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Five traditions only Greeks can understand

The Greek Herald
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Five traditions only Greeks can understand

By Billy Patramanis

Kalo Mina

For Greeks, Kalo Mina means ‘good month’. 

Kalo Mina is a traditional Greek greeting to say to each other on the first day of each month. 

The first day of the month symbolises new beginnings and a fresh start. When you say Kalo Mina to someone, you are wishing them a good month full of success. 

Mati

One of the most infamous traditions that only Greeks will understand is the Mati, or ‘evil eye’. 

The Mati is believed to be a curse which has been cast onto you by someone who is envious or jealous of you.

 It is believed that to protect yourself from the Mati, you need to wear a charm. The most famous Greek charm against the Mati is the famous shades of blue piece of glass with an eye painted on it. 

The charm to protect Greeks from the Mati.

Spitting

A tradition that only Greeks will understand is the idea that spitting chases the devil away, and stops anything evil happening to you. However, the idea that Greeks actually spit is false. What Greeks really do is say “ftou” (always three times), and this sound mimics the sound of spitting. The “ftou” tradition is used when someone mentions a death or bad news, when someone mentions the beauty or health of someone, or when someone is complimenting a baby or a child, that way it doesn’t give the person mentioned the evil eye. 

Plate Smashing

One of the most entertaining traditions of Greeks is smashing plates. Smashing plates is done by Greeks to express joy and happiness, or to express their delight for music being played at a party. In 1969, smashing plates was banned at concerts in clubs, being replaced by flowers instead. However, the tradition is still enjoyed by Greeks, and will be seen during private parties, with plaster plates used. 

Smashing plates at a Greek wedding.

Martis

A famous Greek tradition that is celebrated during March, the martis is a spring celebration where a red and white thread bracelet is worn for the whole month of March. The white symbolises purity, while the red symbolises passion and life. During ancient times, the bracelet was worn to protect the wearer from disease and the spring sun. When the wearer sees a sign of spring, such as a flowering tree, the wearer ties the bracelet to a tree. 

The bracelet tied to a tree. Source: XpatAthens.

BREAKING: Maria Sakkari among 47 Australian Open players forced to quarantine in Melbourne

The Greek Herald
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BREAKING: Maria Sakkari among 47 Australian Open players forced to quarantine in Melbourne

Maria Sakkari is one of 47 players participating in the Australian Open that will be forced to quarantine for 14 days, following a person on a second Australian Open charter flight testing positive to COVID-19 on arrival.

Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk was on board the flight and shared the news with her Instagram followers. it is also understood Bianca Andreescu, Angelique Kerber, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Ons Jabeur, Belinda Bencic and Maria Sakkari were on board.

This means a total of 47 players are reportedly in hard quarantine and will not be able to leave their hotel rooms for 14 days, along with two passengers returning COVID-19 positive tests on an earlier charter flight from Los Angeles.

All passengers on the flight were already in quarantine hotels and the positive case was transferred to one of Melbourne’s health hotels.

Confirming the news Australian Open boss Craig Tiley said: “We are communicating with everyone on this flight, and particularly the playing group, whose conditions have now changed, to ensure their needs are being catered to as much as possible and that they are fully appraised of the situation.

“Our thoughts are with the two people who tested positive on the flight and we wish them well for their recovery.”

All players affected will be unable to undergo training before the commencement of the tournament.

Proposal to change SA street to ‘Hellenic Avenue’ rejected after community backlash

The Greek Herald
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Proposal to change SA street to ‘Hellenic Avenue’ rejected after community backlash

A plan to rename an iconic street in Mile End, South Australia, from Rose Street to ‘Hellenic Avenue’ has been abandoned due to residents expressing concerns over a potential loss of ‘cultural history’.

The proposal came from the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of St George Thebarton and Western Suburbs, as a way to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence.

West Torrens council put the proposal out for community consultation, after receiving a written submission from the parish.

“We thought a nice way to contribute to the Hellenic celebrations, which are taking place all over the world, would be to rename the street where our St George Church and College are located, from Rose Street to Hellenic Ave,” rector Diogenis Patsouris wrote in the submission.

The St George Greek Orthodox Church on Rose Street in Mile End. Pic: PAULA THOMPSON/The Advertiser

The local residents of Mile End immediately expressed their disappointment in Rector Patsouris’ decision, claiming it as an act of ‘vandalism’ to change the street’s name.

