What Are Some Typical Customs for Greek Children?
- On Christmas Eve, Greek children travel from home to home together and sing "kalanda." This is their version of Christmas carols and it is accompanied with small drums and metal triangles. Custom calls for the homeowners to give the children small edible treats as gifts. Additionally, on the Saturday of Lazarus, which is the Saturday before Palm Sunday, children go from door to door, this time singing hymns. Homeowners typically will offer gifts of eggs and money.
- When a child is born in Greece, it is a time for joyous celebration. Family and friends shower gifts on the child, with many offering gold or silver coins. Others might give pouches containing sacred items, or a "mati" -- a stone that is blue with a black spot, and thought by some to ward off evil.The tradition of giving gifts to youngsters continues throughout childhood in Greece. Visitors often bring small trinkets for youngsters in homes where they are guests.
- Many Greek parents follow the custom of naming their children, both boys and girls, after other family members. The first name is that of a grandparent; the middle name is chosen from a parent's name.
- The church is an important part of life for many Greeks. One of their religious customs calls for children to be baptized, usually when the baby is just a few months old. The baptism ceremony for a Greek child is a formal affair, with a priest performing the ceremony with the assistance of the child's godparents. After the ceremony, a celebration is held -- sometimes, with everybody in town in attendance.