Food in Greece
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Greek food has been around for centuries and is enjoyed worldwide. One of the main ingredients used in most Greek food is olive oil, the traditional centerpiece for Greek cuisine. Other popular ingredients in Greek food consists of lemon, oregano, tomatoes, pepper, and garlic. Surprisingly, lamb and goat are not as popular as many believe, as pork is the top meat preferred among consumers. In addition, seafood is another popular entree in Greece. Fish, squid, and octopus are all normal additions to the Greek diet along with various fruits and vegetables grown in the very arable land of Greece. Much of the food eaten in Greece is home grown, and much of the food eaten in Greece is Greek! Greek food comes in many shapes and forms and never fails to satisfy. Chances are, there is a Greek dish for everyone!
Image from: http://usamania.wikispaces.com/Mediterranean+Food
Recipe for Hummus
Image from: http://usamania.wikispaces.com/Mediterranean+Food
Recipe for Hummus
Culture in Greece
Greece has one of the oldest known cultures in the world, dating back thousands of years. It should come with no shock that over time Greek culture has changed drastically. Ancient Greeks were a very religious group of individuals. They had a number of gods and goddesses that they would worship. This mythological religion has long been displaced. Now, much of the Greek population practices Orthodox Christianity, while the smaller minorities consist of Roman Catholics, Muslims, and Jews. Another cultural difference that has evolved over time are the people of Greece, themselves. Ancient Greek culture had many problems that in society that have since been resolved such as the practice of slavery and the restricted lives of women (Oak, 2010). Men in Greece still have much of the responsibilities they had in the past as provider of the family; however, Greek culture has evolved to allow women the right to work and contribute.
Aside from cultural changes in Greece, many traditions have continued to be kept alive. Dance culture of Greece has always been a major part of everyday life in Greece. In Ancient Greece dance was even integrated into the educational system. Folk dance in Greece is still widely practiced and performed. Many of the instruments that are used today such as the guitar and the flute were created during the Byzantine period at the peak of Greek dance. Unlike much of the world, clothing and fashion have also persisted in modern fashion. In traditional culture, Greeks often wore unisexual clothing made out of wool or linen, and garments were rarely ever sewn together. Still many of today's modern fashion trends in Greece revolve around this style of clothing. Drape patterns, one-shoulder dresses, jeweled headbands, gladiator sandals, and jewelry with Greek motifs are all commonly worn in present day Greece as a result of the fashion that the Ancient Greeks created (Modern Greek Fashion, 2013). Greek cuisine has also remained relatively similar throughout the years. Grains, figs, and seafood have always been a significant part of the Greek meal, mostly because that has been easily accessible. Greece is located right next to the Mediterranean and also heavily relies on agriculture, so it makes sense that vegetation and sea food would make up much of the Greeks' diets.
Therefore, Greek culture has definitely changed over time, but many of the traditional cultures have also been kept alive. The uniqueness of this culture lies on both the ancient and modern developments in diversity. Unlike much of the world, time does not deter the practices of ancient tradition but, instead, embraces them into modern Greek lifestyle.
Greece has one of the oldest known cultures in the world, dating back thousands of years. It should come with no shock that over time Greek culture has changed drastically. Ancient Greeks were a very religious group of individuals. They had a number of gods and goddesses that they would worship. This mythological religion has long been displaced. Now, much of the Greek population practices Orthodox Christianity, while the smaller minorities consist of Roman Catholics, Muslims, and Jews. Another cultural difference that has evolved over time are the people of Greece, themselves. Ancient Greek culture had many problems that in society that have since been resolved such as the practice of slavery and the restricted lives of women (Oak, 2010). Men in Greece still have much of the responsibilities they had in the past as provider of the family; however, Greek culture has evolved to allow women the right to work and contribute.
