Greece’s weirdest superstitions!

Many of the superstitions that were passed on to modern Greeks by the previous generations became part of the country’s folklor...
 
Superstitions are a fascinating part of a country’s culture, as they reveal many things about its past and the experiences of its people.
The belief in supernatural causality has a long history in Greece. Greek polytheists in antiquity, who modeled their relations with the gods on political and social terms, scorned those men who constantly trembled with fear at the thought of the gods, as the slaves fear their master.
However, in recent years, many of the superstitions that were passed on to modern Greeks by the previous generations became part of the country’s folklore and it is not uncommon to find superstitious Greeks even among the most educated parts of the population.
This is a list of the weirdest – for foreigners that is – Greek superstitions that you may find interesting.
Evil Eye
Known as “mati” in Greek, the evil eye is a curse believed to be cast by a malevolent glare, given to a person when they are unaware. Belief in the evil eye dates back to Classical antiquity.

Spitting
Strangely enough, some Greeks value their spittle as a charm against all evil. So if someone spits on you in Greece don’t be offended! Good luck is ensured!
The itchy hand
This superstition is common in a number of cultures. In Greece, if your right hand is itchy it indicates that you will receive money. If you’re left hand is itchy it indicates that you will give money.


The itchy nose
Another superstition about an itchy body part. Some Greeks believe that if you have an itchy nose, there’s a good chance you’ll get beaten.
The gift of perfume
In Greece it is customary that when you give someone a perfume as a gift, they must give you a coin in return. If they don’t do that your relationship may be at risk.
Knives
If you are invited to dinner by Greeks, never hand someone a knife. Set it down at the table and let them pick it up, or else you will get into a fight with that person.

Priests
Orthodox priests are revered in Greece. However, some people believe it a bad omen to see one walking in the street.

Salt
The Greeks have a secret weapon for getting rid of unwanted guests in their homes. They just sprinkle salt behind them and, a few minutes later, they are gone.
(Source:protothema)

“Visiting Crete in autumn can turn into a special holiday experience”

“Crete in autumn offers many other opportunities as well, not just at its beaches and sights, but also inland, at the forests and mountains. And that’s because the weather might be nice, but there’s definitely no heat wave, which means that it is easier to explore its exquisite nature, to hike, for example, at Psiloritis or the Samaria Gorge. Autumn in Crete does not fall short in comparison to summer. So, don’t hesitate to visit the island even this time of year!” - Visit Greece

Visit Greece, the official tourism web site for Greece, informs travelers through its #fallforcrete campaign.

Amphipolis Burial Site Excavation Video Released

Footage from the excavation of the large burial mound in Amphipolis, northern Greece, which until now has unearthed Caryatid statues, sphinxes and an impressive mosaic floor, has been released online.
The short video, released by the Greek Culture Ministry, specifically shows the moment the mosaic floor was revealed in its entirety, showing a depiction of the Abduction of Persephone by Pluto.
Other recent finds from the excavation include fragments of the wings of the Sphinxes, part of the neck of the second Sphinx and pieces that match the missing section of the mosaic floor.
In addition, the culture ministry released the following photos of the fragments of the wings of the Sphinxes.

According to an announcement, the fragments of the wings allow full restoration. The culture ministry has released the following drawing of proposed restoration by architect, M. Lefantzis.
(source: gtp)

Crete, Greece, Signs Tourism Cooperation Protocol With Hainan Province, China

A cooperation protocol to develop tourism, trade and culture between Crete in Greece and China’s Hainan province was recently signed between the island’s regional governor, Stavros Arnaoutakis, and the chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Hainan Provincial Committee, Yu Xun. The signing took place within the framework of Mr. Xun’s official visit to the Region with a five-member delegation. Hainan Province is located southeast of China and has nine million inhabitants.
During the signing that took place at the regional governor’s office, Mr. Arnaoutakis referred to the comparative advantages of Crete in the sectors of culture and quality tourism. He spoke highly of the Cretan diet and noted that partnerships can be developed to export quality products from Crete to China and also strengthen tourist arrivals from China to the Greek island.
On his part, Mr. Yu Xun said he was impressed by the Greek-Cretan hospitality. “We are confident that we will pass the message that will strengthen tourist arrivals from Hainan to Crete,” he said.
(source: gtp)

Photo of the day!!

Crete: The island lies in the subtropical part of the Mediterranean and it offers mild winters with specially along the coast line many sunny days with pleasant temperatures. On the south coast you may find your self maybe a day on the beach and swimming in the cleanest seas of Europe.
http://www.plakiassuites.com/

Autumn in Crete

Plakias is a small fishing village on the Southwest of Crete when the summer going on until late October!!
Travel Greece, Visit Crete...
http://www.plakiassuites.com/

Greece: Visitor Arrivals Reach Record High In August

The number of foreign tourist arrivals to Greece in August this year reached 4.88 million people, rising by 25 percent compared to the same month in 2013, Bank of Greece data revealed on 22 October.
According to the data, the number of tourists visiting Greece from January to August 2014 surpassed 15.3 million people, an increase of 22.1 percent.
Of these visitors, some nine million tourists came from European Union countries (14.6 percent increase), while the remaining are arrivals from countries outside the EU-28 (33.1 percent increase).
During the first eight months of the year, Greece saw a major increase in arrivals from the United States (24.8 percent), France (20.7 percent) and the United Kingdom (15.6 percent).
The increase in tourist arrivals had beneficial effects on revenues, which grew by 11.1 percent compared to the same period of 2013 and amounted to 9.37 billion euros.
(source: Bank of Greece, GTP )