Culture Montage
The last two images captions were not working, just the links to the images. But the captions are Greek Money: Economics: Resources: URL: http://imgarcade.com/1/modern-greece-coins/, and
Wake Boarding In Athens: Social Aspects: Leisure Activities: URL: http://www.lagonissiresort.gr/hotel-guest-services-athens/leisure.aspx
Links To Information About Greek Culture
The first link I have included is a link to the webpage greeka.com, the logo for this page is literally "the greek island specialists". This link is to the culture of Greece, and it does not give one part of the culture. This page covers all aspects of Greek culture. These aspects include language, history geography, traditions & customs, religion, music, food & wine, churches, and even more! This page includes 16 cultural aspects that some might not even think of right away, such as night life. Be sure to check out this great website on Greece culture! http://www.greeka.com/greece-culture/
The second link I have included is a link to the webpage everyculture.com, but linked to the country Greece, so you don't have to look for Greece. This link is included because of how much depth they have in their information. It provides a clear view of culture but also provides much background on each topic brought up. It may even look like an overwhelming amount of information at first, but it is easy to follow and supplies fantastic information on Greece culture. http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Greece.html
The second link I have included is a link to the webpage everyculture.com, but linked to the country Greece, so you don't have to look for Greece. This link is included because of how much depth they have in their information. It provides a clear view of culture but also provides much background on each topic brought up. It may even look like an overwhelming amount of information at first, but it is easy to follow and supplies fantastic information on Greece culture. http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Greece.html
Map Of Culture
I choose this map to represent the cultural aspects of traditions and customs, and also the start of Greece religion. The Greek Gods and Goddesses are now an iconic symbol of Greece. For example, children all around the world learn about the Greek Gods and Goddesses and most schools require the reading of The Odyssey and The Illiad. This map shows main points to these Gods and Goddesses; Mount Olympus was where they lived and the God of the Sea, Poseidon, is in plain sight in this map with his trident still guarding the sea. Personally, I think the idea and belief of the Gods and Goddesses of Greece has shaped what people think of Greece and why so many people want to cross Greece off their tourist checklist. Showing a cultural map of these aspects of religion, traditions and customs is perfect to show the culture in Greece.
Source: Walton, C. (2015, February 9). Mrs. Walton's Blog. Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://mrswaltonsblog.blogspot.com/
Source: Walton, C. (2015, February 9). Mrs. Walton's Blog. Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://mrswaltonsblog.blogspot.com/
Statistics
Information provided by: http://www.geohive.com/cntry/greece.aspx and https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gr.html
Figure 1: Showing total population of Greece in 1800, from gapminder.org.
Figure 2: Showing total population of Greece from 1800 to 2013, from gapminder.org.
Figure 3: Showing the life expectancy of people in Greece in 1800, from gapminder.org.
Figure 4: Showing the life expectancy of people in Greece from 1800 to 2013, from gapminder.org.
These four figures show how Greece has changed over time in multiple ways. In figure one we can see the total population of Greece in the 180 is low, but looks like it has a little bit more of a greater population than the rest of the word at this time. We can see time passing by in figure two. Following along in figure two we can see three big drops in population, the most dramatic being around 1917 which was when the middle of World War I was going on. The second huge drop is around 1942, approaching the end of World War II and the last drop is around 1948 during the Greek Civil War. Based on these two figures we can see that the total population of Greece goes down when they are involved in a major war, but we can also see they sense the Greek Civil War the country has been in less Wars. The obvious fact is that over time the the total population of Greece has changed, but it wasn't also a smooth transition. The next figure, figure 3, shows the life expectancy for people living in Greece in 1800 and from the map we can see that it was among average with the world during that time, with most countries having a short life expectancy. As time progresses, shown in figure 4, we can see the life expectancy also progresses, but again not always smoothly. The main drops in life expectancy follow the main drops in the total population that link to the Wars Greece was involved in over time. Together, these four maps show how the total population and life expectancy show how the country as a whole has changed for the better over time, with a higher total population and a higher life expectancy.
