Customs and traditions

MARRIAGES

Traditionally marriages were arranged.  The wedding being preceded by an engagement party, some months before the wedding, rings are exchanged and worn on the left hand.  After the wedding takes place the rings are moved and worn on the right hand.

There are three parts to the wedding ceremony;  Blessing of the rings, blessing of the crowns (used to symbolize the union of the bride and groom) and the  dance of Isaiah.  For the last the couple walk three times around the table, led by the priest, whilst the bridesmaids throw rose petal's over them.

At the end of the wedding, there are small gifts usually consisting of sugar almonds in a small net bag.  Single women at the wedding will then take one home, put it under her pillow and she is supposed to dream of the man she will marry.

At the reception, which will normally be held in the streets of the village or in the taverna, the bride and groom with both sets of parents and the best man and woman will stand in line to greet the guests.  Some guests will hand over a small envelope with money in it, or they will wait until the bride and groom dance together which is the signal for guests to pin money on the bride's dress.  Whilst the wedding can vary in small communities, usually whole villages and towns turn up to attend the wedding.

BAPTISMS

The baptism of a baby is an extremely important ceremony in the Greek Orthodox faith.  It not only marks the moment when a child becomes a Christian, but it is also filled with traditional symbolism.

One of the most important roles at the ceremony is of the godmother or godfather – it is a very great honour to be appointed a godparent.

During the ceremony the child is immersed in warm water and olive oil, three times, the devil is renounced three times and a small lock of hair is cut from the child's head.  The godparent will then dress the child in a new outfit.

In the more remote villages of Crete, the males in the family will go out and shoot their rifles or guns up into the air to celebrate.

NATIONAL SERVICE

Every Greek male has to do their National Service from the age of 17 for a period of eighteen months.  The monthly wage that is paid to these young soldiers is a pittance.

There are a few exceptions to the rule, such as an eldest son who has to support his family due to his father's death or serious illness.  Any boys with a Greek father, but they were born in a foreign country still are obliged to complete six months national service if they later decide to come and live in Greece.  For those that come on holiday, they must have an exit visa or they won't be allowed to leave the country until they do their national service.

EDUCATION

Schooling starts at the age of six years old.  Due to the hot weather, the school hours begin at 08.00 and finish around 13.00 on the week days.  Also there are a lot more bank holidays for political and religious festivals, and best for the young children, they have three month's summer holiday.  Once children finish high school, many young Greek's choose to study in Italy, America and the UK.

Education is provided free by the Greek State from kindergarten to university level, including tuition and text books.  The years of compulsory education include six years of primary education and three years of secondary education (Gymnasium).  After graduating from the Gymnasium, students continue with a three year course in the Lyceum which prepares them for higher education.

The education system is constantly changing and improving in the sense as most schools now run until 16.00 hours due to the fact that more and more mothers are working full time.