Aside from cultural changes in Greece, many traditions have continued to be kept alive. Dance culture of Greece has always been a major part of everyday life in Greece. In Ancient Greece dance was even integrated into the educational system. Folk dance in Greece is still widely practiced and performed. Many of the instruments that are used today such as the guitar and the flute were created during the Byzantine period at the peak of Greek dance. Unlike much of the world, clothing and fashion have also persisted in modern fashion. In traditional culture, Greeks often wore unisexual clothing made out of wool or linen, and garments were rarely ever sewn together. Still many of today's modern fashion trends in Greece revolve around this style of clothing. Drape patterns, one-shoulder dresses, jeweled headbands, gladiator sandals, and jewelry with Greek motifs are all commonly worn in present day Greece as a result of the fashion that the Ancient Greeks created (Modern Greek Fashion, 2013). Greek cuisine has also remained relatively similar throughout the years. Grains, figs, and seafood have always been a significant part of the Greek meal, mostly because that has been easily accessible. Greece is located right next to the Mediterranean and also heavily relies on agriculture, so it makes sense that vegetation and sea food would make up much of the Greeks' diets.
Therefore, Greek culture has definitely changed over time, but many of the traditional cultures have also been kept alive. The uniqueness of this culture lies on both the ancient and modern developments in diversity. Unlike much of the world, time does not deter the practices of ancient tradition but, instead, embraces them into modern Greek lifestyle.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6194224.stm
This map portrays modern day Europe and the predominant religions practiced over there. The majority of Greece practices Orthodox Christianity along with other countries such as: Serbia, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, and others.
This map portrays modern day Europe and the predominant religions practiced over there. The majority of Greece practices Orthodox Christianity along with other countries such as: Serbia, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, and others.
Religion
Greece is often associated with ancient mythology and the belief in many gods and goddesses, but where did this idea come from? The Aryan invasions are what are believed to be the start of Greek religion around 2,000 BC. With the fusion of cultures between these new Aryan people and the existing settlers, the Minoan and Aegean people, a new belief system was also born. The result was a Minoan-Mycenean culture that thrived for approximately 200 years. During this period a fusion of both prior belief systems resulted in the final polytheistic Greek mythology that we have come to associate ancient Greece with (infoplease, 2005).
Because of its rapid growth, Ancient Greek religion played a huge role in the development of the country. Art, architecture, and literature were all majorly influenced by the various Greek gods and goddesses. Statues and paintings were created by artists to depict stories of the mythology behind the ancient rulers guarding the Greeks. Temples, such as the Parthenon, were constructed as places of worship for these various deities. Lastly, ancient literature, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer, often told of heroes from the past and how various beliefs came to be. All of these great pieces and stories would never have been constructed nor written if it weren't for the belief system of the Ancient Greeks.
Because of its rapid growth, Ancient Greek religion played a huge role in the development of the country. Art, architecture, and literature were all majorly influenced by the various Greek gods and goddesses. Statues and paintings were created by artists to depict stories of the mythology behind the ancient rulers guarding the Greeks. Temples, such as the Parthenon, were constructed as places of worship for these various deities. Lastly, ancient literature, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer, often told of heroes from the past and how various beliefs came to be. All of these great pieces and stories would never have been constructed nor written if it weren't for the belief system of the Ancient Greeks.
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As stated in the previous paragraph, Ancient Greeks constructed many temples in honor of the gods and goddesses. The Parthenon was an ancient temple built for the worship and praise of the goddess, Athena. Not only was this temple created as a symbol of respect and gratitude to the goddess of wisdom, but it is considered one of the greatest examples of Greek architecture. Another sacred site in Greece would be the Sanctuary of Apollo, which is home to the famous Oracle of Delphi (Image to the left, one of the holiest places in Greece http://www.travelling.gr/convecta/index3.html.) Ancient Greeks considered this Sanctuary as one of the most sacred and holy sites in all of Greece and was thought to be the center of the world. Moving to a more modern era, seeing as how much of Greece has converted to Christianity, the city of Corinth is now another sacred site in Greece. This city played an important part in the life of Apostle Paul one of Jesus Christ's disciples and is thus an important city to Christians (Sacred Destinations, 2012).