Religion
This map shows the religions in part of the world. Greece is towards the
upper right being mostly Eastern Orthodox.
Image from: http://www.worldreligions.psu.edu/maps-introduction.htm
upper right being mostly Eastern Orthodox.
Image from: http://www.worldreligions.psu.edu/maps-introduction.htm
The Starting Point:
The mythology of the Greek Gods and Goddess might have shaped the foundation of the Greek civilization, but it did not stick as it wasn’t to spiritual. Many years from then, the religion in Greece modern times is very dominate, Greek Orthodox is the religion practiced in Greece, other religions are pretty minor and don’t even play a role. Every main religion has a starting point; the evolution for the Orthodox Church began with the first Pentecost in Jerusalem and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Christ’s small circle of disciples. (History of the Orthodox Church).
The Role:
When looking at the role religion plays in todays social development one can see the Greek Orthodox Church is an integral part of life in Greece, where the most important holidays are religious in nature. (Greek Culture and Traditions). Because of the Greeks historical past, the country and Orthodoxy are closely connected however, officially the Greek state and Orthodox Church are technically separated even though this separation is not written or regulated. The influence of Greek Orthodox is strongly prominent in the Greek society. This is shown in all sectors, including education. In both private and public schools children have compulsory religious courses and pray collectively in the morning before the start of classes (Greek Culture and Traditions). Overall most Greeks, whether deeply religious or not, revere and respect the faith, attend church, observe major holidays, and our emotionally attached to their religion. (Greek Culture and Traditions).
Sacred Places:
Each religion has some kind of sacred place where followers can visit, or people can observe. Greece holds many sacred places, around thirty-eight. These places in Greece include sacred places from the ancient Greek God and Goddess times like the temples they used to worship their Gods. However, there are also tons of sacred churches and monastery’s through out the country as well, many in Athens. Some of these sacred places include: Agia Triada Monastery in Meteora, Agios Nikólaos Ragavás Church in Athens, Panagia Tourliani Monastery in Mykonos Island, the Partheonon in Athens, and the Sanctuary of Athena in Delphi are just a few examples. (Sacred Destinations).
The Governments Role:
The Greek government respects the free practice of religion however, the Greek Orthodox enjoys a privileged position both politically and socially. The Orthodox Church maintains an institutionalized connection with the state, receiving both subsidies and legal privileges not offered to other recognized religions in Greece. (Religious Freedom in Greece). The government also supports the Greek Orthodox Church financially by paying the salaries of priests and maintain Church property. (Religious Freedom in Greece).
Overall:
In my personal conclusion, I feel the role of religion in Greece is laid out in a good way. Because majority of the country follows the same religious practice, there should not be a lot of problems with how the society is run because all of the citizens view it the same way. While researching this topic I never read anything about issues Greece was having that were linked to religion. Even though it plays a good sized role in the society I feel it is handled correctly and not taking out of context or control.
Sources:
-Greek Culture and Traditions - Where the West Meets the East - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency. (2010, April 8). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://www.novinite.com/articles/115027/Greek Culture and Traditions - Where the West Meets the East
-History of the Orthodox Church. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7053
-Religious Freedom in Greece. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/essays/religious-freedom-in-greece
-Sacred Destinations. (2005, January 1). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/sacred-sites
The mythology of the Greek Gods and Goddess might have shaped the foundation of the Greek civilization, but it did not stick as it wasn’t to spiritual. Many years from then, the religion in Greece modern times is very dominate, Greek Orthodox is the religion practiced in Greece, other religions are pretty minor and don’t even play a role. Every main religion has a starting point; the evolution for the Orthodox Church began with the first Pentecost in Jerusalem and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Christ’s small circle of disciples. (History of the Orthodox Church).
