Greek Culture Research Project PDF

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Research Paper which explores the Greek Culture and Economic Crisis...

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Professor Angelidis MGT 4338 26 April 2017

INTRODUCTION - ALL I believe it goes without saying that the word “culture” is very broad and confusing. Who says what defines a culture? The problem with the word is that it is much more than the sum of its definitions, instead it’s meaning is found within the tensions between them. Many different elements can all come together to create a culture. Some of the most defining of these elements for Greece include their traditions and customs, geography, food, language, religion and business culture.

TRADITIONS/CUSTOMS- Kathleen We identify ourselves not only by our personality but also by our culture. The Greek culture consists of diverse traditions, traditions that originated in Greece either have a religious background or are paganistic. The past greatly influences the Greek culture which is something that the people of Greece are overall very proud of. One of the main superstitions of the Greek culture is the evil eye, also known as matiasma, which it is believed that you would catch the evil eye from another person’s envy or a compliment that was made out of jealousy. The effect of catching the evil eye is negative for both the psychological and physical being of a person. To release the negative effects caused by the evil eye is to have an expert, a xematiasma, recite a prayer in order to rid the person on the

negative effects caused by the evil eye. One way that people avoid the evil eye is by wearing a charm, an eye on a blue bead. The reason for the blue bead is that not only that blue is believed to ward off the negative energies but also it is believed that people with blue eyes are the most likely to give you the evil eye. Related to the negative energies and misfortune the Greeks believe that spitting wards off misfortune and the devil. The first of the two main reasons where you would end up spitting are when you are talking to someone and they begin to talk about negative events and bad news; death, destruction, and accidents, you would spit three times saying “ftou, ftou, ftou.” You would also spit three times as a deterrent for giving someone the evil eye when complimenting someone, no matter the age. The phrase “Piase Kokkino” is also a large part of the Greek tradition, it is immediately said after two people say the same thing at the same exact time. After reciting the phrase the two people must find the object that is nearest them that it red and touch it, the reasoning behind this is that the phrase translates to touch red. The superstition behind this is that the Greeks take saying the same phrase as an omen that the two people will end up getting into a fight and touching red prevents this from happening.

GEOGRAPHY- MEGAN Geography influences our lives and our communities in many ways. To understand how Greece’s geography has impacted both its economy and culture we have to first gain a full understanding of the layout of the country. Greece is located in Southern Europe, right at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. Greece is mostly located within the Balkan Peninsula: a region which derives its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch from the Black Sea to the

Serbian-Bulgarian border. Greece shares its borders with Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and with Turkey and the Aegean Sea on the East (CIA World Factbook). Greece is one of the most mountainous countries in all of Europe. One of the most interesting geographical facts about Greece is the vast number of islands within the country. Most of these islands are in the Aegean Sea, and the rest are in the Ionian Sea. There currently is no exact number attributed to the number of islands, however estimates range from 1,200 to 6,000, where approximately 166 are said to be inhabited (Visit Greece). The islands account for 20% of Greece’s total territory, and the mainland makes up the other 80%. Greece’s area is 131,957 square kilometers, accounting for both land and water area, and this ranks them 97th in the world in total area (CIA World Factbook). The climate of Greece has also played an important role in the development the economy and culture. The climate in Greece is predominantly Mediterranean, characterized by mild wet winters and hot, dry summers. In addition, due to the unique geographical makeup of Greece, the country features a vast range of microclimates as well. These climates include but are not limited to Alpine Mediterranean, which consists of harsh winters with abundant snowfalls, and cool, thunderstorm filled summers. This climate is often found in the highest, most mountainous regions of Greece. (Olympus National Park). In thinking about the impact of geography on Greek life, we must think of it in three aspects that I gave background to above: the mountains, the Mediterranean climate and the fact that this was a country almost entirely bordered by water. Let’s first analyze the mountains; early on, the mountains separated the various regions of Greece and prevented them from forming large governments, and this is why the basic unit of politics was city-state. These mountains also made it very difficult for overland trade to occur, which helped shape the economy. Furthermore,