The first recorded connection between church and state within Greece was under Constantine's rule in early 1400s with a form of "State-law rule". Once this system fell in 1453, the Church was given political power to watch over any Orthodox activities the state had ruled. The eastern orthodox church eventually became the country's new official religion in 1821 along with the freedom of worship for all peoples. The church then fell under a monarchy under King Bavaria, and the state was once again subject to State rule. To this day, the Orthodox church is the prevailing religion over Greece (European Studies, 2007).
The first recorded connection between church and state within Greece was under Constantine's rule in early 1400s with a form of "State-law rule". Once this system fell in 1453, the Church was given political power to watch over any Orthodox activities the state had ruled. The eastern orthodox church eventually became the country's new official religion in 1821 along with the freedom of worship for all peoples. The church then fell under a monarchy under King Bavaria, and the state was once again subject to State rule. To this day, the Orthodox church is the prevailing religion over Greece (European Studies, 2007).
Status of Women in Greece
In comparison to Ancient Greece, where the primary purpose of women was child bearing, the position of women in Greek society has greatly improved. In the past women were granted minimal social roles and only upper-class women received education, which in ancient times was frowned upon. The only sport allowing the participation of women was chariot racing, and even then if a women won, the horse received the prize (Jones, 2012). Essentially, they were denied the freedom in which to control their own lives (Tetlow, 1980).
While Greece has advanced in gender equality since its ancient days, women are still far from equal to men. It is true that women have gained certain rights such as educational privileges (as a matter of fact, most Greek graduates from universities are women), property rights, voting, and the freedom to entertain. However, when it comes to the labor force and income, women are treated unfairly. Regardless of their education, it has been much harder for Greek women to obtain a highly esteemed job, especially if they have any children. Truthfully, many of the women that do have jobs are unskilled laborers with low income. If more than 50 percent of university graduates are female, why is the female unemployment rate more than twice that of the male unemployment rate? Even more upsetting, women are generally responsible for taking care of the family and chores around the house. So, while they are more educated and qualified for higher paying jobs, they are refused these jobs and forced to stay at home (Tzilivakis).
Aside from these discrepancies between men and women, Greece's gender equality compares to that of the United States. Even with the inequalities related to Greek careers, women are treated much better in Greece than they are around many other parts of the world as shown in the map below.
In comparison to Ancient Greece, where the primary purpose of women was child bearing, the position of women in Greek society has greatly improved. In the past women were granted minimal social roles and only upper-class women received education, which in ancient times was frowned upon. The only sport allowing the participation of women was chariot racing, and even then if a women won, the horse received the prize (Jones, 2012). Essentially, they were denied the freedom in which to control their own lives (Tetlow, 1980).
While Greece has advanced in gender equality since its ancient days, women are still far from equal to men. It is true that women have gained certain rights such as educational privileges (as a matter of fact, most Greek graduates from universities are women), property rights, voting, and the freedom to entertain. However, when it comes to the labor force and income, women are treated unfairly. Regardless of their education, it has been much harder for Greek women to obtain a highly esteemed job, especially if they have any children. Truthfully, many of the women that do have jobs are unskilled laborers with low income. If more than 50 percent of university graduates are female, why is the female unemployment rate more than twice that of the male unemployment rate? Even more upsetting, women are generally responsible for taking care of the family and chores around the house. So, while they are more educated and qualified for higher paying jobs, they are refused these jobs and forced to stay at home (Tzilivakis).
Aside from these discrepancies between men and women, Greece's gender equality compares to that of the United States. Even with the inequalities related to Greek careers, women are treated much better in Greece than they are around many other parts of the world as shown in the map below.
They are permitted all of the same freedoms as their male counterparts and have complete control over their lives. It is the simple fact that because of Greek culture, there is a “glass ceiling” preventing women from gaining a higher social status. In order to improve their status in society, women need to speak out and have a voice in the world they live. They have the freedom and the power to do it. Angela Daifa-Frantzeskaki, president of the Panhellenic Women's Organization and leading figure in the local women's movement, strongly feels that women can overcome this long and overdue plight. She argues that women need to be a voice in order to earn the equality they deserve. Taking initiative and raising awareness are the first steps needed to be taken to spread gender equality throughout the land of Greece (Tzilivakis).
