Easter is one of the most celebrated occasions on the annual Greek calendar. An opportunity to gather amongst family and friends, it includes a full week of activity and observance culminating on Easter Sunday or Pascha.
Starkly different to the chocolate-infused Easter enjoyed in Australia, Greek Orthodox Easter is steeped in traditions that date back centuries, where the focus is resoundingly family, food and faith.
As we count the days until Easter, here’s an insight into how it will be celebrated in Greece.
A different date
Few may realise, but Easter in Greece is often observed on a different date to countries like Australia, the UK and US. That’s because the Orthodox religion uses the Julian rather than the Gregorian calendar. This year that means Easter in the Greek Orthodox faith will be celebrated a week later than in Australia and will fall on April 8.
The lead up to Easter
The week prior to Easter often involves fasting, and come Maundy Thursday major preparations for the pending celebration are under way.
On this day, it is traditional to bake a sweet bread known as tsoureki. This treat will be eaten on the Easter Sunday and comprises a braid to represent the Holy Trinity.
Meanwhile, Australia may celebrate with chocolate, but in Greece hard boiled, richly-dyed red eggs are a symbol of Easter. Symbolising new life, they also represent the blood and resurrection of Christ.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a somber affair that sees church bells toll and flags flown at half mast. In some of the more traditional villages, a shrine is created and carried through the streets in a procession.
“Christos Anesti”
Greek culture celebrates the resurrection of Christ with a midnight church service that soon makes way for a light festival and breaking of the fast. Come the stoke of midnight, the church goes dark, bells begin to peal, and cheers ring out. The priest lights a single candle to symbolise Christ’s eternal flame.
Many people make their own home-made candles in the lead-up to the event, and they are progressively lit from the priest’s flame. Fireworks and crackers are set off as people carefully carry their lit candles home.
The festivities continue long into Easter morning as families gather together after church to enjoy a celebratory meal often comprising the tsoureki, lamb and feta.
It is during this celebration that a traditional game is played using the red dyed eggs. Known as tsougrisma it involves a player tapping their egg gently against another person’s egg in a bid to break it. The person who finishes the game with their egg intact is believed to have good luck for the year.
About George’s
Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.
You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.
More info: georgesrestaurant.com.au
