![]() ![]() Greek birthday traditions are some of the most unique and interesting in the world, especially considering that celebrating a Name Day is more important or takes the place of a birthday celebration!īecause birth dates were never reliably recorded, older generations were never really sure of the year they were born and only had a vague idea. However, western influence has definitely left its mark on the Greek culture so some Greek families do celebrate birthdays with cake and parties, but Typically, these celebrations are for children. Instead, a person’s name day is as important as the day they were born and often more so. No Birthdays are not important in the Greek Culture. The candles are then blown out after the song has finished by the birthday person who makes a personal secret wish when blowing them out.Īre Birthdays Important in the Greek Culture? Song Xronia Polla is sung at birthdays – take a look at the lyrics below in the article! The ‘Happy Birthday Song’ is traditionally sung after lighting candles on the birthday cake. ![]() The gift should be something you think the birthday person would like and if you are unsure – money or a gift card is also ok to give. If you are invited to a party, it is obligatory to bring a card and a gift for the birthday person. Gifts Gifts such as sweet boxes, flowers, cakes to share, or alcohol are acceptable gifts for name days. Parents on the other hand are always telling everyone all about their children and their ages – it is ok to discuss the ages of children. It is generally ok to ask them around their birthday time especially if they are having a party and you are invited to celebrate with them. Many Adult westerners find it impolite to be asked how old they are especially by strangers. How old are you? It is normal for young people to ask and answer, but although it is not rude, people over 30 may choose not to respond or answer. It is the birthday person’s choice, but generally, the day would be within a week or two of the actual birth date. It is acceptable for people to give well wishes for a name day up to 40 days after the day! In the west, if your birthday falls on a weekday, you might have a small family celebration that night, but your party might occur on the weekend or the best date around your birthday when you are able to get a venue or do an activity you were looking forward to. When to celebrate Greek people celebrate on the feast day of the saint they were named after, although in modern life celebrations can be deferred to the weekend for example. For some older people, the date might differ because the registration of births differed considerably from the past to today, and to save hassle they just go with what the paperwork states. Most westerner’s birthday is the day they were born. In the west, a baby is zero at the time they are born and each year on the anniversary of their birth they turn a year older.ĭate of Birthday Greek people celebrate their name day which is the feast day for the Christian Saint they are named after in the Greek Orthodox church, rather than the day they were born. Adult birthday parties can follow a similar cuisine, but many will offer a meal that includes the birthday person’s favorite food, followed by dessert.Īge on Birthday Same with the west, every year when a baby is born, 1 year is added to his or her age. Sometimes food is designed and created around a birthday party theme. Party food which is usually processed and full of sugar is generally eaten at children’s birthday parties. People go out of their way to ensure there is a cake to cut and for candles to be blown out.įood Filipinos love to celebrate birthdays because the food made is the family’s specialty and during special birthdays roast pig is served which is a favorite food for Filipinos. Ironically the tradition of the birthday cake came from Greece – read more about it in the article! In the west, you can’t call it a birthday party without a cake and candles. Some people even celebrate half birthdays!Ĭake Cake for dessert sometimes with the celebrant’s name on it might be at a name day celebration. But any and every birthday can be celebrated. Most Western people place significance on certain birthdays, such as 1st, 13th, 16th, and 21st, and then each decade’s birthday like a 30th or 40th thereafter for example. Significant Birthdays Cornerstone birthdays such as a 20th, 30th or 50th can be important. In the west, any birthday can pretty much be special if you want it to be and you can have celebrations at any age, although there are some most people defer to for big occasions. ![]() Importance Names Days celebrated on the feast of the saint you are named after are more important than Birthdays. Yes, Greek Birthdays are different to birthdays celebrated in the USA in several ways. So whether you’re from Greece or just want to learn more about the culture, read on for everything you need to know.
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