the proximity of the sea also impacted the economy; the sea was so easily accessible which allowed the economy to focus on maritime trade. This also gave room for the Greek people to easily contact other cultures nearby, which affected politics and society, and allowed influence from other cultures. Lastly, the Mediterranean climate had an important impact on Greece’s social, economic and political patterns. This climate allowed a variety of crops to prosper, such as olives and grapes, these crops gave the Greeks something to trade with people from other regions. The mild climate also promoted time outdoors, which allowed for mingling between Greeks, this is credited with helping to develop a democratic political system. (Bresson) An interesting author, Robert D. Kaplan notes in an article, that the infamous debt crisis the caused Greece to ask for in international bailout can be traced back to geography, “which no one dares to mention because it implies an acceptance of fate”. He further notes: “That Europe’s problem economies — Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal — are all in the south is no accident. Mediterranean societies, despite their innovations in politics (Athenian democracy and the Roman Republic) were, in the words of the 20th-century French historian Fernand Braudel, defined by “traditionalism and rigidity.” Citing the poor quality of Mediterranean soil that caused many crops to be held by the wealthy, he attributes this to an inflexible social order, that led to the middle class in Greece developing much later than their counterparts in Northern Europe. All in all, it is clear the Greece’s geography played a major role, good and bad, in the development of the culture, and economy.

FOOD - ANDREA Greece cuisine follows the Mediterranean Diet, made with fresh products that the land offers. There are a lot of vegetarian options that the lend offers such as seasonally vegetables and

fruits and most of the Greek population follow this healthy style of life. Contemporary Greek cookery makes wide use of vegetables, olive oil, grains, fish, wine, and meat (white and red, including lamb, poultry, rabbit and pork). Other important ingredients include olives, cheese, eggplant zucchini, lemon juice, vegetables, herbs, bread and yogurt. The most commonly used grain is wheat; barley is also used. Common dessert ingredients include nuts, honey, fruits, and filo pastry From one of the most ancient civilizations on earth comes simply prepared food that uses the best of what's in season and adds a little magic in the form of clever flavorings to help it sing off the plate. Greece's culinary tradition dates back hundreds of years and has evolved over time to absorb many diverse influences. Many well-known Greek dishes are in fact part of the larger tradition of the food of the Ottoman Empire, with classic dishes such as moussaka, börek and tzatziki having Arabic, Persian and Turkish roots. (Typical Greek dish with Lamb, Roasted Potatoes, Seasonal Salad, Tzatziki Sauce and Pitta) From some of the best lamb dishes on earth to fresh seafood, vegetables, beans, pulses and, of course, good olive oil, Greek food is simple, colorful and incredibly nutritious. Like other Mediterranean cuisines, Greek food has a reputation for being heart healthy with its heavy use of olive oil, fish, lean meats, vegetables, herbs and grain, although some dishes can be quite rich, like the classic moussaka – a hearty dish made of layers of lamb and eggplant, smothered in béchamel sauce and cheese. Since I had to talk for the project about the Greek Food tradition I asked to my dear friend and roommate Dimitri Mendrinos, born in Long Island but originally from Athens with the whole family that lived for most part of their life in Greece, to be part of one day of their life to know better the food culture and experience myself the taste and the flavor of the Greek Cuisine.

At the end of the day after a long talk with Dimitri’s mom Amy not only I have learned a lot of interesting thing about Greek Food, Greek rituals and Greek superstitions but I have also enjoyed a delicious lunch. (Trying for the first time Spanakopita in Greektown, Astoria) What I have tried during this day dedicated to the Greek Food Culture is wordless. The food was amazing and I have learned so much about the typical food. Listed here some of the Greek Food I have tried:

Tzatziki: It’s a white sauce with garlic, cucumber herbs and couple decorative olives. It is used as a side sauce and is present in most of the main course dishes and sandwiches. It’s usual to put tzatziki sauce inside Pitta or use it to improve the taste of the Souvlaki. (Tzatziki sauce served on a plate)

