Death is a difficult subject to discuss, no matter the language. In any culture, words of condolence often don’t seem adequate in the face of heartbreaking loss. In Greek, however, there are special words and phrases that are traditionally used to offer comfort and support in times of grief. Knowing what to say in Greek when someone dies can help to show your support for the bereaved.
Traditional Words of Condolences in Greek
When someone passes away, it’s important to show your support and condolences. In Greek, there are many traditional sayings and phrases used to express condolences. The most common is “θερμές συλλυπητήριες” (thermes sylypithiries), which literally translates to “warmest sympathies”. Other traditional expressions include “θαυμαστά λυπημένος” (thavmastas lipemenos), meaning “deeply sorry” and “συλλυπητήρια για την απώλεια” (sylypithiriea ya tin apolia), which translates to “condolences for the loss”.
Customs of Greek Grieving Rituals
In Greece, there are certain customs and rituals that are observed when someone passes away. One of the most important customs is the kollyva, which is a dish made up of boiled wheat, sugar, and nuts. This dish is often eaten during the funeral service and then distributed to those who attended the service. Other traditions include wearing black clothing, the use of lit candles, and the reciting of the Kontakion, which is a poem that expresses the sorrow of the bereaved.
Common Funeral Customs in Greek
When attending a funeral in a Greek Orthodox church, it’s important to follow certain customs. For men, it’s customary to wear dark clothing and a tie, while women should wear a dress or skirt that covers their arms and legs. It’s also important to remove hats during the service, and it’s considered respectful to bring a candle to light in memory of the deceased. After the service, it’s customary for guests to offer their condolences to the family of the deceased.
Sympathy Gifts in Greek Culture
In Greek culture, it’s common to give a sympathy gift in memory of the deceased. These gifts can range from flowers to food, but they are usually something that will bring comfort to the bereaved. Common sympathy gifts in Greek culture include a kondoleon (a wreath of flowers), a trisagion (an offering of incense or candles), and a kolyva (boiled wheat with sugar and nuts).
The Meaning of Mourning in Greek
In Greek culture, mourning is a time for reflection and remembrance. It is believed that the soul of the deceased will remain in the home of the bereaved for 40 days, so it’s important to observe a period of mourning during this time. During this period, it’s common to visit the bereaved family, offer support, and bring gifts. It’s also customary to light candles and incense in memory of the deceased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common phrase to express condolences in Greek?
The most common phrase to express condolences in Greek is “θερμές συλλυπητήριες” (thermes sylypithiries), which literally translates to “warmest sympathies”.
What are the traditional customs of Greek grieving rituals?
The traditional customs of Greek grieving rituals include the kollyva (a dish of boiled wheat, sugar, and nuts), wearing black clothing, the use of lit candles, and the reciting of the Kontakion (a poem that expresses the sorrow of the bereaved).
What are common sympathy gifts in Greek culture?
Common sympathy gifts in Greek culture include a kondoleon (a wreath of flowers), a trisagion (an offering of incense or candles), and a kolyva (boiled wheat with sugar and nuts).
What is the meaning of mourning in Greek culture?
In Greek culture, mourning is a time for reflection and remembrance. It is believed that the soul of the deceased will remain in the home of the bereaved for 40 days, so it’s important to observe a period of mourning during this time.
What is the traditional greeting for a funeral in Greek?
The traditional greeting for a funeral in Greek is “Ασπασμός των θλιβερών” (Aspasmos ton thlivoron), which translates to “condolence of the mourning”.
What type of clothing should men and women wear to a funeral in Greek culture?
Men should wear dark clothing and a tie, while women should wear a dress or skirt that covers their arms and legs.
What is the traditional custom for offering condolences to a family of a deceased in Greece?
The traditional custom for offering condolences to a family of a deceased in Greece is to visit the family, offer support, and bring gifts.
Are there any special rituals for lighting candles at a funeral in Greek culture?
Yes, it’s customary to light candles at a funeral in Greek culture to symbolize the light of the soul of the deceased.
What is the traditional offering of incense or candles in Greek culture?
The traditional offering of incense or candles in Greek culture is called a trisagion.
What is a kondoleon?
A kondoleon is a wreath of flowers that is often given as a sympathy gift in Greek culture.
What is the Kontakion?
The Kontakion is a poem that is traditionally recited during a funeral in Greek culture to express the sorrow of the bereaved.
What is a kolyva?
A kolyva is a dish made of boiled wheat, sugar, and nuts that is often eaten during a funeral service in Greek culture.
When does the soul of the deceased remain in the home of the bereaved in Greek culture?
In Greek culture, it is believed that the soul of the deceased will remain in the home of the bereaved for 40 days.