Receiving the book Eleni as a Christmas present,written by Nicholas Gage her son ,who is trying to establish who was responsible for his mothers death during the Greek Civil War.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I came upon a passage that suggested that on Christmas Day, Eleni or Greeks also filled a plate for the Christmas Stranger,who she/they believed to be the Christ Child!
Eleni didn't wait for the stranger to arrive but sent one of her daughters with the food to some relatives who were starving.
My extra plate was set inadvertently,but I can't help wondering how many other Nationalities set a place for the Christmas Stranger!
Message posted by tully on 03 January 2010 at 8:21pm - IP Logged
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The Polish girl that I work with, told me about her traditional Xmas. They eat fish not meat for there Xmas Meal, which is eaten on Christmas Eve.
It's a 12 dish meal, and they always set a place for a stranger, in case anyone hasn't got anywhere to go, they can knock on any door and will be welcome.
Message posted by Linda2 on 03 January 2010 at 11:29pm - IP Logged
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Have read Eleni thrice now. Find that is a really intriguing book and an eye opener to what went on in Greece in the past.
Perhaps something that us as holidaymakers need to understand.
Was going to give it as a gift to a Greek friend called Eleni, but after reading it, thought that it may not be such a good idea. So I still have to read again, and again and again.
Message posted by S and J on 04 January 2010 at 12:16am - IP Logged
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I have this book along with another written by his daughter I think, waiting for my next Corfu trip in April. Keep wanting to read them, but so far I have beaten the temptation. Hope Eleni is as good as some of you have described.
Message posted by Lavinia on 04 January 2010 at 1:10am - IP Logged
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I agree that Eleni is a wonderful story (which I find particularly poignant as I lived in Epirus for 18 months in the early 1970s). I have to say that I found the grandaughter's book very disappointing.
As for the Christmas stranger - do any of you remember being asked to leave something on your plate for "Mr.Manners"? Or did any of you have an imaginary friend for whom a place had to be laid and food provided?
Wouldn't it be great if this year we could all find a person or a family who would appreciate being our occasional "Christmas friends" and for whom we could provide Sunday lunch or a helping hand when needed?
Message posted by Bill on 04 January 2010 at 1:37pm - IP Logged
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I've just finished Eleni Maggy - one of the most poignant and emotive reads ever!
Meanwhile, there is a New Year's tradition in Greece which links to your Christmas Stranger too - cutting the vasilopita. This is a cake with a coin inside. The person who gets the slice with the coin in will also receive good luck in the coming year (just like the Christmas pud in the UK). Traditionally the man of the house cuts the cake just as the new year arrives. The first slice is for Christ, the second for the house, then a piece each for everyone there.
Message posted by vivwells on 04 January 2010 at 6:36pm - IP Logged
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When my sister-in-law was a child, she insisted that a place at table was always laid for: "Uncle Charlie from Westbury." There was no such person and the family knew no-one in Westbury.....very strange!
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