Greek culture/society.

The Greek culture/society is very religious and can

be characterized as greatly diverse. The native language in Greece is Greek. i
Religious practices along with food and music are all key parts of the Greece
Culture and are celebrated with all kinds of festivals etc.ii They were known
from the start to be Orthodox but this has changed and now most Greeks
participate in Christianity, Muslim, Jewish, and Roman Catholic.iii In Greece it
is common for families to be very close and many social organizations have
evolved from this idea of family.iv The Greeks are very open affectionate
people and are very generous. They are known for being great hosts.

Cultural awareness. In Athens Greece there are some things that people
who dont know the culture should be aware of.
It is always seen as respectful to bring a hostess a gift when you have been
invited into their home. Some appropriate gifts are:

expensive wine
brandy
pastries
whiskey
cut flowers

Gifts that are not seen as appropriate are:

inexpensive wine
knives
sharp objectsv

It is respectful when meeting someone to shake the hand of everyone

present.
It is also respectful to shake hands when leaving as well.vi Greeks are very
open and affectionate. They see nodding to be rude and think that "Yes"
should always be said instead. Giving a thumbs up is also seen as rude.vii

Women. In Athens it is seen as odd when a woman is travelling alone and

she may be seen as unwelcomed when travelling alone.viii Foreign women will
find that Athens Greece is a great place for doing business.ix Opportunities
for women in Athens is based on whether or not they have connections with
people etc.x In Athens it is usually the man that pays when going out for
dinner etc. but when arrangements are made before hand for the woman to
pay then the man will usually give in.xi
Dress code. In Athens it is most common in the monasteries to have a strict
dress code for the visitors which includes:

no shorts
covered arms
skirts
trousers
wraps

In Athens there is also a very informal beach dress code and allot of nudist
beaches in secluded spots. The beaches closest to the churches/coasts etc.
are where nudity is frowned upon.xii

Dining/etiquette. In Athens when you invited to a diner party it is an

underlying statement to arrive 30 minutes late. The Greeks are great hosts
and are very generous.xiii It is seen as polite to eat everything on your plate
and if you cannot eat everything on your plate it is seen as courteous to tell
the hostess that you have had enough food and they will take your plate for
you.xiv While dining the Greeks do not swap knives and forks.xv They keep the
knife in their right hand and the fork in their left. Also it is disrespectful to
have your hands under the table etc. Your hands should remain visible at all
times, above the table.xvi
In Athens it is common at meals to toast with Kalamata as it means to your
health.xvii While drinking it is better to take your time and take in small sips.
When someone finishes a drink it is filled right back up!xviii When you think
you have had enough it is polite to just leave a good amount of your drink in
your cup to show that you have enjoyed the drink but that you have had
enough.xix
Tipping. Bargaining isnt a regular thing for tourists in Athens. It is not
essential anywhere, although taxi drivers do expect it. Bills at restaurants
incorporate a service charge which acts as a tip so no tipping is necessary
unless you would like to round up the bill for example, from $20.50 to
$21.00. That alone is seen as a good tip because of the service charge.

i http://www.mapsofworld.com/greece/culture-and-society/
ii http://www.mapsofworld.com/greece/culture-and-society/
iii http://www.mapsofworld.com/greece/culture-and-society/
iv http://www.mapsofworld.com/greece/culture-and-society/
v http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_gr.htm
vi http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_gr.htm
vii http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_gr.htm
viii http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/europe/greece/culture-and-etiquette/
ix http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_gr.htm
x http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_gr.htm
xi http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_gr.htm
xii http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/europe/greece/culture-and-etiquette/
xiii http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_gr.htm
xiv http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_gr.htm
xv http://www.hoteltravel.com/greece/athens/dining-etiquette-in-athens.htm
xvi http://www.hoteltravel.com/greece/athens/dining-etiquette-in-athens.htm
xvii http://www.hoteltravel.com/greece/athens/dining-etiquette-in-athens.htm
xviii http://www.hoteltravel.com/greece/athens/dining-etiquette-in-athens.htm
xix http://www.hoteltravel.com/greece/athens/dining-etiquette-in-athens.htm