The Role:
When looking at the role religion plays in todays social development one can see the Greek Orthodox Church is an integral part of life in Greece, where the most important holidays are religious in nature. (Greek Culture and Traditions). Because of the Greeks historical past, the country and Orthodoxy are closely connected however, officially the Greek state and Orthodox Church are technically separated even though this separation is not written or regulated. The influence of Greek Orthodox is strongly prominent in the Greek society. This is shown in all sectors, including education. In both private and public schools children have compulsory religious courses and pray collectively in the morning before the start of classes (Greek Culture and Traditions). Overall most Greeks, whether deeply religious or not, revere and respect the faith, attend church, observe major holidays, and our emotionally attached to their religion. (Greek Culture and Traditions).
Sacred Places:
Each religion has some kind of sacred place where followers can visit, or people can observe. Greece holds many sacred places, around thirty-eight. These places in Greece include sacred places from the ancient Greek God and Goddess times like the temples they used to worship their Gods. However, there are also tons of sacred churches and monastery’s through out the country as well, many in Athens. Some of these sacred places include: Agia Triada Monastery in Meteora, Agios Nikólaos Ragavás Church in Athens, Panagia Tourliani Monastery in Mykonos Island, the Partheonon in Athens, and the Sanctuary of Athena in Delphi are just a few examples. (Sacred Destinations).
The Governments Role:
The Greek government respects the free practice of religion however, the Greek Orthodox enjoys a privileged position both politically and socially. The Orthodox Church maintains an institutionalized connection with the state, receiving both subsidies and legal privileges not offered to other recognized religions in Greece. (Religious Freedom in Greece). The government also supports the Greek Orthodox Church financially by paying the salaries of priests and maintain Church property. (Religious Freedom in Greece).
Overall:
In my personal conclusion, I feel the role of religion in Greece is laid out in a good way. Because majority of the country follows the same religious practice, there should not be a lot of problems with how the society is run because all of the citizens view it the same way. While researching this topic I never read anything about issues Greece was having that were linked to religion. Even though it plays a good sized role in the society I feel it is handled correctly and not taking out of context or control.
Sources:
-Greek Culture and Traditions - Where the West Meets the East - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency. (2010, April 8). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://www.novinite.com/articles/115027/Greek Culture and Traditions - Where the West Meets the East
-History of the Orthodox Church. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7053
-Religious Freedom in Greece. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/essays/religious-freedom-in-greece
-Sacred Destinations. (2005, January 1). Retrieved March 18, 2015, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/sacred-sites
This is the largest Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Greece
Image from: http://journals.worldnomads.com/smartin1978/photo/685/13325/Greece/The-largest-Greek-Orthodox-cathedral-in-Greece A Greek Orthodox Altar
Image from: http://www.mountainsoftravelphotos.com/Lebanon/Beirut%20Downtown/slides/Beirut%2030%20St%20Georges%20Greek%20Orthodox%20Cathedral%20Main%20Altar%20Close%20Up.html |
The Meteora Agia Triada Monastery
Image from: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/8680418 This is a Greek Orthodox Priest (he is a Priest at Saint Paul's Orthodox Church and from Greece!)
Image from: http://www.gocregina.com/our_priest |
Food and Food Production
It is an important part of Greek culture to Greek food and wine with meals. To create a similar picture of what people in the country eat, think olive oil. Greeks obviously don't just drink olive oil, but in the Greeks eyes it can be paired with every meal. This country consumes a sinful amount of olive oil, it is guaranteed that olive oil will be apart of at least one aspect of a meal in Greece. This olive oil is not store bought by the way, even local families know better than that. To continue with my picture about what people in Greece eat the famous Greek dish, Moussaka, is not to be forgotten. This main dish in a dinner course has a base made of potatoes topped with eggplants, onions, minced beef, and bechamel creme. This meal is made in family homes and fancied up in restaurants.
