Greek Culture

GREEK ORTHODOX TRADITIONS

New York City is a very special place to explore various cultures, especially in our neighborhood Sunset Park and Bay ridge. We had the opportunity to learn about the Greek Orthodox traditions by visiting a beautiful roman catholic church and had the privilege to learn more about the religion and the symbolism of the paintings, statues etc.

Greece is located in the Southeastern of Europe, 98% of the people are Orthodox Christians and believe in the Roman Catholic Church such as this one located in Bay ridge called Holy Cross Orthodox Church where there is a populated Greek Culture.

As we were visiting this church we learned that the Orthodox Christians follow a church calender that begins September 1st and ends on August 31st, each day is sacred for the Orthodox Christians.Also we had the privileged to observe the beautiful paintings of this church, we learned that these icons are pictorial representations of saints in paints or mosaic that serve as symbols of holiness.

During our visit in the church, we noticed that it was almost time for a major feast day called Easter. Easter is the most sacred observance in the Greek Orthodox Faith. We noticed many symbolic things such as the candle and egg, from ancient times the egg and candles has been a symbol of the victory of renewal life, and the message of the red egg is victory over death.

Food in Daily Life 

                 

The best part of exploring the Greek Orthodox tradition was the food, we were able to go to New Athens Market and taste Spinach Pie and Cheese Pie that was very delicious. This was a very fun experience to explore new cultures and try new things.

The Middle East

Okay so we visited the Middle Eastern culture and this is what we got. Its called Lahme Bi Ajeen. It's made with toasted bread or flour and it's crispy on the edges and soft towards the middle, then cooked meat is added onto it. (I was able to get my hands on 6 of these)

Then we learned a little about the Arabic culture and apparently you cannot eat pork, none whatsoever! However their culture is very unique yet somewhat similar to what we're all used to.

  

Types of yogurt in an Arabic Store

So let's check out some unique traditions. For all the yogurt lovers out there, you guys might want to try out these yogurt. In Middle Eastern culture, yogurt is apparently a dish that you can eat almost every meal. (sauce on the first picture is actually yogurt!).  Apparently the yogurt is usually tasteless

A very cool thing that comes from the Middle East is the beautiful artwork called henna.

They do this for parties, or you can get one done at a shop.
Henna looks very similar to tattoo, but unlike tattoo its temporary and will remove itself over time as your skin sheds. I mean look at   the designs, its very cool

Italian American

Throughout our 7 day's exploring different cultures in our neighborhood we had the opportunity to learn more about the Italian American Community. We had the chance to learn more about their food, traditions, sports, and some famous Italian American celebrities and politicians. 

During the time we spent exploring the Italian American Community we had the chance to visit an Italian bakery called Generoso's,  which is located at 5812 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220. We had the chance to try some Italians delicious deserts such as my favorite one: the Italian Cannoli, which are Sicilian pastry desserts, consisting of tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough, filled with a sweet, creamy filling containing ricotta. We also had the chance to go to a Italian pizzeria and try a delicious Italian pizza slice. 

Some Italian traditions and festivals include the Scoppio del carro that is an Easter festival held in Florence that marks the triumph of the First Crusade where participants mimic the events of the Crusade. Another tradition is Christmas Eve - Feast Of The 7 Fishes (Festa dei sette pesci) which is an Italian-American celebration of Christmas Eve with meals of fish and other seafood.

Italy's main sport is Calcio (Soccer) then follows Basketball, Volleyball and Cycling. 

The Italian Soccer team is considered one of the best teams in World Cup history since it has won the FIFA World Cup four times (1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006).

Some famous Italian American entertainers and politicians include Leonardo Di Caprio an actor and film producer, he also has been nominated for ten Golden Globe Awards and five Academy Awards.



 Another famous Italian American includes Rudy Giuliani a lawyer, businessman and former
 New York City mayor.