Most of the people were wealthy enough to not have to work for a living. When they were not dealing with a crisis, such as war, famine, illness, or bereavement—and those, of course, were all too frequent—even fairly poor Greeks led more relaxed lives than most do today.
A symposium was basically a drinking party. It was held in a private home in a semi-formal setting. The wealthy men used to get together to drink for pleasure and engage in physically or intellectually stimulating activities. Symposia could take a variety of forms, depending on the temperament, age, social class, proclivities, and mood of the guests.
A symposium could range from being one where there were highly cultivated discussions to one where the drink overflowed and the guests indulged in sexual intercourse.
In addition, every symposium began and ended with prayers to the gods, particularly to Dionysus, the giver of wine, and to the Agathos Daimon, the good demon or spirit. Another important point to note is that the symposium was a vehicle by which culture was transmitted. Politics also featured at the symposium.
In fact, many of the songs that the drinkers sang were politically inspired. Watch it now, on Wondrium. Another way to relax was by going to a club. Clubs became particularly important in the Hellenistic era, that is to say in the period following the death of Alexander the Great in B. They usually had a religious dimension—many of them were organized around the cult of a specific deity. These clubs were especially favored by foreigners. Clubs were particularly numerous in trading centers like the Piraeus the port of Athens , on the island of Delos, and on the island of Rhodes, largely because they served to facilitate commercial ties between their members.
They would chant songs or explain the background to the story being acted out. They were held at Olympia every four years, in honour of Zeus, who was the father and most powerful of all the gods Zeus is shown on the coin pictured opposite. Over 40, spectators would come to watch the events. The games started off with just one event: a sprint across the stadium. Gradually more events were added, including javelin, discus, chariot racing, boxing and the long jump.
Take the months leading up to the summer Olympic Games of for example. After years of talks and preparation, the country was severely behind schedule six months prior.
Greek summer is a wonderful time. The days are long and hot, and there is nothing else you can do beside spending the day at the beach or at least outdoors. It seems that everything is possible and that there is something magical in the air.
Just come to visit in the summer and you will see what we are talking about. Known around the world for its healthiness, Greek cuisine mainly includes vegetables, fruits, and olive oil, as well as seafood and meat. Even if you only eat a humble horiatiki Greek salad , you will be amazed at how good it tastes.
Christmas in Greece is certainly worth experiencing, but if you have the choice, come here for Easter. The most important religious celebration, Easter is mostly spent with family, around a table filled with great food and wine or beer. People often get days off from work to return back to their home village or island for the festivities and the whole country shuts down for the occasion. As they are social and hospitable, Greeks like to get together to share a meal.
Whether you are lost in the mountains and find yourself in a small village with only one taverna, you will be surprised by a free bottle of wine offered by a local or the owner of the taverna. Along with basketball and football, partying is a national sport in Greece. When the rest of Europe starts heading to the clubs around 11PM, Greeks are only getting ready. Here, you should not be surprised to see people showing up around Greece Government.
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