For the Greeks, the most important holiday of the year is the Independence Day of Greece.It is celebrated at the end of March, and is 25 numbers.Like most of the Balkan countries, Greece was more than four centuries under the yoke of the Ottoman Empire.In 1821, the people mobilized all their forces and embarked on the path of national liberation struggle, the outcome of which was a declaration of independence.It happened on March 25 of that year.In contrast to the results of uprisings 1771-1781 years, the Greeks were finally able to defeat the Turkish invaders.
Beginning the national struggle and the long-awaited Greek Independence Day
as it may sound strange, but the idea was first conceived of the liberation struggle of the Greeks living in Ukraine.There, especially in the port cities (Odessa, Kherson, Taganrog, etc.) In the second half of the 18th century formed a large Greek community.It consisted of families who fled from the Turkish yoke.In 1814, among the immigrants began to form national liberation organization "Friendly Society".Its leaders were sending delegates to all major cities of Greece.Among the masterminds were Russian officers - the Greeks by origin - brothers Alexander and Dimitrios Ypsilanti.They were close to the court of the Russian Emperor.At the beginning of the first month of the spring 1821 uprising led by the brothers in Moldova, Morea and other Balkan countries.In the last decade of the month scheduled for the most wide-ranging action - an armed uprising.Soon after he was appointed, and the beginning of the day - 25 March.As a result, the Greek people are able to overcome the enemy invaders.The excesses of the past four centuries in Greece Turkish soldiers were forced to leave the country.Today, this day is celebrated as the Independence Day of Greece.He is the undisputed leader among the major holidays for the modern Greeks, who because of this the last 200 years of living in a free country.Greeks are known to be one of the most freedom-loving peoples throughout Europe, and to be under someone's yoke is equivalent to a death.That's why they value their freedom, and 21 March for them - the Day of National Revival Greece.
Orthodox holidays in Greece
As already noted, in this Christian country, along with the secular in the number of public holidays are also included church.The Greek Orthodox, oddly enough, Christmas is celebrated in the Catholic calendar - from 24th to 25th of December.But on January 6 is celebrated Epiphany and the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.It is a beautiful ritual.After the liturgy, the priest throws a cross in the depths of the sea.Following her into the cold January water of the Mediterranean Sea dive all interested men.Those who manage to get the cross becomes the hero of this holiday.In fact, Greece holidays are always celebrated on a grand scale.Organized festivals, wine pouring sea and groaning tables of treats.The Greeks, like no other nation, like to have fun, dance, sing, and so on. D. Even such holy days as the beginning of Lent Annunciation and they are on a large scale.It is clear that the day of Easter (the end of Lent) people singing and rejoicing.Among the religious holidays in Greece there is one that is, perhaps, there is only in this country - it is May 21 - the day of Saints Constantine and Helen.This day is notable for the mass procession.The name of Constantine is also linked Intercession of the Theotokos (Agia Skepi) - the day when the Emperor was miraculously rescued from the siege of the Muslims.
Features celebration
Each of these events has its own special rituals.In these days of housewives cook special dishes.Especially important to the preparation of festive bread, which, depending on the holiday hiding a coin or something else.In addition, the Greeks love to celebrate the holidays in a noisy company.Sitting there delicious dishes prepared by skillful hostess, a drink of local origin, to conduct a casual conversation about that - about this, sing songs, and so on. D. The climax of the festival are all Greek traditional dances, especially Sirtaki.Putting his hands on each other's shoulders, the Greeks begin their legendary dance.
National holidays Greece
Like most countries, the most beloved holiday is still a New Year's Eve.He, like all European countries, celebrated on the night of 1 January.Day in Greece is the Flower Day and Labor.For the majority of Greeks in the first day of May is a must hike on nature, where girls and women are making wreaths of wild flowers, and then they are stored until August 29th (St. John's Day), and then burned at the stake.
and women are not forgotten!
to Greek Balkans have a holiday devoted to the weaker sex - Ginaykratiya.It also noted the 8th, but not March, and January.On this day women's festivals.Husbands take care of all the household chores and release them on the day of its halves which lead myself up and go to a cafe or restaurant.
the national holiday in Greece also apply: May 19 - Day of Genocide Victims, Ohi Day - August 28 and November 17 - feast of the Polytechnic.Well, the most important festival, as already mentioned - is the Independence Day of Greece.Of course, this is not a complete list of festivals that are celebrated in the country.However, those that we have already named, are the most widespread ..
most important Greek holiday
Of course, you guessed it, what will be discussed.Of course, this Greek Independence Day.Despite the fact that he does not belong to the church, on this day in all the churches of the country in the morning held a morning liturgy, bells, and so on. D. After that on the streets of major cities is a military parade, a peaceful demonstration of workers.The memorial to those killed during the uprising pinned flowers and wreaths.
