I wasn’t sure whether to send out a newsletter so close to Christmas, when everybody has a million things to do, or may be travelling to visit friends or family.
So I thought it would be a bit of festive fun to ask Artificial Intelligence to write the newsletter for me. So I asked ChatGTP to write a page for me describing Greece’s Christmas traditions. How well did it do? You can be the judge. Here it is, unaltered:
“Greece, the land known for its vibrant culture and age-old traditions, is nothing short of magical during Christmas. Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it is an epitome of cultural diversities. Although heavily influenced by Western European norms, Greece still proudly maintains and observes its unique traditions, which become particularly vibrant during Christmas.
Greeks, traditionally known for their deep-seated Orthodoxy, imbue Christmas with both a spiritual gravity and a light-hearted spirit of merrymaking. Many of the traditions that Greeks celebrate around this season go beyond the mere display of ornamental decorations; instead, they have religious roots or spring from long-established folklore. Some are peculiar to certain regions and communities, offering a beautiful kaleidoscope of practices.
Central to Christmas celebrations in Greece is the "karavaki" tradition. Karavaki, which means 'little ship' in Greek, has become a classic Greek symbol for the holiday season. Dating back to the ancient times, the Greeks were traditionally a nation of seafarers, so the boat represents a tribute to the nation's extensive seafaring history and St Nicholas, the protector of sailors. Most Greek homes prefer a decorated Karavaki to a Christmas tree.
Preparation for Christmas begins forty days prior on 15th November, which marks the beginning of the Christmas Lent or "Sarakosti." Devout Greek Orthodox followers fast for these forty days, abstaining from eating meat, eggs, and dairy products, as an act of purification and penitence. The Christmas fast ends on Christmas Eve when Greeks feast on the traditional "Christopsomo" or 'Christ's Bread,' specially baked for Christmas. This sweet, circular bread often features a cross in the middle, along with decorations symbolizing prosperity, family, and life.
Tradition has it that a hideous goblin-like creature named "kallikantzaros" roams the earth during the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany (also known as the Theophany). According to the folkloric myth, these malevolent beings emerge from the earth's core intending to cause mischief and havoc to households. To protect their homes, Greeks keep the hearth fires burning all night or place a colander on their doorstep; the myth states that Kallikantzaros are drawn to count the holes but can only count to three, then lose track and have to start again.
The streets in Greece are a dazzling sight during the Christmas period, teeming with elaborate decorations, glittering Christmas lights, and aromatic Christmas bazaars. "Kalanda" is another fascinating tradition where children go door to door on Christmas Eve, singing Christmas carols. They are typically rewarded with sweets and pocket money.
No Greek Christmas is complete without indulging in an array of sumptuous traditional foods. Besides Christopsomo, another favorite is 'Melomakarona', egg or oval-shaped cookie made from flour, olive oil, and honey, then sprinkled with nuts. 'Kourabies' is a Christmas shortbread cookie doused in powdered sugar, giving it the appearance of snow. Diverse regions have their local cuisines like 'Christina', 'avgokalamara', and 'baklava', which further enrich the Christmas culinary palette.
Finally, the celebration of St. Basil's Day on January 1st (similar to the Western Santa Claus tradition) wraps up the Christmas season in Greece. St. Basil, revered as a benevolent figure who was generous to the poor, is said to bring gifts to children. On St. Basil's Day, the 'Vasilopita', a cake containing a hidden coin is cut; the person who finds the coin in their slice is considered blessed with good luck for the coming year.
The intertwining of age-old customs and religious traditions renders Greek Christmas a distinctive event filled with much warmth, exuberance, and fanfare. Yet, at its core, like all other places that celebrate Christmas around the world, it symbolizes love, unity, and the joy of giving.”
Well, what do you think? It’s a mix of the good, the bad, and the funny. Aromatic Christmas bazaars? Oh well, it was fun to try.
But a sincere Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or whatever you prefer, from us both
Mike and Donna