Therefore, women are slowly but surely obtaining full and absolute equality with their fellow males. They are prevalently growing more and more equal. Aside from the economic and political aspects of Greek life, they are nearly there. In order to complete their long journey and receive unabridged equality, they must speak out and vote on legislation demanding equivalence. They have the power to be equal in status, perhaps they simply do not realize it.
Therefore, women are slowly but surely obtaining full and absolute equality with their fellow males. They are prevalently growing more and more equal. Aside from the economic and political aspects of Greek life, they are nearly there. In order to complete their long journey and receive unabridged equality, they must speak out and vote on legislation demanding equivalence. They have the power to be equal in status, perhaps they simply do not realize it.
Country Statistics:
1861 Census - 1,096,810
2011 Census - 10,787,690
Urban Population 2010 - 61% of total population
Sex Ratio (total pop.) - 0.96 males to every female (2011)
Life Expectancy (total pop.) - 80.05 years
Literacy Rate - 96% of total population
1861 Census - 1,096,810
2011 Census - 10,787,690
Urban Population 2010 - 61% of total population
Sex Ratio (total pop.) - 0.96 males to every female (2011)
Life Expectancy (total pop.) - 80.05 years
Literacy Rate - 96% of total population
Culture and Religion:
Greece has a very diverse culture filled with traditions and religious practices that have been around for centuries. While it is relatively known that much of the ancient Greeks believed in mythology and legend, the people of Greece today put their faith in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Roman Catholicism. Yet, many religious festivals celebrating their faith take place in Greek culture. Fashion, music, and food are all very important aspects of Greek culture. All have been apart of Greek lifestyle since ancient Greece and play a huge roll in the lives of the Greeks (Maps of World).
Social Development:
Greece is a very socially developed country filled with culture and diversity. High above any third-world country, Greece rests as fully developed, as well as the founding country of democracy. The culture of Greece is alive and well, population is growing, urbanization continues to take place, and Greece is on its way to the top of the country food chain(Maps of World).
Greece has a very diverse culture filled with traditions and religious practices that have been around for centuries. While it is relatively known that much of the ancient Greeks believed in mythology and legend, the people of Greece today put their faith in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Roman Catholicism. Yet, many religious festivals celebrating their faith take place in Greek culture. Fashion, music, and food are all very important aspects of Greek culture. All have been apart of Greek lifestyle since ancient Greece and play a huge roll in the lives of the Greeks (Maps of World).
Social Development:
Greece is a very socially developed country filled with culture and diversity. High above any third-world country, Greece rests as fully developed, as well as the founding country of democracy. The culture of Greece is alive and well, population is growing, urbanization continues to take place, and Greece is on its way to the top of the country food chain(Maps of World).
http://maps.nationmaster.com/country/gr/1
Greece Trail
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This trail of Greece represents how Greece has improved both in life expectancy and average income from 1800 to 2011. The "trail" is a representation of the years going by and the changing statistics.
This map shows the population of Greece compared to the rest of the world in 1700.
This map shows the same population comparison of Greece to the rest of the world in the year 2013. Notice the dramatic increase in population for the rest of the world, while Greece's hardly increased.
The map above shows the Literacy rate of adults in Greece in the year 1981.
The above map shows the literacy rate of Greek adults in 2010, which was recorded to be 96% of the total population.
All of the above information shows how Greece has developed over time. While it may not have gained much in population when compared with the rest of the world, it has definitely improved as a society. Not only has it been ahead in literacy since the 1980's, but the Life expectancy and average income of Greece have both skyrocketed over the last 200 years. The people of Greece went from making less than $1,000 per year and living to be 40 in 1800 to making over $20,000 and living to 80 years.