Greece Travel Tips and Guide

Marriage was regarded as an auspicious relationship in the ancient Greek society. Marriage was very important to carry family chain. In the Greek culture, every respectable woman became a wife if she could. In marriage, there was hardly room for choice. Destiny played an important role in solemnizing marriage. Woman had no alternate than marriage. The sacred wedding rituals were interwoven by the various ceremonies. These ceremonies had ritual meaning and overlapping rites.

There is great evidence for these formalities, both literary and artistic, which helps to provide a complete account of Greek customs. Offerings, dedications and sacrifices were made by the bride and the groom. Marriage consisted of a private contract where woman was transferred to her husband. Marriage consisted of transfer and transformation. Transformation means actually giving the responsibility of the woman. Many things pointed towards her transformation like cutting of hair and offering them to virgin deities. Presenting the hair locks to the goddess often signifies the attainment of womanhood.

Greek society stresses upon the marriage of a girl at the age of fourteen. Boys are found eligible at the age of thirty after they have served military force. Girls are obliged to marry where their father wants. Various types of rituals are followed in the marriage ceremony. Both the bride and groom take bath in the holy spring. On the wedding day, girl is dressed in the traditional attire. She is taken in veil to the banquet hall. She is accompanied by her friends and relatives. Groom attires in the best outfit reaches the bride's home with a procession of friends, relatives and family members. Drums are played and crackers are burst to ward away evil spirit spirits. Music and dance plays a major role in the festivities. Bride and the groom wear a crown or garland to mark the occasion.

The actual transfer of the bride from father to groom takes place at night after the bridal banquet. After the great feast the procession in a chariot takes place from the home of the bride to the home of the groom. Bride stands in the cart as her husband mounts it in preparation for their journey. Families follow the chariot by foot bearing gifts. Bride’s mother carries the torch in the journey at night to light the way. Bride eats an apple as a part of the incorporation rites which demonstrates her new union with her husband. Fruits and nuts are showered on the couple which acts as agents of fertility and prosperity.

One day the after the marriage, an outdoor procession of people is held. It is called the Epaulia. It is an outdoor procession of people who brings gifts. Gifts generally include vases filled with greenery, baskets, pots, furniture, jewelry and combs. Athenian marriage is relationship between a man and a woman who had the primary goal of producing children and maintaining the identity of the social and political community. In ancient Sparta, the ceremony was very simple. After a tussle, to prove his superior strength, the groom would toss his bride over his shoulder and carried her off.

Slaves in the ancient Greek culture cannot marry because marriage was considered only for the privileged class. Any children which were born from their masters were disposed off because the slaves have no right to rear children

The immediate response of the state murder of Socrates saw the people of Athens arise in disgust as one. They harassed and hounded those Governing 30 out of Athens: death, rejection, forever out of any inner council of wiser gentler Athens. This was the Athens Alexander arrived in, and took note. Heroic to a fault, he saw his chance for immortality, and it would seem to live great and die in glory may have become "fixed" in his young mind as a scholar with other princes of other city states.

There may be no published thoughts on this motivation behind Alexander deciding with his life to go for it! But my meditation would suggest he came to feel it was his destiny to make Greece all free and great and master rather than defend from Persia, and rule the known world. Alexander had such early inspirations that would affect other people after his death, as with Socrates. He must be good, he might as well be Great. It seems that Alexander, unlike most of us, had all too many examples on how life could end quickly, and unless that dying man had done good or evil in his life made a difference on how he could die, and expect to go to a better life with God.

This truth is just plain horse sense, as Socrates told Aristotle, and as Aristotle told Alexander, and Alexander to his horse, who you may have heard,told me. Socrates died quietly and told Aristotle, who told his pupil Alexander, that he was going to a better life. Alexander almost died in the desert in Egypt seeking a Wise Holy Man : they blessed each other. 350 years before Christ, men Believed.