“There is a great deal of history attached to the street’s name and it seems an act of vandalism to wipe it out,” a local resident, who did not wish to be named, said to The Advertiser.

Other residents spoke about the connection between the street name and prominent author and artist Barbara Hanrahan, who lived on Rose Street and featured it in her best-selling fiction and art.

The concerns led Rector Patsouris to withdraw the request.

“It is evident our proposal is not well-received by many residents within this area,” he said.

“In making the initial request, it was never the intention of the community, and the many thousands of families we serve, to upset our neighbours.

“We saw this occasion as an opportunity to further link the two countries, not to cause disunity.”

Local MP Tom Koutsantonis said it was disappointing to see ethnicity had been brought into the debate on social media.

“It’s a shame some people have sought to make it an ethnic dispute, when it really shouldn’t be,” he said.

“This is a matter for local council but I think it’s fair to say there’s overwhelming opposition (to the proposal).

“Surely there’s a better way to recognise the overwhelming contribution migrants have made to the western suburbs (without putting a cost on the street’s businesses).”

‘Algae-mite’ created as substitute for animal proteins

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‘Algae-mite’ created as substitute for animal proteins

Flinders University scientists are reportedly making waves in the superfood industry, hoping a new product will provide alternative ways to sustainably feed the world’s increasing population.

According to ABC News, scientists have developed alternative proteins to consume, but instead of meat, food products like caviar, vegan patties, plant-based meats, jelly, jams and spreads have been developed from marine microalgae.

The substance is usually found in the ocean, but scientists at the university have been cultivating it in labs and turning it into consumable forms.

Artist in residence Niki Sperou has helped scientists develop these prototypes in the hope it will be rolled out industrially.

Flinders University scientists have developed alternative proteins to consume — from microalgae.(ABC News: Michael Clements)

“We’re able to manipulate the raw materials to mimic just about anything that’s out there on the market, we just play with the textures and the flavours and we can find something that is attractive and palatable to most people,” Ms Sperou said.

She said the team had even developed “algae-mite” and although the microalgae product tastes like seaweed in its raw form, new technologies can alter flavours to make it taste like anything.

“People are looking for a different way to eat, something that is sustainable, healthy and ethical, and marine microalgae can fill in the gaps for people seeking primarily a plant-based diet,” she said.

Sourced By: ABC News

Organisations to secure grants for 2021 NSW Seniors Festival

The Greek Herald
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Organisations to secure grants for 2021 NSW Seniors Festival

NSW organisations which help older people get active and connected have the chance to share in the $200,000 NSW Seniors Festival Grants Program.

Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee said grants of up to $10,000 will help local councils, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations engage seniors in COVID-safe programs and activities during the NSW Seniors Festival from 13-21 April 2021. 

“This last year has been really tough on NSW seniors and staying connected, active and social are pivotal to seniors’ wellbeing while remaining COVID-safe,” Mr Lee said.

“The NSW Seniors Festival recognises the importance of seniors to the community and provides initiatives that keep the mind and body healthy while combatting social isolation.”

Photo: Shoalhaven City Council

The 2021 festival will have an added focus on accessibility, with organisers encouraged to add an online option.

The grants program provides opportunities for all seniors to be part of the festival, including those from regional and remote areas, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal communities.

“NSW has a diverse seniors community and we need to ensure all older people have the opportunity to participate no matter where they live, what language they speak or how mobile they are,” Mr Lee said.

Local programs and activities during the festival will inspire older people across the state to get involved in activities including art, sport, music, technology, recreation and health.

The NSW Seniors Festival has been running for more than 63 years and is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere.

Insight or Perspective: Keeping the Greek language alive

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Insight or Perspective: Keeping the Greek language alive

Part 11

By Eleni Elefterias

It isn’t enough to want to keep the language alive. We must act if we truly value our language.

However, sometimes we don’t take the necessary steps to make sure our children learn some Greek. In fact, the majority of us tend to send out young children to Greek school in the early years but as they get to years 4 and 5 the numbers start to dwindle.

At high school level only a handful will continue and some may take it up again through the Saturday School of Community Languages or the NSW School of Community Languages online. This is available to all NSW students in public and private schools. Enrolment forms are available from your school. And yes, they all know about it and no, they will probably not tell you it exists unless you ask!

Students are able to enrol in this excellent accredited online course and have it counted towards their school subjects from year 9, though most enter in year 11 and do it as part of their HSC subjects. Courses at that level available include Beginners Greek, Continuers and Extension.

