Greetings
Greetings are an important part of any culture, and in Greece, a few specific customs are expected of you when you meet someone. When greeting someone in Greece, it is customary to shake hands with the right hand and maintain direct eye contact. Greek people like to make physical contact when exchanging pleasantries, so kissing on both cheeks often happens. It is crucial always to greet the oldest person first when in a group.
Greeting with a Kiss
Greeting with a kiss on the cheek is an essential part of greeting in Greece. It is a gesture of friendship and shows respect to the person you greet. When meeting someone for the first time, greeting each other with a handshake is customary. If you are from a non-European culture, it may be more natural to bow or shake hands with both hands when introducing yourself.
There are different ways to greet friends or family members when greeting in Greece, depending on their gender and status. When saying ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye,’ men usually embrace each other in a warm hug, followed by three kisses (usually one on either side of the face and one on the left). Women exchange kisses, but most often, just two kisses (one on either side).
It is also important to note that men should use their right hand only when shaking hands. The left hand used to be considered unclean, so it has been replaced in recent years by offering your right hand as a gesture of respect. To show respect during conversations among Greeks, be sure not to point at people with your index finger or yawn without trying to cover your mouth, as these can be considered impolite gestures.
Greeting with a Handshake
In Greece, greeting with a handshake is the norm – although, beware of a firm grip as Greeks like to express their enthusiasm with a strong handshake. Like in most European countries, kisses on the cheek are pretty common and done to show respect and friendship. It’s quite informal and relates to the area you are visiting; genders also play a role. Depending on where you are in Greece, men may greet you with one kiss on the cheek, but women may greet each other with two kisses – first on one cheek and then switching sides for the second kiss.
When greeting an older person, it is traditional to use a first name only preceded by ‘Ki esai’ (‘Who are you’) instead of just saying ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello.’
Communication
Communication in Greece is mainly based on direct, frank talk, and communication can be quite assertive. Greeks tend to look each other in the eye and maintain direct contact when conversing. Greeks are known for their friendly nature and openness. However, a directness in conversation is not always appreciated. Therefore, when engaging in conversation, it is essential to be aware of the nuances of communication in Greece.
Non-verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication is a key part of communication in Greece. Therefore, to avoid misunderstandings, it is important to pay attention to body language, dress codes, and other non-verbal cues when interacting with a Greek person.
Eye contact is important in Greece, and direct eye contact shows respect. Avoid staring at someone while talking, as it could make them feel uncomfortable or intimidated. Also, avoid looking away if someone is talking – maintain direct eye contact when appropriate.
Gestures are handy in Greece, so learning local gestures can help you communicate more effectively with a Greek person. It includes handshakes, hugs, and kissing on the cheek, which is commonplace among the Greeks in both formal and informal settings. Additionally, the locals greatly appreciate making a ‘thumbs up’ sign or waving ‘goodbye.’
Greek people usually stand quite close during a conversation, and touching by friends and loved ones are common, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself being hugged or kissed several times throughout your stay! It is also customary for men to walk arm-in-arm with their friends as a sign of friendship – as long as this doesn’t cause discomfort, it should be taken in good spirits!
Dress codes vary across different settings, but generally, smart casual attire is preferable – make sure not to show up to an event wearing overly casual clothing such as sandals or shorts, as it may be viewed negatively by the host/hostess of the event!
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication in Greece is more formal than in other cultures, reflecting the country’s focus on respect, etiquette, and hierarchy. As such, people in Greece are rather patient with a long introduction and exchange of pleasantries before getting to the issue discussed.
Greeks use higher levels of politeness when addressing others, for instance, ‘kyria’ for women and ‘kyrie’ for men. It can also be extended to titles denoting occupation – Mr., Mrs., Miss. Although Greeks may appear lighthearted in their verbal interactions, excessive familiarity should be avoided as it is deemed disrespectful.