A Greek Recipe:
The dish I think everyone should try and can make is Dolmadakia, which is stuffed grape leaves.This dish is made mostly in spring because it needs fresh vine leaves. It is served mostly cold mainly with yogurt or tzatziki, and it is known all over Greece.
A Greek Recipe:
The dish I think everyone should try and can make is Dolmadakia, which is stuffed grape leaves.This dish is made mostly in spring because it needs fresh vine leaves. It is served mostly cold mainly with yogurt or tzatziki, and it is known all over Greece.
Source used for recipe and food background: http://www.greeka.com/greece-recipes/dolmadakia.htm
Food and Religion:
Religion plays a large role in the lives of the people of Greece, with most of them being Greek orthodox and most celebrations, festivals, foods and traditions originate from religious holidays. Along with this the history of Greece had a great impact on traditional meals from rich to poor times. Certain foods like olives, (Athena's olive tree) garlic, lemons and herbs have become the main ingredients giving it that Greek flavor and is used in every dish for holidays and religious events.
Source: http://www.ultimate-guide-to-greek-food.com/about-greek-food.html
Where Greek Food Come's From:
Greece has been a traditional exporter of food, beverages and textiles. Greece mainly exports the following commodities: Food and beverages, manufactured goods, petroleum products, chemicals, and textiles. The major export partners are: Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, Cyprus, The United States, The United Kingdom, and Romania. The large amount of imports has always been a worry for the economy of Greece, leaving the countries economy to rely on tourism. The following countries have been regular import partners of Greece, mainly importing machinery, transport equipment, fuels and chemicals: Germany (12.1%), Italy (11.7%), Russia (7.4%), China (5.6%), France (5.1%), Netherlands (4.7%). So the point in providing you with all that information is that most of the food and beverages are grown and produced in the country.
Source: http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/greece/export-import.html
Some Random Food Facts:
Information provided by: http://www.livestrong.com/article/283814-greek-food-facts-for-kids/
Religion plays a large role in the lives of the people of Greece, with most of them being Greek orthodox and most celebrations, festivals, foods and traditions originate from religious holidays. Along with this the history of Greece had a great impact on traditional meals from rich to poor times. Certain foods like olives, (Athena's olive tree) garlic, lemons and herbs have become the main ingredients giving it that Greek flavor and is used in every dish for holidays and religious events.
Source: http://www.ultimate-guide-to-greek-food.com/about-greek-food.html
Where Greek Food Come's From:
Greece has been a traditional exporter of food, beverages and textiles. Greece mainly exports the following commodities: Food and beverages, manufactured goods, petroleum products, chemicals, and textiles. The major export partners are: Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, Cyprus, The United States, The United Kingdom, and Romania. The large amount of imports has always been a worry for the economy of Greece, leaving the countries economy to rely on tourism. The following countries have been regular import partners of Greece, mainly importing machinery, transport equipment, fuels and chemicals: Germany (12.1%), Italy (11.7%), Russia (7.4%), China (5.6%), France (5.1%), Netherlands (4.7%). So the point in providing you with all that information is that most of the food and beverages are grown and produced in the country.
Source: http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/greece/export-import.html
Some Random Food Facts:
- Traditionally the last dinner doesn't begin until at least 9 p.m.
- Greek restaurants, or tavernas, welcome children at all meals.
- Greek people traditionally eat four meals a day: a small breakfast (a beverage and a pastry), a mid-morning snack (a koulouri, kind of like a sesame bagel), a big multi course dinner around 2 p.m., then after coming back from work or activities have their second dinner.
- After their first dinner Greeks normally take a 2-3 hour nap, during which most businesses are closed, then return to work around 5:30 p.m.
- Filo pastry, honey and nuts are the bases for many Greek sweets.
- Greek sweets don't typically contain the saturated fats, processed sugars or high fructose corn syrups that American foods do.
- Greek children have traditionally eaten a diet that's rich in greens
Information provided by: http://www.livestrong.com/article/283814-greek-food-facts-for-kids/