Socrates was an ugly little man who walked in rags through the streets of Athens in his later years. But in his youth, during the height of the Golden Age of Greece he had performed with great bravery at three great battles against the ever present army and navy of Persia. As he aged, limping and infirm, he was not fit for any further service to Athens and was allowed to ramble and talk to groups of people. And who can refuse an old man his times of rambling and talking to his neighbors, and then to others who hear of his wise series of questions and answers that he brought you conclude about you own needs or actions.

His purity of mind allowed thoughts of good and ways to improve the human condition and how we all must search our own soul and moral code before causing another a harm. This is often heard from an old warrior, but none spoke with such searching clarity into the essence of a question. What was the seeker seeking, really? All citizens of Greece needed to be on their alert. As at Gettysburg two thousand years later, the fate of democracy could some times hang by threads. Socrates made the leaders of ancient Greece jealous and was forced to die. How the death of Socrates was witnessed by his pupil Aristotle, who within years discussed the meaning of free will and a good life and worthy death and entry in an afterlife of joy with his young pupil Alexander, who would become Great. We talk about that next.

Perfume has been a desired commodity since ancient times and many of the techniques used are still used to some degree today. When looking at ancient attitudes towards perfume it is surprising to discover how much it actually reflects the expectations of it in the modern day. To understand the nature of it in Ancient Greece, historians rely upon written sources, excavated mosaics and other pictorial representations and artifacts such as perfume bottles. From these items, lots can be determined about the function, importance and production of it in ancient Greece.

The art of perfume making began in the island such as Crete and other Greek colonies. It was brought to the agora or marketplace and sold from stalls. The ancient Greeks quickly began to experiment with them, and created their own extraction techniques which incorporated boiling herbs and flower petals. These methods isolated the required plant ingredients and then perfumes were made by infusing the extracted scents in oils. The process was a simple version of modern techniques but could create as wide a variety of them as can be enjoyed today.

The ingredients were mainly homegrown flowers such as iris and marjoram, roses, lilies, and violets. Herbs and spices such as sage and cumin were also used. Incense and myrrh were seen as decadent and were perfume ingredients reserved for gods until the 4th century when there was a shift in tastes, ideology and availability. Like other ancient civilization, the ancient Greeks imported oriental essences to create more exotic perfumes. However, unlike other civilizations, they kept them mainly for their own use, rather than for export.

Perfume was central to ancient Greek life. It was so popular that the politician Solon temporarily banned the use of it to prevent an economic crisis. It was at the centre of hospitality, wealth, status, daily life and even philosophy. It was seen as erotic, mystical and spiritual. It was linked to beauty which was inextricably linked with divinity. The origins of perfume and perfumery are interwoven with Greek mythology. In Homeric tradition, the Olympian gods taught perfumery to people. The colour and scent of the rose is attributed to events surrounding Venus and Cupid.

Perfume was worn by both men and women and was central to cult worship as it was seen as pleasing to the gods and able to win their favour. It covered the scent of sacrifices during ceremonies, and was used as a good omen for marriage and childbirth. Babies were anointed with it for good health. It was also central to death. Perfumed libations were carried at the front of the funeral procession. Bodies were burned wrapped in perfumed shrouds which were thought to help secure a happy afterlife. Other bodies were buried with containers of it, again as offerings to the gods.

Perfume was also integral to cleanliness, and used in elaborate bathing rituals by both men and women. It was used so widespread that the philosopher Socrates openly disliked and dismissed its usage claiming it made a free man indistinguishable from a slave. Athletes used perfume after exercise for medicinal purposes in the form of balms and unguent oils. This is an early recognition of the possible therapeutic and healing properties that are reminiscent of attitudes towards aromatherapy and aromacology in modern times. Hospitality also required an abundance of perfume as guest`s feet were washed and anointed on being seated. Some wines were also perfumed according to works by Appicius, in the hope that they had medicinal properties.

With the importance of perfume so apparent, it is no surprise that it was stored in bottles shaped as birds an animals, sometimes only a few inches in size. Many are found from around the 6th century BC and are known as plastics. In fact, the perfume bottles are spun ceramics and they commonly adopted a shape which reflected the type of perfume to be contained.