Greeks often use verbal confirmation or affirmation when someone speaks, including phrases such as ‘nai,’ which means ‘yes’ or ‘of course,’ and ‘sigoura,’ meaning ‘absolutely.’ Additionally, one may observe frequent personal expressions of joy or sorrow depending on the circumstances, such as laughing loudly or sometimes even shouting when they are joyful but keep in mind that these behaviors should not be taken personally since they reflect a bigger cultural context based on expressing feelings verbally rather than holding them back.
Dining
Greece has a wide variety of local cuisines and dining customs, depending on the region. Dining in Greece is typically a communal, family affair, and formal dress is often required. Additionally, table etiquette and greetings in Greece are important and can play a big part in making a good impression.
Let’s go into detail about Greek dining etiquette and customs:
Dress Code
When choosing what to wear for a restaurant visit in Greece, it’s important to remember the cultural norms. The dress code in Greece generally demands a more formal style of attire than what is typically required in many other countries.
- For men, it is expected that they will wear long trousers and a neat shirt when going out to dinner. Sandals and open-toed shoes are generally acceptable, but athletic shoes should be avoided.
- For women, it is usually recommended that they will wear smart casual clothing or slightly more formal attire such as skirts or nice pants, dresses, and blouses. Open-toed shoes and sandals are also usually appropriate options for women.
It is worth noting that while many restaurants in popular tourist spots like Athens or Thessaloniki tend to be more relaxed with their dress code, restaurants located within smaller villages may be more conservative about how their patron’s dress, so visitors should observe the locals for guidance on the appropriate attire for the location where they are dining.
Table Manners
Table manners in Greece generally follow Western customs and etiquette. However, when invited to dine at a Greek home, bringing a small gift such as pastries, chocolates, or flowers is polite. It is also customary to wait until everyone has been served before eating.
Small talk is an integral part of the dining experience. It can vary from sharing stories about family trips or activities you did that day–to discussing current events or politics. It is polite to show interest in the conversations by asking questions and actively engaging with your hosts.
When eating at restaurants, it is best not to discuss money during the meal unless it needs to be addressed for everyone’s tabs to be accurately calculated. Furthermore, anywhere outside the home, dress tends to be neat and put together; overly casual clothes are usually not accepted in nicer places.
Greece offers some unique dining customs that will make your experience more memorable. Ouzo, a drink made of anise-flavored spirit and chilled water accompanied by meze (small dishes), is often served before meals to start the evening off right! When chopping fresh herbs like mint or wild fennel on shared plates, Greeks are known for cutting them with an accompanying gesture known as “Koupa,” where both hands high five above the herbs rather than using a knife or spoon for cutting them for communal bowls or plates. This gesture encourages unity and friendship among those who share the meals.
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is an important part of the cultural customs in Greece. It is a way to show respect, appreciation, and understanding between people. Gift-giving has its own rules and etiquette, which can vary among regions.
This section will provide an overview of the rules of gift-giving in Greek culture:
Gift Giving Etiquette
Gift-giving is an integral part of everyday life in Greece. Whether you’re attending a wedding, visiting with family, or want to express your thoughtfulness, understanding the customs and traditions of the Greek culture when it comes to gifts is essential.
In general, the most important thing to remember about gift-giving in Greece is that it should be thoughtful and sincere. While extravagant gifts can be appreciated, giving something meaningful such as a gift certificate for a restaurant or show tickets, is better. Gifts should also be opened immediately in front of the giver as a sign of respect.
When giving gifts for special occasions such as weddings or housewarmings, jewelry pieces are traditional choices as they symbolize love and permanence. Still, modern gifts such as kitchenware are also accepted and appreciated. For friends and family members, sweets are considered an excellent choice – boxes of pastries or even small souvenirs make perfect presents. Lastly, if you would like to give flowers, they should be an even number (no 13). Common selections include roses, lilies, and daisies, which convey positive messages depending on their color:
- Red stands for passion;
- Yellow denotes happiness;
- White symbolizes innocence;
- Pink expresses admiration;
- Orange is associated with friendship;
- while purple stands for joy.
