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Christmas

The Real Face of Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas, Recreated

Despite the many myths surrounding some Christmas characters, certain legendary figures are actually rooted in history, and Saint Nicholas, otherwise known as Santa Claus, is one of them. Recently, scientists at Liverpool John Moores University used his skull to...

How Melomakarona and Kourabiedes Got Their Names

Melomakarona and kourabiedes are two words which, for Greek people, embody Christmas itself. They bring to mind the sweetness of the holiday season, both literally and figuratively. The two traditional Christmas sweets are an integral part of Christmas and New...

Christmas, Saturnalia, and the Real Birth Date of Jesus

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th in most parts of the world. Supposedly, this was the date of the birth of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Christmas is regarded as a celebration honoring that birth. However, various scholarly sources claim that...

Tomb of Salome, the Midwife Who Delivered Jesus, Reveals Treasures

The Tomb of Salome that was recently discovered—along with other treasures—in the process of excavations at a burial cave located in a Jerusalem forest, contained artifacts and ruins dating back to the eighth to ninth centuries of nearby shops....

Five Traditional Greek Desserts to Sweeten Up Your Christmas

During the Christmas season, Greece is filled with the delicious aroma of sugary-sweet traditional Greek desserts, floating out from houses and bakeries as people prepare for the holiday season. Featuring traditional Greek flavors like nuts, citrus, spices like cinnamon and...

Seven Christmas Customs That Are Uniquely Greek

Most Christmas customs like the Christmas tree, singing the carols or exchanging gifts that are observed in Western countries have become universal

Old and New Christmas Traditions in Greece

One of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar is the annual commemoration of the birth of Christ. Each country has its own unique traditions and each region of Greece has a different history along with different myths...

Did the December 25th Date for Christmas Come From Pagans?

Around this time of year, lots of historical facts about Christmas start circulating the internet. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of misinformation. Some sources claim that the traditional date of December 25th for Christmas comes from pre-Christian, pagan...

The Christmas Tree Is a Tradition Older Than Christmas

Why, every Christmas, do so many people endure the mess of dried pine needles, the risk of a fire hazard and impossibly tangled strings of lights? By Troy Bickham Strapping a fir tree to the hood of my car and worrying...

Melomakarona – The Quintessential Greek Christmas Cookie

Melomakarona are some of the most beloved of all Greek cookies. Made with olive oil, flour, honey, and citrus, melomakarona are much healthier than most holiday treats. The addition of cinnamon and walnuts makes the cookies irresistible. Today's melomakarona contain...