Yesterday was the first day of the year. Well, not the normal calendar first day of the year (since it is only September) but the day which marks the beginning of the Church year. It was a little confusing at first, so I did some research, compiled my notes and then published a post about Orthodox New Years Day – you can read it here.
Writing the New Years Day post inspired me to think about other special events that happen throughout the year. So, to make it easy for everyone, I compiled a list of 20 Important Calendar Dates To Remember.
These 20 dates are not ranked by importance and this list is certainly not the whole list! However this is a compiled list of what I have written so far. I plan to add more dates to this Calendar list as time goes on.
Some of these tradition dates are cultural, others are superstitious but most of them stem from the Orthodox religious calendar. Like typical Greek tradition, almost all of these events are celebrated with family and food so you will also find a few recipes in this list too.
Please leave a comment and tell me about the calendar events you celebrate with your family.
I would love to hear from you!
Sia
The Beginning of the Year
- Happy New Year: Learn Why the Greek Orthodox Church Celebrates the New Year on the 1st of September
- Vasilopita – Greek Cooking Challenge: Recipe 1
- How To Cut Vasilopita
- The History of Vasilopita
- Vasilopita ~ Greek New Years Day Bread
Easter Time
- Why is Greek Easter Different to Aussie Easter?
- Learn About Great Lent in the Greek Orthodox Church
- Cook Lagana Bread for Lent : Greek Cooking Challenge Recipe 3
- Kira Sarakosti ~ An Old Greek Easter Tradition
- Smelly Thursday ~ Celebrate the Greek Tradition of Tsiknopempti
- Top Ten Fashion Tips – What to Wear to Church For Greek Easter
- Easter Candles ~ A Tradition for Children and their God Parents
- Why Do Godparents Give Candles to Their Godchildren at Easter? (Coming Soon)
Christmas
Calendar Dates
- March 1st: Welcoming Spring with a Greek Tradition
- May 1st: The Greek Custom of Protomagia ~ The May Flower Wreath
- June 24th: Saint John’s Fires ~ Unmarried Girls Discover Their Future Husbands
- July 25th: Orthodox Feast Day of St Anna: Praying to St Anna for a Baby
- August 15th: The Greek Traditions of the Summer Easter ~ and the Snakes of Kefalonia
- September 1st: Learn Why the Greek Orthodox Church Celebrates New Years on the 1st of September
Superstition and Culture
Photo Credit: Save the date cards designed by The House Lars Built. They are available to purchase from at this Etsy store: The House Lars Built
Sia Aristidou is fascinated by the rituals and traditions celebrated in Greek culture. Sia writes about love, marriage, family and tradition and sells beautiful handmade wedding gifts at the Greek Wedding Shop.
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