Everyday Habits and Customs of the Jewish Communities in Greece

In every Community, Jews created local habits, preserving everyday wisdom and the union of religiosity with social reality.

The New Moon and Lunar Time

The coming of the new month, known as “Rosh Hodesh,” was a special day.

In Ioannina it was called “Ris Hondes” and was formally announced in the synagogue by the Rabbi. At night, the Hacham and the faithful would go out under the starry sky to recite the prayer for the new moon, “Birkat ha-Levana.”

In Thessaloniki, they used to hold a gold coin, expressing wishes for the month to go well.

In Ioannina and Kastoria, when the new moon coincided with a change of season, the Shamash would walk through the alleys shouting (that they should not drink water): “From 4 to 5 it is the time for Tekufah!”

“Tekufah” (Tekuá) represents the eternal turning of time and coincides with the moments of solstices–equinoxes, in the months Tishrei - September, October, Tevet - January, Nisan - April, Tammuz - June July.

It was believed that the sky “dripped blood,” so they avoided any activity, such as washing, cooking, or hanging clothes.

There was also the habit of preparing in advance bougikos, bogios, small cheese breads (in Kastoria they were called koulatsia or kolatsio), for food.

Local customs by region

The Communities’ traditions were linked to every small and great moment of daily life. In all communities of the world, all serious dealings and agreements—even engagements and weddings—were set according to the lunar calendar, while the moon was waxing, growing.

In Kastoria, when entering a new house for the first time, they hid in a container an iron object (a fire tong), cotton, an egg, and rice, as a wish “for good fortune.”

In Ioannina, when a rainbow appeared, they told children not to urinate until it disappeared. In Ioannina, in cases of serious illness, the patient’s name was changed to “Chaim” (life), “Chairlis” (lucky), or “Nissim” (miracle).

In Thessaly, when someone set out on a trip, they poured water behind them and did not unmake the bed until good news arrived.

Thessaloniki, practices with a special atmosphere

They did not hang clothes out at night, especially baby clothes.

To find something lost, they tied a knot in a handkerchief.

Young girls were given the end piece of bread to eat, so that the mother-in-law “la schuegra” would love them.

They did not point at the stars with a finger, for fear of warts.

When children had a fever, they put cucumber peels or vinegar compresses on them.

The Sabbath and Devotional Practices

Household preparations had to be completed before sunset, so that the table would be set for the evening meal upon the father’s return. Saturday was a day of rest, “Shabbat Menuchah,” and:

They did not cut nails or hair, nor sew or embroider.

They did not throw nail clippings just anywhere, only into running water.

Women during menstruation did not kiss the Mezuzah.

Customs for Children

The first haircut for boys took place at the age of three: among Sephardim it was called “Halakah,” among Ashkenazim in Yiddish “Upsherin – chalakah.” According to the Bible, just as it is forbidden to eat the fruit of a tree before three years have passed, so too the little boy must pass from infancy to childhood with a symbolic haircut.

With a humorous touch

Little girls clumsily shorn by their mothers were called “arapadikas de la mama,” shorn by mama.

The more stout girls were called “alevantadikas del frí,” implying they had “recovered” from illness and should eat.

Health

Folk medicine had its own recipes:

Cucumber peels for fever on the forehead and cheeks, or compresses with water and vinegar.

Under the mattress they placed naphthalene for bedbugs and moths, and camphor for the family’s health.

Blessings on the Road, the farewell

“Caminos buenos,” safe travels.

A mother would bless her children with a gentle and profound wish:

“Regraçiados del Dio i de la djente i kon la kavesa alta,”

that they be honored by God and by people, and that they move forward with heads held high.