Lekuthos were used for liquid perfume and were slim elegant glass bottles. Aryballes were used for oils and unguents. Alabastron perfume bottles were highly prized, mainly amongst women and it was common for the craftsmen to brand the bottles to mark their craftsmanship, making them even more collectable. As you can see, there are many similarities to modern day attitudes towards perfume.

Strap on your white thong and your fluffy wings because this Valentine's Day is all about playing Cupid. Cupid is a cute little cherubic young man that was given the duty of pointing his bow and arrow at people and shooting hearts to ensure they will fall in love. Cupid is the son of the Roman goddess of beauty, Venus. He is also known in Ancient Greek mythology though he is known by another name. In Ancient Greece, it is Aphrodite's son, Eros who is the young boy who offers love to all that seek love in return.

A wonderful Cupid roleplay can mimic the mythological story of Cupid. At one time, Cupid was sent to punish one of the most beautiful mortals in existence. This mortal's name was Psyche. Cupid went to punish her, but she was so beautiful that he became lovesick and decided to marry her instead. However, as he was a God and she was a mortal she was forbidden to look at him. While there are other things that happen, you can use these details to create your very own, holiday roleplay.

Cupid, the strong and handsome God of love, has been sent to punish the beautiful Psyche. While Cupid will naturally be wearing his white underwear and preferably his bow and arrow, Psyche should be in something devastatingly sexy to show off her beauty. For this you could choose something as simple as a flowing gown or as naughty as a baby doll nightgown or a body stocking. Once Cupid finds the beautiful Psyche he should do as he has been told and capture her. He should take her into his arms and tell her that he's not letting her go. As he has been sent to punish her, it may be a good idea to restrain her to ensure she cannot get away. Once he's done this it will be time for the punishment to begin!

Tonight Psyche's punishment will be a good spanking. Using a paddle Cupid can press it to her bottom and give her a hard swat. After a few more of those swats she will begin to feel the warmth of the leather paddle and Cupid might find it harder to resist her. Being the softy that he is, he might want to offer her some pleasure to go with the pain. For this he could use a strap-on butterfly vibrator. This will allow Cupid to continue to punish her, while she feels the pleasure from the vibrations at the same time. Cupid will not be able to resist Psyche for much longer. Of course, when he gives in to her beauty she will not be able to look at him any longer. 

Place a blindfold over her eyes so that she would not be able to see him any longer. As he continues to spank her and she moans in pleasure from the mix of torturous pleasure and pain she is given, it will begin to drive him mad. Cupid might be a God, but he is still a man. Soon he will have no choice but to pick her up and take her to his love nest to show her how enamored he has become with her beauty. As Cupid lays her down, he will have the opportunity to make love to his beautiful queen. Of course, if he's feeling naughty he might decide to leave her little butterfly on to further increase her climax. By the end of the night your beauty queen will be devoted to you and you will be her full-time love God.

Athens is a city rooted in its Greek history. The birthplace of democracy and now the capital city of Greece, Athens is a cultural center with fine cuisine, theater, the Acropolis, and generous Greek hospitality. The best time to visit Athens is in the Spring. The weather is perfect and rates are reasonable. Beware of summers in Athens as they can reach high temperatures near 110 degrees F. So if you plan on going to Athens in the summer please make sure to bring a hat, light clothing, sun block, and a bottle of water everywhere you go.

Greek Hospitality: The Greek are known for their hospitality and generous ways. Athenians are laid back people who are generally accepting of all visitors. Many people in Athens know English so feel free to ask for help or directions from locals and passers-by. Meet Athenians half way and learn a few words of Greek. People will appreciate your effort and maybe more inclined to help you.

The Acropolis: The most famous landmark in Greece is the Acropolis, and happens to be located in Athens. Ancient Greek civilization was represented on top of this hill by the Parthenon and other structures that symbolized the lavish lifestyle of the Greek gods.

The New Athens: Since the Olympics were held in Athens in 2004, the city has been revamped. It seems the over growth of Athens has caused poor air quality, busy streets, and a generally overcrowded feeling. But some of this has been made better since the renovations.

