For the Greeks the most significant holiday in the yearis the Independence Day of Greece. It is celebrated at the end of March, namely on the 25th. Like most countries of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece for more than four centuries was 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 the proclamation of independence. This happened on March 25 of the same year. Unlike the results of the uprisings of 1771-1781, the Greeks finally managed to defeat the Turkish invaders.
Strange as it may sound, but the idealiberation struggle first arose from the Greeks living in Ukraine. There, especially in the port cities (Odessa, Kherson, Taganrog, etc.) in the second half of the 18th century a large Greek community was formed. It consisted of families fleeing from Turkish oppression. In 1814, among the emigrants, the national liberation organization "Friendly Society" began to be formed. Its leaders sent delegates to all the major cities of Greece. Among the inspirers were Russian officers - Greeks of origin - the brothers Alexander and Dimitros Ypsilanti. They were approached to the court of the Russian emperor. At the beginning of the first spring month of 1821, the brothers led uprisings in Moldova, Moree and other Balkan countries. In the last decade of the month, it was planned to conduct the most widespread action - an armed uprising. Soon was appointed and the day of the beginning - March 25. As a result, the Greek people were able to defeat the enemy invaders. For four centuries in the territory of Greece, the warriors of Turks were compelled to leave the country. Today this day is celebrated as the Independence Day of Greece. He is the undisputed leader among the main holidays for the modern Greeks, who have been living in a free country for the last 200 years. The Greeks, as you know, are one of the most freedom-loving peoples in all of Europe, and being under someone's yoke is simply equivalent to death. That's why they value their freedom so much, and on March 21, for them - the National Revival Day of Greece.
As already noted, in this Christian countryalong with the secular in the number of public holidays also include the church. In Orthodox Greece, oddly enough, Christmas is celebrated according to the Catholic calendar - from 24th to 25th December. But on January 6, the Epiphany and the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River are celebrated here. This is a very beautiful ritual. After the Liturgy, the priest throws a cross into the sea abyss. Following her, in the cold January waters of the Mediterranean Sea, all the willing men dive. The one who manages to get the cross becomes a hero of this holiday. In fact, the holidays of Greece are always celebrated with great scope. There are organized festivities, a sea of wine is poured, and tables are tied to refreshments. Greeks, like no other nation, like to have fun, dance, sing, etc. Even such church holidays as the beginning of Lent and Annunciation are held with great scope. It is clear that on the day of Easter (the end of Lent) the people are singing and rejoicing. Among the Greek church holidays there is one more, which, perhaps, is celebrated only in this country - this is May 21 - the day of Saints Constantine and Helena. This day is notable for the mass procession of the cross. The name of Constantine is also associated with the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Agia Skepi) - the day when the emperor was miraculously saved from the siege of Muslims.
Each of these holidays has its own specialrituals. These days the housewives prepare special dishes. Particularly important is the preparation of festive bread, in which, depending on the holiday, a coin or something else is hidden. In addition, the Greeks like to celebrate holidays in noisy companies. Sit, eat delicious dishes prepared by skilled housewives, drink local beverages, conduct casual conversations about - this, sing songs, etc. The climax of any Greek holiday are national dances, especially sirtaki. Laying their hands on each other's shoulders, the Greeks begin their legendary dance.
Like most countries in the world, the most favoritea holiday is still the New Year. It, as in all European countries, is celebrated on the night of January 1. May Day in Greece is the Day of Flowers and Labor. For the majority of Greeks on the first day of May, a hike to nature is mandatory, where girls and women weave wreaths from wildflowers, then they are kept until August 29 (St. John's Day), and then burned at the stake.
In the Greek Balkans there is a holiday dedicated toweak sex, - Ginaikratiya. It is also celebrated on the 8th, not March, but January. On this day there are festivals of women. Husbands take on all the household chores and get rid of them for a day of their halves, which put themselves in order and go to a cafe or restaurant.
The national holidays of Greece also include: May 19 - Day of Remembrance of Genocide Victims, Okhi Day - August 28 and November 17 - Polytechnic Day. Well, the most important holiday, as already noted, is the Independence Day of Greece. Of course, this is not a complete list of holidays that are celebrated in this country. Nevertheless, those that we have already mentioned are the most massive.
Of course, you guessed what will be discussed. Of course, this is the Independence Day of Greece. Despite the fact that it does not belong to the church, on this day in all churches of the country morning morning liturgy is held, bells ringing, etc. Then in the streets of major cities there is a military parade, peaceful demonstrations of workers. Flowers and wreaths are placed on the memorials of those killed in the days of the uprising.
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