If you can get your child to enrol a year ahead they can actually complete year 12 while they are still in Year 11. This frees them up to concentrate on fewer challenging subjects in year 12.

So, if you have a child entering year 10 they could enrol into Year 11 Beginner’s Greek for example. Check it out!

Many Greek associations have been set up with one of their key reasons for existence being the preservation of the Greek culture and language. I will not refer to the cultural aspect as it is very controversial. Few if any, however, succeed in doing anything positive to keep the language alive.

Next week I explore what our associations and organisations are doing. 

READ MORE: Insight or Perspective: What makes a good bilingual children’s book?

*Eleni Elefterias-Kostakidis is a teacher of Modern Greek and University lecturer. 

Read Eleni Elefterias’ column ‘Insight or Perspective’ in Greek, every Saturday in The Greek Herald’s print edition or get your subscription here.

Ten facts about ancient Greece you probably didn’t know

The Greek Herald
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Ten facts about ancient Greece you probably didn’t know

By Georgene Dilernia

Ancient Greece is one of the most renowned ancient civilisations, birthplace to many concepts and ideas we still use in the modern day.

Home to famous gods, philosophers and general heroes, Ancient Greece has a rich history that interests everyone. Let’s take a dive into 10 interesting facts about where it all began! 

  1. Play games not war

During the ancient Olympic games, no wars were permitted during the month of and before the games. This was so that spectators and competitors could travel to Olympia unharmed and enjoy the games in peace. During the Olympic Truce, legal disputes and the death penalty were also forbidden.

  1.  Chitons were all the rage!

Most ancient Greeks wore a chiton, which was similar to a long t-shirt made from one large piece of cotton. However, the slaves were forced to wear the loincloth, a small strip of cloth wrapped around the waist. 

A chiton was a form of clothing in ancient Greece, worn by both the sexes. There are two forms of chitons, the… | Ancient greek costumes, Greek dress, Greek costume
  1. The spotlight loves the Greeks, since they invented it

The ancient Greeks invented many things, including theatre! They loved watching plays and most cities had a theatre, some big enough to hold 15 000 people. Only men and boys were allowed to be actors and they wore masks, which showed the audience whether their character was happy or sad.

  1. Every Greek knows another Greek through someone

Ever talking to another Greek person and you find out their cousin went to your school? This happened even in ancient Greece! Alexander the Great was taught by famous philosopher Aristotle, and had many other run ins with other known figures, even crossing to other cultures like Cleopatra.

  1. Shake on it

The custom of greeting someone by shaking hands as far back as the ancient Greeks. One section of the Acropolis depicts the Greek goddess of marriage, Hera, shaking hands with the Greek goddess of Wisdom, Athena.

The Handshake: Ancient Greek Gesture May Fade Away in Post-Coronavirus Era | GreekReporter.com
  1. The God of Sleep was kind of a vampire…

The Greek god of Sleep, Hypnos, had to hide from the sunlight during the day, as he was the son of Nyx, goddess of night. He could only come out at night, where he would visit people in the dark and ease them into a state of rest.

  1. Graeae, 1 eye

In Ancient Greece, there were 3 sisters, the Graeae, who took the form of 3 elderly ladies. They all had to share 1 eye, as well as one tooth among the three of them. They are most known from the myth of Perseus and Medusa, when Perseus stole their eye and only returned it in exchange of information of where to find Medusa.

Graeae | World mythology, Graeae, Mythology
  1. Love does not have one definition, it has eight

According to the ancient Greeks, there were 8 different types of love. This include; Philia – affectionate love, Eros – lust love, Storge – familiar love, Ludus – playful love, Mania – obsessive love, Philautia – self love, and Agape – selfless love.

  1. The apple AT my eye

In ancient Greece, individuals would throw apples at each other as a way to declare one’s love. Men would throw apples at the women who they had chosen to be their wife. If the woman caught the apple, she accepted the marriage proposal.

In ancient Greece, throwing an apple at someone was considered a marriage proposal
  1. Red carpet treatment only for the Olympians

Red carpet culture originated from ancient Greece. The earliest mention of it being in the play Agamemnon, where the “crimson path” was a luxury fit only for the gods of Olympus.

Remembering well-known Greek actor, Dimitris Horn

The Greek Herald
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Remembering well-known Greek actor, Dimitris Horn

The leading actor of Greek theatre and cinema in the mid 1900’s, Dimitris Horn was born on March 9, 1921 in Athens. 