Spanakopita: A delicious “Spinach Pie” made with a particular bread and seasonal fresh spinaches, usually it possible to eat Spanakopita as appetizer or as a snack at Happy hour time. (Spanakopita cooked in the oven)

Tyropita: Similar to Spanakopita, the Tiropita is a “Cheese Pie”, made with home-made roll bread and cheese. Happy hour snack or appetizer , Tiropita is an exquisite food that must be tried! (Tyropita cooked in the oven)

Olives: The most precious fruit (yes, olives are fruits, not vegetables) that the Greek land can offer. The olives in Greece are exquisite and they are part of the Mediterranean diet. The most common are the black olives that usually you can find in the Greek salads, in the Tzatziki sauce and as a snack. Also green olives are common but not as much as the black ones. In Greek

supermarkets you can find Olives Bar with so many varieties of green and black olives. (Olive Bar in a Greek Supermarket and Greek olives) Greek cuisine has many other typical dishes and drinks that I will briefly list here: - Souvlaki ( chicken or pork on a stick ) - Ouzo (strong liquor to drink after dinner) - Pita (typical Greek bread) - Oven/Roasted Potatoes - Fresh Salad with Tomatoes Olives and Onion - Feta (typical fresh cheese) - Mousaka (eggplant and chopped meat and potatoes ) - Avgolemono (soup with chicken lemon and egg) - Baklava (pastry sheets ground but mixture and species) - Kotopita (chicken pie)

There are different festivities that Greek people celebrates, most of the times religion and food are the main theme for the day. In particular I have researched on three festivities:

March 25th Independence Day: Greek people celebrates not only Independence Day, but also a Religious Feast. This is the Day where Archangel Gabriel told to Virgin Mary that she was going to deliver Jesus Christ. The main dish in this day is Fish, no matter which kind of Fish, but it’s tradition to eat fish on March 25th. Easter Day: Know to be a religious feast, Easter in Greece is the most popular Festivity for food tradition.

Rituals: The day of Easter people introduce themselves using this words: The first to talk will say – “Xristos Annesti” (Christ has risen) The person who answer will reply: “Alithos Annesti” (Truly he has risen)

During the meal will come another ritual where colored eggs will disposed on the table, every participant will pick one egg an crack it against the egg of the people sit near you. One of the two eggs will usually not break, whoever has the egg not broken will have luck for the rest of the year. (Traditional Easter colored eggs) The Main Traditional Menu for the Easter Lunch is: Lamb – this is the main course of the Lunch, cooked in the oven or on the grill, the lamb represents the tradition of the Easter Meal Roasted Potatoes – typical side, it’s perfect to eat with the lamb Asparagus – side vegetables, very fresh product, commonly eaten in the Spring Fresh Salad – always present in a Greek lunch, fresh salad can be a side or an appetizer Pitta – like the fresh salad, Pitta bread will always be present on a Greek Table Tsoureki - Easter bread eaten as a dessert (Home-made asparagus, Lamb and Tsoureki Easter Bread) New Year Eve tradition: Differently from most of the European countries, the Greek culture doesn’t have a typical Christmas Meal, but for the New Year Eve there is an interesting tradition:

Vasilopita: It’s the same bread of Tsureki (dessert bread), but it contains a lucky coin in it . During the New Year Eve Dinner the Greek family will cut the Vasilopita Bread in slices (the number of slices depends on the number of the family components). Once the bread is cut, every component of the family will pick a slice of the bread and whoever has the slice with the coin in it , the tradition says he/she will have luck for the whole New Year. In Conclusion this research on Greek food was very interesting and I have learnt a lot about the food culture and tradition of the Hellenic country. The variety of fresh vegetables and fruits mixed with the typical dishes and the Mediterranean diet make the Greek Cuisine one of the healthiest and most delicious cuisine in the world. I can’t wait to be in Greece to try the original Spanakopita and Souvlaki to find the differences and similarities with the GreekAmerican cuisine!