Best Hotel Value in Athens: If you want to stay in the heart of Athens, the G.R. Louis Hotel is the perfect choice with a selection of museums and a concert hall, right down the way. The hotel is known for its knowledgeable staff and quiet surroundings. Tourists will definitely enjoy their stay in Athens at the GR Louis Hotel.

Local Customs: Beware of the concrete jungle that has become Athens. With so many drivers, people have a bit of road rage. Try to stay off the streets if possible. Even pedestrians may have trouble walking across the street in a crosswalk. Athenians don't always adhere to the traffic rules.

Smoking in Athens is perfectly acceptable to locals and you can light up just about anywhere you wish. So, you probably shouldn't ask locals to go find a smoking section since that is the norm there. Independence Day is March 25th. They celebrate their Independence day with parades and celebrations making traffic congested and the city busier than ever.

"Ochi" Day, held on October 28th, is another Greek holiday. Greeks commemorate the day Mussolini’s request to let Italian troops into the country at the beginning of World War II was denied. "Ochi" means "no" in Greek. You may see soldiers and tanks parading down the streets in show of Greek pride. Whenever you plan on visiting Athens, you are sure to be met with fabulous Greek food, plenty of shopping, historical monuments, and local Athenian culture and customs.

Our image of heroic Greek antiques and figures grew out of even more ancient histories of western civilizations. They evolved and grew out of the cultures of Asia around Mesopotamia and in north Africa with Egypt and the Black Pharaohs to their south, and first allowed free speech in the times of Greek antiques. Here there was little influence until the times of Marco Polo would any understanding of the Orient, or China come to the west. The ways of India were more known as the mountain ranges below the mighty mountains that very much separates India from China.

English in the British centuries of control of India began to learn that all western languages seemed to come from the Sanskrit of India. This amazing realization that an Indo-European culture that had come out of Africa, had first flowered and evolved in warm India. And this Sanskrit civilization had then somehow poured westward to spread their more Caucasian peoples or at least their language structure through Persia into all of Europe.

In fact, I will add an unproven theory: those Sanskrit speaking Homo Sapiens could have been those who drove into extinction the Neanderthals of Europe some 30,000 years ago. This theory has just occurred to me, so I can not yet verify this portion: the rest is well documented. We do know Sanskrit became the mother base of modern European languages. Except in Hungary and Finland where some of the descendants of the Mighty Khan settled.

The languages of Hungary and Finland share a Mongol base, very distinct from their neighbors who more likely have a base around mama for mother and dada or pappa for father and so many other common base words that 1770 English gentlemen of letters noticed this to their shock. But up to Greece creating a citizen army, a free city state where all were encouraged to speak and the theater made mockery of foolish decisions by the elders in charge. Even Socrates, the father of independent thought, had been badly wounded in three mighty battles to defend Athens from Persia, always on the attack.

It was a reward for wounded older soldiers such as Socrates to receive their pension and discuss matters, and how they won the war. But with Socrates and his pupils Aristotle and Plato the issues took on a deeper quest: what was this all for? The fighting, defending, never ending struggles against forces greater than them and determined to destroy them. Socrates would always turn the question back on them: what if he had not fought and earned his small pension and stopped the evil death they all knew the Persian army intended all of them.

Would they be here alive as free men to discuss this if he had not openly shown his wish to be free enough he would defend that right and those of his family to the death, as he had done until he could not swing a sword any more? They had difficulty to do more than thank him, and all would mutter they certainly would do the same for their own families, if it came to that. When dying, Socrates said to Aristotle, who later said to Alexander the Great, he believed there was a God, and that he as a good man was going to a better place.

In contrast, there have been so many documentaries on about Rome and all the excess and self centered degradation of slaves, the gladiators, lions killing Christians, thumbs down. The Republic gave way to an Emperor at Augustus and all rulers were a Caesar after that. No wonder Thomas Jefferson admired the ideals of Greece over those of Rome. His architecture, and that of justice halls of America may seem like the glory of Rome. They are not. They represent the freedom ideals of ancient Greece, as his serene Monticello shows. He was our Democratic Republican President, more emphasis on the democratic than the republican, I think. I stand with Tom.