Greek Cultural Symbols & Meanings: A Tourist's Guide

Greece has ancient symbols on walls, around necks, and in churches. Knowing them helps tourists understand Greek pride and avoid accidental disrespect.

1. Mati (Evil Eye)

• Blue glass bead with white and dark blue circles

• Protects against jealous looks (kako mati)

• Hung in homes, cars, offices, and on babies

• Believed to crack when it absorbs bad energy

• Most common souvenir in Greece

• Never gift without a small coin in return

2. Greek Flag (Galánolefki)

• Nine blue and white stripes (one for each syllable of "Eleftheria i Thanatos" - Freedom or Death)

• White cross in top left corner (Greek Orthodox faith)

• Blue represents sky and sea

• White represents purity of struggle for independence

• Never let flag touch the ground

• Displayed on March 25 (Independence Day) and October 28 (Ochi Day)

3. Olive Wreath (Kotinos)

• Wreath made from olive branches

• Symbol of peace, victory, honor, and wisdom

• Given to winners of ancient Olympic Games (crown of olive leaves)

• Associated with goddess Athena (she gave olive tree to Athens)

• Now used in Olympic medal ceremonies

• Olive branches also used in Greek weddings (crowns)

4. Double-Headed Eagle (Dikefalos Aetos)

• Byzantine and Orthodox Church symbol

• Two heads looking east and west

• Represents Church authority over both Eastern and Western Roman Empires

• Also symbol of Greek Orthodox Patriarchate

• Found on church banners, icons, and clergy robes

• Also used by Greek military (special forces)

5. White Cross (Stavros)

• Most important Christian symbol in Greece

• Represents crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ

• Found on church domes, iconostases, and graves

• Greeks cross themselves before entering church, passing church, or hearing bad news

• Cross is kissed during church services

• Never step over a cross on ground (deep disrespect)