Traditional Greek etiquette often suggests that the person celebrating the birthday is the one who treats their friends to a round of drinks or a meal! Sending the Perfect Message
Να τα εκατοστήσεις! (May you live to be 100!) hronia_polla_gia_ta_genethlia_sou
In Greece, a Name Day (the feast day of the saint you are named after) is often celebrated even more grandly than a birthday. However, birthdays have become increasingly popular with younger generations. Traditional Greek etiquette often suggests that the person
Να ζήσεις [Name] και χρόνια πολλά, μεγάλος/η να γίνεις με κάτασπρα μαλλιά. Παντού να σκορπίζεις της γνώσης το φως, και όλοι να λένε να ο/η σοφός! You can't have a Greek birthday without the song
You can't have a Greek birthday without the song! Unlike the English "Happy Birthday to You," the Greek version is a poetic wish for wisdom and longevity.
If you’re planning a celebration for a friend or want to embrace the culture, keep these three things in mind:
May you live, [Name], and many years to you, May you grow old with snow-white hair. May you scatter the light of knowledge everywhere, And may everyone say, "There is the wise one!" How to Celebrate Like a Greek