Greek Food Traditions

Greek Easter eggs are usually painted red.

Easter and Christmas are much-awaited traditional feasts for the Greeks, though almost every holiday is linked with special cuisines. According to the Greek-Recipe website, "It is characteristic of the Greeks to celebrate their joys, to sweeten their sorrows, and to assuage their struggles by eating and drinking in the company of family and friends."

Greek Roasted Lamb

Lamb is the traditional Easter main course of Greek Orthodox Christians because it symbolizes Jesus as the Lamb of God. Watching the Arni sti Souvla, or lamb roasting on a spit, and savoring its flavor is one of the treasured moments shared by Greek families.

Red Easter Eggs

Painting hard-boiled eggs for Easter is a fun tradition for Greeks families. Red is the chosen color to signify Christ's death on the cross, while the egg represents his tomb. Some of the red eggs are also used to decorate the Tsoureki, or Easter sweet bread.

Christmas Feast

Next to Easter, Christmas is the most important holiday for the Greeks. Homes are filled with the delectable scent of Kataifi and Baklava--Greek pastries traditionally made with phyllo dough, honey and nuts; Diples--deep-fried Greek pastry; Christopsomo--Christ's bread; and the traditional roast lamb served with potatoes.

References

• Greek-Recipe: Greek Feasts, Anniversaries, Customs
• Bella Online: Common Greek Easter Food Traditions