Greek Culture

Modern Greek culture is a

mix of ancient beliefs,
vibrant/ expressive people,
and a deep sense of family
connection.

Patient Interaction:
Greeks are warm and
hospitable.
When meeting someone for
the first time, they shake
hands firmly, smile, and
maintain direct eye contact.
Prefer face-to-face
meetings.
Takes time to develop
.relationships, prefer to do
over lunch and social
gatherings.
Pretentious and standoffish
people offend them.
Express their emotions
through gesture, very vocal.
Common Dishes:

Spanakopita- savory spinach pie

with
feta cheese.
Moussaka- potato based dish
including
ground beef,
smothered in sauces.
Baklava- savory pastry made of
layers of filo filled with chopped
nuts and syrup or honey.
Ouzo- popular drink with high
alcohol content.
Saganaki- traditional appetizer,
fried cheese.

*These dishes are high in fat,

carbs, and sodium but are
traditional foods that are eaten
often.

Common Foods:
Lamb, Beef, Potatoes, Eggplant,
Tomato Sauce, Bchamel (white
sauce), Olives, Olive Oil, Feta
Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Fresh
Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Fish,
Seafood

Greek Superstitions:
Evil Eye * Provoked by jealousy
or envy, believed to cause bad
luck/ poor health.

Spiting * When bad news is

mentioned it is common to spit 3
times and say ftou, ftou, ftou to
ward off the devil and misfortune.

Greeks have a firm grasp on

their traditions, so it is best to
work the NCP in with theses
superstitions. For example work
with your client to help them
overcome the evil eye. It is

important that you do not

discount or ignore their traditions
because many they will find it
very offensive. The more you

acknowledge their culture the

easier it will be to build rapport
with your client.

References
Advameg, Inc. (2016).Greece. Retrieved from http://www.foodbycountry.com/Germany-toJapan/Greece.html
Advameg, Inc. (2016).Greece. Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Greece.html
Gerber, M. and Hoffman, R. (2015). The Mediterranean diet: Health, science and society. British
Journal of Nutrition, 113. Retrieved from
http://journals.cambridge.org/article_S0007114514003912
doi: 10.1017/S0007114514003912
Osborn, D.K. (2007). The six hygiene factors.
http://www.greekmedicine.net/hygiene/The_six_Hygienic_Factors.html
Paravantes, E. (2012). The culinary culture of greece. Food and Nutrition Magazine.
http://www.foodandnutrition.org/Spring-2012/The-Culinary-Culture-of-Greece/
The Greek Island Specialists (2016). Greece culture. Retrieved from
http://www.greeka.com/greece-culture/
Tountas, Y. (2009). The historical origins of the basic concepts of health promotion and
education: the role of ancient Greek philosophy and medicine. Oxford Journals, 24, 185-192. doi:
10.1093/heapro/dap006
Tracy, S. (2013). Something new under the sun? The mediterranean diet and cardiovascular
health. New England Journal of Medicine, 368. doi: 10.1056/NEJMp1302616