March 25th: A day commemorating history and religion

·

For many Greek people, when they think of March 25th the concept of freedom comes to mind.

Every year, Greek Independence Day is celebrated on March 25th to honour the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821. It highlights the end of occupation by Ottoman rule in Greece and is a significant part of its history.

To mark the significant day, people throughout Greece, Australia and other parts of the world can be seen attending memorial events for the heroes of 1821, going to church, luncheons, having young kids dress in blue and white or traditional costumes and parade, raising Greek flags and performing poems and speeches.

In many parts of Australia, major buildings in capital cities can be seen lit in blue and white, and Greek flags are on display.

March in Syntagma. Photo: Kathimerini Cyprus English Edition

The biggest event for Greek Independence Day in Greece takes place in Athens, where a parade and formal ceremony is held and attended by officials and armed forces.

Although March 25th marks a significant day in Greek history, did you know it also coincides with a religious celebration?

The Annunciation of the Theotokos

March 25th is also the religious commemoration or celebration of the Annunciation of the Theotokos – one of the Twelve Great Feasts of thechurch. This day recognises when the Archangel Gabriel appeared in front of the Virgin Mary and told her that she would be the bearer of the son of God – Jesus Christ.

Annunciation of the Theotokos. Photo: St Vasilios, Greek Orthodox Church

This event took place nine months before Jesus Christ was born on December 25.

To mark the religious aspect of the double celebration, people named Evan, Evangelia, Evangelos, Eva, Angelina, Evangeline, Angela, Vangelis, Vangos and many more celebrate their name days, parades are held and traditional food is eaten.

People often hold feasts with their loved ones for the Annunciation of the Theotokos, where they consume ‘bakaliaros’ which in English translates to cod fish. This is also due to March 25th falling during the Lent period, so people abstaining from meat can enjoy a traditional alternative.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals what Rafael Nadal asked him at the 2019 Laver Cup

Stefanos Tsitsipas has opened up on the advice he received from Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, during the Laver Cup in 2019.

Greece responds to Erdogan’s aggressive remarks ahead of Berlin meeting

Greece and Turkey have traded barbs a few hours ahead of the meeting on the situation in Libya in Berlin. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan...

Cr Zoi Tsardoulias: We want to pay tribute to Greeks who made Marrickville what it is today

As a first-term Councillor in the Inner West, Zoi Tsardoulias has hit the ground running. The Greek Herald speaks with her.