for 12 days a year they can come to the surface of the earth, from Christmas Day (12/25) to Theofania (12/6). They always try to hurt people, even though they can't, but while they are trying to do that, they cause lots of trouble.

They enter homes through windows, chimneys, keyholes, or even through cracks on doors. To protect themselves from them, according to legend, housewives always keep the fireplace burning and close the windows and doors when night falls.

On January 6, the Kalikantzaroi are frightened because the Greek priests bless the houses with holy water. When the goblins return to the center of the earth, they find that the Tree of Life is fully grown again, and they start chopi it down again with their huge and sharp saw, until the next Christmas.

NEW YEAR'S IN GREECE

Caroling (again) in New Year's Eve

Meanwhile the town is still lighted up as New Year's Day is approaching. Children won't miss another chance for a little extra pocket money, so the previous morning they'll go caroling again, keeping up the festive spirit.

New Year's Feast

On New Year's Eve, the most common main dish is pork. There are many different recipes with pork that Greeks make all over Greece, such as lemon pork or stew.

Another very popular dish is avgolemono (eggand lemon chicken soup).

Search for the Lucky Coin in Vassilopita

' The cutting of Vassilopita ' on the 1st of January is a Greek custom not to be missed.

'Vasilopita' is a sweet bread or cake (depending on the variation) in which people hide a coin (flouri) before baking it. The Vassilopita is ' blessed ' by the householder and a piece is given to every member of the larger family and guests.

The one who wins the coin hidden in its slice is the lucky one for the coming year and a small prize or money is offered to him by the host.

Smash the Pomegranate

After the countdown to New Year's, a pomegranate is smashed at the entry of the house, and the seeds that spread on the floor symbolize the number of children that the family is to be blessed with during the year.

The already existing ones though, are soon to be sent off to bed! For grown ups on the other hand, the fun is just getting started...

The Onion On The Front Door

On New Year's Eve, one onion is placed on front door. The onion is the symbol of rebirth and growth because of its different layers and ability to produce new life after being taken from the Soil.

Some people cover it in foil to ward off evil spirits and making hanging easier. It is removed from the doorway on New Year's morning by the parents. The onion is being kept as it is believed that it brings good health and longevity.

The Tradition of Podariko

Podariko is another exciting New Year's tradition. The word podariko comes from the Greek word "podi", which means foot. But why foot on New Year's Day?

The reason for this tradition is because the Greeks believed that it was very important who was the first person to pass the door on New Year's Day. That person would bring good or bad luck, so the homeowners ask the person to step with the right leg first. The right leg brings prosperity and happy moments because, according to tradition, it is the lucky foot.

THEOPHANY (FOTA OR THEOFANIA) IN GREECE

We Dare You: Take a Dive during Epiphathy on 6th of January

The holidays gradually come to an end on the day of Theophania, 6th of January (Epiphany), which holds a tradition reserved for the brave: during a holy ceremony, a priest blesses a cross and then throws it into the water. Anyone, that is brave enough to dive in the cold winter water, can try to catch it.

The one who finds the cross and brings it back onto the surface is supposed to have good luck for the rest of the year. The winner will then go from door to door, people will kiss the cross as a sign of worship, and give money to its holder as a gesture of admiration.

oodegr.com

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Greek Christmas And New Year's Traditions You Should Know | Kids Love Greece

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Celebrations for the Holiday Season start in Greece on December 25, when Jesus Christ was born, and end on January 6 on Epiphany Day, when Jesus Chris was bapted. The whole period is called Dodekaimero (12 days) as it lasts 12 days.

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https://padlet.com/theologiagiotsa/hluc1u48cc7ufick

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Hello. My name is Anna and I am teacher at Primary school. I love ART, dancing, singing and travelling.

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Video about our school´s life / SLOVAKIA

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Video about our school´s life / SLOVAKIA

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ZŠ Bernolákova Vranov nad Topľou/ SLOVAKIA : WEBSITE

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ZŠ Bernolákova Vranov nad Topľou/ SLOVAKIA : WEBSITE

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You can see our School website

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Watch movie about Christmas in Slovakia. Do you know the name of capital city? How about Christmas in your town? Add your presentation or movie. Find Bratislava in a map- take photo of you how do you find it?

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CHRISTMAS IN BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA (EUROPE)

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Safety internet - add parental permission and how you teach them about GDPR and using internet safety.
DEADLINE:20.November 2022

1. Introduction - introduce your country/city, schools, teachers and students. Don´t forget GDPR- write only name like in TwinSpace. You can introduce via presentation/avatars/movie.... After that students will read it and they can write what do they like about school/country/students....(name/country in comments) They can use:https://mybluerobot.com/create-your-own-avatar/ or www.voki.com
DEADLINE: 30.November 2022

2. Traditions during Christmas /New Year
Watch movie about Christmas in Slovakia. Do you know the name of capital city? How about Christmas in your town? Add your presentation or movie. Find Bratislava in a map- take photo of you how do you find it?

2.1. Christmas cards
Students will do Christmas /New Year cards. They can use online free:https://www.greetingsisland.com/cards/holidays/christmas You can print it, or add like pdf.
Deadline: 22.December 2022

3.Christmas games
You can add some games for students. They can learn english words about Christmas/ New Year.

4. Food
We will do magazine about food/meals in our countries. Students can add recipes,.... Then others students with teachers can prepare some food from other countries. We can use www.canva.com
Deadline: 28.February 2023

5. Carnival
Students will have online meeting - disco online with their masks.

6. Spring - traditions in our countries
Students will do eBook together about traditions in our countries. www.bookcreator.com

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Christmas Cards 2023 (Free) | Greetings Island

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Personalize your own Printable & Online digital Christmas cards with our card maker. Choose from hundreds of templates, add photos and your own message. Easy to customize.