Greece, one of the cradles of world civilization, has a long and storied history. Over the millennia, it has developed a unique traditional culture that differs significantly from China in many aspects of daily life. Understanding these local habits is not only a sign of respect for the residents but also a necessary step for Greek immigrants to quickly integrate into the local lifestyle.
Social Etiquette
Greeks pay great attention to being well-dressed; they make an effort with their appearance whenever they go out. When living in Greece, it is important to maintain a neat and tidy dress code. If you are attending a formal social occasion, standard shirts and jeans are insufficient; you will need to wear formal attire, such as a dark suit with a tie or bowtie.
Generally, Greeks greet guests with a handshake, but in many social contexts, they also express friendliness through hugs and kisses. When passing someone on the street, Greeks will often greet one another even if they are total strangers. If the path is narrow, they always let the other person pass first, especially if they are a foreigner.
Greeks are known for their elegant manners and specific social taboos. They avoid beckoning with the hands or waving them dismissively, as this is considered contemptuous; the closer the hand is to the other person's face, the more offensive it is. They also consider staring at someone for a long time to be an expression of ill intent, and sneezing or using a handkerchief to blow one's nose in public are considered highly inappropriate behaviors.
Dining Culture
Greece is a country that deeply values its traditions, especially in its culinary culture. Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat-lover, this place is a foodie's paradise. Whole-grain bread, Mediterranean fruits and vegetables, fresh catches of the day, lamb, and cheese are naturally paired with olive oil, wine, and a variety of herbs, allowing you to eat both fresh and healthy. After a meal, people usually have some cheese and dessert, accompanied by local specialty wines.
Greeks primarily eat wheat-based foods, though rice is also consumed. Main dishes are often beef or lamb, and commonly consumed vegetables include tomatoes and potatoes.
Social Gatherings
If you are invited to a Greek friend’s home for dinner, prepare yourself for a long and sumptuous feast. It is important to pace your appetite so that you don't run out of room before the second course is served. Greeks typically have dinner at 9:00 PM or even later. Greek "nightlife" is very vibrant, and if you become friends with locals, staying up late to watch football together is practically unavoidable.
In Greek restaurants, it is uncommon for guests to order individual main courses for themselves. For Greeks, socialization comes first; people prefer to order a wide variety of dishes to share. Furthermore, you will often find that there are no menus in Greek restaurants. Chefs often keep many appetizers in a warming display—guests can simply point to the delicious options they would like to try.
Festivals
The three months from July to September are the busiest time of the year in Greece, as various international music festivals take place, drawing people from all over the world.
During the New Year, Greeks may travel or visit family and friends. On their first day returning home, they bring a pomegranate and smash it on the ground to usher in a year of prosperity and good fortune. Due to their many seeds, pomegranates are symbols of wealth to the Greeks, and people often wear pomegranate-themed jewelry during this time.