Horn studied at the Drama School of the Royal Theatre, where he made his debut in Strauss’s operetta “The Bat” in 1940.

Immediately after, he appeared at the “Rex Theatre” of Marika Kotopouli. In the period 1943 – 1944 he participated in Katerina’s troupe, with which he co-starred in “Spouses with Trial”. In 1944 he formed his own troupe together with Mary Aroni, later collaborating with Vasso Manolidou.

After an absence of two years abroad, he returned to Greece and in 1953 met Elli Lampeti. Their relationship brought Lampeti to divorce her husband Mario Ploritis, becoming an iconic Greek power couple in the mid-1900’s. Together, they form their own troupe with George Pappas, releasing works such as: “The Rainmaker”, “Bridal Bed” and “The Game of Loneliness”. 

Windfall in Athens, 1954.

Dimitris Horn also had a great contribution to the cinema. While he starred in only 10 films, his unique performances included “False Pound” (1954), “We Have a Life” (1955) and “The Girl in Black” (1956).

As his career in theatre and film came to a close, Dimitris used his charming personality and switched to radio presenting. On the radio he hosted special five-minute weekly shows, written by Costas Pretenteris. He also read fantastic letters from listeners on the show “The Postman Has Arrived”.

Later in life he became the general manager of ERT, from 1974 to 1975, while in 1980 he and his wife Anna Goulandris founded the Goulandris-Horn Foundation. The purpose of the foundation was to study Greek culture, with Horn being awarded the Golden Cross of George I.

He died on January 16, 1998, after suffering from illness.

Sourced By: San Simera

Olympic gold medalist Sofia Bekatorou claims she was sexually assaulted by official

The Greek Herald
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Olympic gold medalist Sofia Bekatorou claims she was sexually assaulted by official

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

Olympic sailing champion Sofia Bekatorou of Greece has accused an unnamed sporting official of sexually assaulting her in 1998 during preparations for the Sydney Games.

Bekatorou made her allegation on Thursday while speaking at an online event organised by the ministry of culture and sport. A transcript of the event was released on Friday. She did not name the official but described him as having a senior rank in the federation.

Bekatorou said the male official from the Hellenic Sailing Federation kissed her, despite repeatedly rejecting his advances. After he kissed her, Bekatorou stated that she “froze,” and “did not know what to do”.

The official allegedly invited her to his hotel room to discuss team preparations, where he proceeded to assault the young woman.

Sofia Bekatorou, on the right (Photo Credit: Reuters)

Bekatorou said she had made it clear that the act was not consensual, adding that she was left feeling “exhausted and humiliated.” After repeatedly telling the official no, Bekatorou stated that she tried to push him away from her, showing that she “did not have the same desire.”

After the attack was over, Bekatorou stated that she left the room “crying and embarrassed,” and ran to take a shower, “feeling dirty and exhausted.”

In a statement Friday, the sailing federation said it had not received any formal or informal complaint from Bekatorou but urged her to make one.

Bekatorou has taken part in four previous Olympics starting with the Sydney Olympics in 2000. In Athens 2004 she came home with a gold medial, while in Beijing 2008 she earned a bronze.

Sourced By: AP News

Greece extends lockdown indefinitely, retail stores to reopen

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Greece extends lockdown indefinitely, retail stores to reopen

Greece’s government has extended nationwide lockdown measures indefinitely but says retail stores and malls will reopen Monday with strict entrance limits.

Civil protection chief Nikos Hardalias said Friday that a nightly curfew, domestic travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders will all remain in effect after being first imposed in early November.

Retail stores, closed since Jan. 3, will reopen with limited entrance and for customers who have filled out permission notices to leave their homes that are usually made available by cellphone message.

The lockdown was imposed on Nov. 7 to fight a surge in cases and deaths that has eased in recent weeks.

Pedestrians wearing protective face masks walk past the ancient Agora, in Athens, on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.(AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Speaking in parliament ahead of Friday’s announcement, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said each month of lockdown was costing the Greek economy more than 3 billion euros ($3.6 billion).

“I want to be absolutely clear, every opening of economic activity harbors the danger of an increase in (COVID-19) cases,” Mitsotakis said.

“As long as this increase in cases is moderate and controlled and as long as it doesn’t put pressure on the health system, it is something we can bear. These are the delicate balances we must find.”

Primary schools and kindergartens reopened this week, but high school lessons are being held online only.

Sourced By: AP News

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