Skip to main content Scroll Top
The Magic Of Greek Honey

GREEK TRADITIONS AND HONEY

  • Honey was used in celebrations as a symbol of fertility and well-being.
  • Honey with walnuts and brittles are offered to the newlyweds and guests.
  • In Crete, the sweet offered in all weddings is called xerotigano, a fried dough with honey.
  • In Rhodes, on the wedding eve, people prepare melekounia, a sweet with honey, sesame and flower water.
  • New mothers are offered honey-kneaded breads.
  • Honey-topped pancakes and omelets are offered in cemeteries after Easter for the repose of souls.
  • For the sake of the new year, housewives used to place nuts, an olive branch and a cup of honey on the table.
  • Christmas-time sweets are made with honey: melomakarona, diples and sweet breads.
  • Throughout Crete, brides and grooms have to eat a spoonful of walnuts and honey during the wedding ceremony. In many villages, however, there is a custom of offering nuts and honey to wedding guests.