LANGUAGE- KYEL Greek Language Culture Greeks would rather have a personal relationship and face to face contact than having telephone or written communications. In Greece they take first impressions very heavily. That first impression is so important to the point where it could influence your business relationship. Nonverbal communication is just as important as verbal, and certain gestures we are used to using may not mean anything to them or could mean something totally different. Although most Greek people know english and learn it throughout their education years, it’s not just safe to assume everyone knows it. Being formal at all times in the business culture is a must; whether that means using personal titles, dress code, or even dining etiquette. Face to face contact means a lot in Greece. That’s when they know something is really

important. “If you want a specific issue to be given serious consideration it is really important to speak to people about it — don't just rely on email” said by World Business Culture, Greek Communication Styles. Greeks love discussing cultural and historical topics.Topics that must be avoided are politics. You must never bring up the word Macedonia nor FYROM, because it will offend the Greek people since most of them oppose the use of that word. In america first impressions are huge, but sometimes all you have is a phone call, email, or even just an application to make that first impression of yourself. In Greece your first impression comes when you make that first personal face to face contact with the person. This is important in the business world, because if you aren’t a confrontational person and tend to stay shy then they won’t take much pity on you. You won’t be taken seriously if you hide behind your computer or phone to express your thoughts, opinions, etc. In business, getting to know your colleagues and even clientele is advised. The more personal connection is made the better relationship the business will have as a whole. Most of the businesses in Greece are in fact family owned due to wanting to have that connection and trust. English is widely spoken and is taught in the schools. They start learning English in the first grade of primary school, which would be elementary school in America, up until they finish university. Yes, most greeks know English, but the older generation tends to not know it at all. Nonverbal communication is always a huge thing in business, but since the culture is different there are certain gestures that have different meanings. Giving the “Ok” sign is considered obscene and must be avoided. An open palm towards someone is an insult. While there are many more gestures with bad meanings there are also ones with good/ friendly meanings. Winking at someone, touching them, and kissing them on both cheeks are all friendly gestures used commonly in Greece. So, touching when conversing, between men and men or

women and men is common and should not be misinterpreted. In business, maintaining direct eye contact is huge, because this shows respect to whom you are talking to. In both Greece and America nonverbal communication is key to communicating what you’re trying to get across with expressing the emotions you’re trying to give off with using signs and gestures. Formality is a must in the greek business culture. Personal titles show respect when first meeting someone, especially the older generation. As you become more familiar with the people you can lose the personal titles, unless said otherwise. In the business environment, especially meetings, dressing more conservatively is prominent. Neutral colors are best for the work environment. Provocative/showy clothing is not advised, which goes back to being more conservative. In the summer it tends to get very hot, so in these cases you don’t have to dress as crisp. Meaning, you don’t have to wear a suit with a tie, and for women you can wear more summery light dresses. Previously said, first impressions are key, and most of these first impressions are mainly focused on the way you are dressed. People all over judge a person by the way that they look even without thinking about it; it’s human nature. Looking as presentable as you possibly can at almost all times is key for the business world in Greece. When out for a business dinner, lunch, or just a business meal period you need to let your host decide whether or not to discuss business. Do not be the first to bring up business related topics, because these social business events are for creating better personal bonds and trust. It is fine to drink at a business meal, but only if offered; you can’t be the first to order a drink if host isn’t drinking, unless otherwise insisted. When dealing with the business culture you just have to watch what you say and what you do. Sometimes following uniform is what you have to do; meaning doing exactly what everyone else does. When it comes to dress code you’ll want to follow what everyone else in the

company does so you understand what you need to be dressing like. In Greece every business generally has the same dress code. Employers and employees try to gain close personal relations to better the company and the work environment. Just make sure you use the right gestures in the right countries, because they all have different meanings in other countries. Don’t bring up business when out on business social events such as a meal, unless host brings it up otherwise. In Greece you have to be a person that is willing to open up to other people to build a great bond between one another. Greece and America have some similarities when it comes to the business culture, but the are still some very distinct things that pop out and you need to watch for.

RELIGION Dating back to the times of Greek mythology, religion has been and continues to be an integral part of the Greek culture. Though there does not s...