Another unique custom the Greeks are their wedding tradition. "Greek wedding traditions are rich with religious symbolism and like many other cultures; marriage is seen as a continuation of Greek culture and the uniting of two families, not just the wedding couple. Though there are a variety of wedding ceremony styles, the majority tend to include a full religious Greek Orthodox ceremony" (Worldly). "Stefana are metal crowns or floral wreaths, sometimes attached with ribbon, are placed on the heads of the bride and groom as a symbol of God bestowing his blessings in the form of crowns." In the ceremony "the couple is then walked around an altar three times to represent their everlasting journey. The stefana is then removed and the couple declared married" (Worldly).
Greek is the official language in Greece but some Greeks speak English to help bring in tourism. "After Greece joined the euro currency, public spending soared. Public sector wages, for example, rose 50% between 1999 and 2007 - far faster than in most other eurozone countries. The government also ran up big debts paying for the 2004 Athens Olympics" (BBC). Many European countries aided Greece in helping the country to get back on its feet. Greece is now trying to recover from the debt but none the less is keeping peace.
Greece is an ancient country that helped evolve modern civilization. Looking at Greece now, the country seems to be retired and watching its predecessors unfold. From the beautiful Ancient landscapes to the Cristine Mediterranean sea, who would not want to tour the country?
References
"Central Intelligence Agency." CIA. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
"Cultural Wedding Favors & Gifts - Cultural Wedding Customs & Traditions." Cultural Wedding Favors & Gifts - Cultural Wedding Customs & Traditions. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
"Eurozone Crisis Explained." BBC News. BBC, 27 Nov. 2012. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
"Greece - Language, Culture and Doing Business Etiquette." Www.kwintessential.co.uk. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
You have some really interesting data on Greece here...so what I'd like to see you do between now and April is move beyond the demographic data and geographic data on a country and find some representations of that country here in the United States for comparison. For example: you have a wonderful opportunity to explore the cultures of Greece and the United States intermingling when you think of Greek restaurants, the Greek Orthodox Church, and Greek social clubs and groups here in the United States. Even consider reviewing how Greek culture is represented in the media. Reading about Greek weddings here made me think of "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding" and how that movie reflected recent Greek immigrants to the United States and how our culture co-mingle.
ReplyDeleteBecause your blog is geared toward American (or English speakers), you can really create layers with a discussion that starts with the demographics and moves toward the social blending. What do you think?