Gifts to Avoid
Gift-giving is part of Greek culture and should be taken seriously. However, certain types of gifts should be avoided to maintain cultural etiquette. These presents can be considered disrespectful, so it is important to take extra care when selecting gifts for friends, family members, or acquaintances in Greece.
When selecting a gift for someone in Greece, it is crucial to choose one that reflects the culture and values of the recipient. Some items are typically not appreciated as gifts because they may appear to belittle the recipient or their heritage.
Below is a list of items that one should not consider giving as gifts in Greece:
- Money is considered rude or tasteless to give cash as a gift in many cultures, including Greece; however, this custom can vary from region to region.
- Gift Certificates: Gift certificates have become increasingly popular; however, they may come across as being impersonal when given as gifts to Greeks.
- White Flowers: White flowers represent death and illness, so white varieties should be avoided when giving flowers as a gift.
- Religious Items Unless one knows the religious beliefs of the recipient, these items should not be given since they could promote disrespect towards certain spiritual practices or beliefs. It would also be wise to research cultural sensitivities before making such a purchase.
Cultural Taboos
As a guest of Greece, it is essential to understand and respect local customs and etiquette. One of the major taboos in Greece is to avoid direct eye contact, as it is seen as showing a lack of respect. Additionally, specific topics of conversation are also best avoided. Read on to learn more about Greek cultural taboos:
- Political topics are best avoided, as they can be sensitive and can quickly lead to heated debates.
- Avoid discussing religious topics as they are often seen as controversial.
- Do not criticize the Greek culture, as it is seen as disrespectful.
- Please do not talk about money publicly, as it is considered rude.
Religion
The population, mainly Greek Orthodox, widely observe religious beliefs in Greece and the customs surrounding them. Therefore, visitors should know the country’s respect for sacred sites and exhibit appropriate behavior while visiting these places. Monasteries, churches, and cathedrals are off-limits to non-members of the religion; visitors should also dress modestly when entering or near a religious building or area.
In most rural areas, it’s not uncommon to encounter traditional superstitions involving religion – such as avoiding the mention of certain words or figures (e.g., “the devil,” “witchcraft,” etc.) under certain conditions; visitors should be mindful of this custom and respect any such superstitions as locals may become uncomfortable if they do not comply. Additionally, blasphemy and swearing are considered serious offenses within Greek culture, so these behaviors should be strictly avoided inside and outside religious contexts.
Politics
When discussing politics with Greeks, it is essential to be aware of local issues and not argue a point of view. Opinions on topics related to Greek politics can differ dramatically; it is best to avoid solid ideas or debates. It is socially unacceptable to voice extreme criticism of political figures, especially about their personal lives.
On the other hand, Greeks appreciate intellectual conversations and like to debate ideas and current events. Listening carefully and respecting differing opinions are key aspects of successful conversational etiquette. Being open-minded when discussing matters related to the political culture is essential for cultural norms to be respected and for actively engaging in topics that don’t offend anyone.
Although required by law, couples do not typically air their political views in public or give people freedom of choice when it comes down to deciding what party they cannot support in Greece. Therefore, politics should generally be avoided in social gatherings. However, those familiar with each other should be sure each person’s opinion is respected without interruption or criticism, regardless of how different it may seem from another’s beliefs.
Gender Roles
It is important to note that gender roles remain pretty distinct in modern Greece and have been preserved throughout many generations. Greek men provide for the family, make all major decisions, and provide protection. On the other hand, women take responsibility for the running of the household and the upbringing of children and often interact with relatives on behalf of the family.
Generally speaking, men will hold precedence in most social situations but be aware that you may be judged differently as a foreign visitor. For example, in rural and metropolitan areas, women may be expected to take a backseat if they attend a celebration or gathering, though this trend is slowly changing.
Adherence to traditional social conventions when visiting Greece is advisable to avoid misunderstandings or potential offenses. For example, as an outsider, you should refrain from discussing topics that could potentially embarrass Greeks, such as their financial situation; it’s more socially acceptable to discuss politics as long as both parties agree. Additionally, topics such as religion are sensitive issues and should also be avoided unless invited into the discussion by local people.