Modern Greece Essay Example

inactivity, Greek music relished a renaissance during the 1800s. This revival was aided by opera composers like Nikolaos Mantzaros (1795-1872), Spyridion Xyndas (1812-96), and Spyros Samaras (1861-1917) ("Greek Music"). Rebetika songs were fashioned by cafe musicians amid the wars of the 1920s and 1930s.

Rebetika, the music of the urban labor class, saw the inclusion of nationalist elements through the efforts of George Lembalet (1875-1945) and Manos Hadjidakis (1925-94) ("Greek Music"). Nikos Skalkottas first brought serial music, which utilizes a specific sequence of notes as a thematic foundation for a musical work, to Greece. This style was later pursued by Yorgos Sicilianos and Iannis Xenakis, the latter also contributing to electronic music (“Greek Music”). The connection between music and politics in Greek society has been continual and integral since ancient times up to the present.

In periods of political strife and uncertainty, discussions about the role and impact of specific music are considered as crucial as the music itself. The most significant among these debates focused on the compositions of Mikis Therodorakis, probably Greece's most celebrated composer in the latter half of the 20th century. His opposition to military governance during the 1960s and 1970s resulted in his incarceration for numerous years and “the prohibition of his operas, symphonic pieces, film music (especially for Zorba the Greek), and hundreds of songs” (“Greek Music”).

During his four-year exile in France, he and his music stood as a global emblem of opposition against the dictatorship (Holst-Warhaft, Gail). The bond between music and politics in Greece, especially in Athens, was reflected through the large-scale public amusement it generated. The drama performances primarily took place in the theater, which was part of

a complex that encapsulated the city's political, religious, and judicial core. Additionally, dance, dating back to the Minoan period, continues to be an essential aspect of Greek culture.

The Greeks held dance in high regard as they perceived it to be a promoter of both physical and mental health, hence it was incorporated into their educational framework. Syrtos and Mantilia, being ancient Greek folk dances, continue to be performed even today. Presently in Greece, folk dance isn't just an integral aspect of everyday life, but it also plays a substantial role in various festivities like weddings and Easter. Furthermore, the development of regional dances has been influenced by factors such as climatic variations, landscape differences and social lifestyles of the people.

The lack of a wider international audience for modern Greek music, in contrast to ethnically diverse artists who've greatly influenced the American music industry, raises questions. Music giants like Sinead O'Connor and U2 from Ireland, and Andrea Bocelli from Italy have made huge impacts on the American music sector (Kurop, Marcia). This could be attributed to Greece's modern music maintaining a focused and insular approach, resulting in more musical isolation. Additionally, Greece has not benefited from similar exposure levels that have skyrocketed other European artists' popularity and recognition.

As an example, Italian artist, Eros Razomotti employs the same session musicians as Canadian singer Celine Dion, simplifying the promotional efforts. Stunningly, mainstream Greek pop musicians represented by prestigious record companies such as Polygram, EMI and Sony, were not introduced to American listeners until the year 1998 ("Greek Music"). Religiously speaking, modern Greeks, for the most part, follow Orthodox Christianity in stark contrast to their ancient counterparts who

were polytheistic pagans. Despite enduring Ottoman dominance and persistent rhetoric of conversion by Jesuits and Protestants, the Orthodox Christian belief has not only persisted but thrived.

Throughout history, religion has been deemed a crucial component of society and culture. In contemporary Greece, there exist sixteen distinct Orthodox churches and patriarchates, with the Orthodox Church of Greece designated as the official national religion ("Modern Greek Culture and Traditions of Greece"). The state contributes to the financial needs of the church, and its officials hold a degree of power in state matters. The governing body, "the Holy Synod," is led by the Archbishop of Athens ("Modern Greek Culture and Traditions of Greece").

The church staff includes regional bishops, nuns, monks, and priests from specific churches and monastic institutions. In Greece, priests are permitted to marry and divorced individuals are allowed to remarry within the church. While approximately one-quarter of the populace regularly attends weekly services, important yearly rituals like the Sunday liturgy and the Twelve Great Feasts draw more attendees. The majority of Greeks have a profound religious faith, despite their frequency of church attendance.

Religion is deeply intertwined with several Greek traditions; almost all Greek celebrations contain a religious component. The termination of Apokries, a 4-week Greek carnival, marks the start of Sarakosti, a 40-day feast leading up to Easter. Sarakosti kicks off with Clear Monday, the inauguration of Lent. While Greeks don't keep the feast throughout the entire 40 days, Clear Monday is a day of celebration when people retreat to the countryside with special feast foods that include vegetables, pickles, taramosalata, grilled octopus, wine, and Lagana - a type of flat bread specially prepared for this day.

Children

particularly enjoy the kite-flying aspect of these customs. Another widely enjoyed tradition in Greece is the substantial ritual around weddings, known as My Big Fat Greek Marriage. However, this tradition can differ depending on the region. The celebrations for the wedding commence a few days earlier at the would-be couple's residence, and they involve the preparation of the marital bed. At this festivity, the fathers of the prospective couple bestow money on them, which is then followed by financial gifts from other relatives and friends. A ritual involving a baby being laid on the bed is performed to invoke prosperity and fertility for the couple (“Modern Greek Culture and Traditions of Greece”). The integral role families play in Greek society is highlighted through these traditions, providing both identity and support to the couple.

The small ritual of the wedding ceremony includes a compact liturgy, pledges swapping, and Hisais dance led by the cleric. A vibrant reception with traditional Greek cuisine, music, and dancing follows the wedding ceremony. For numerous Greeks, customs, and convictions related to grief and demise are rooted in the Greek Orthodox faith. As per Orthodox theology, life is perpetual, and at the time of death, your soul and physical body part ways.

Orthodox adherents have traditionally opposed cremation owing to its symbolic destruction of the physical body, and organ donation only gained acceptance in recent years. They hold the belief that the physical body will reunite with the spiritual soul during the Final Judgment. The prescribed mourning period in the church is forty days, primarily spent in the company of family and friends. Renowned for organizing an array of festivals and commemorations, Greek culture

offers something for everyone, from the solemn and emotive observances during the Great (Holy) Week to military parades.

Numerous traditions rooted in ancient times are still observed today, like the conventional carnival figures found wandering the streets of northern and central Greece, which have their origins from Dionysos's ceremonies, the ancient deity of wine and pleasure. The annual celebration of St. Basil's Feast occurs on January 1st each year to commemorate the arrival of the New Year. A long-standing Byzantine tradition involves cutting the Vassilopita, with fortune favoring the individual who finds the concealed coin in their piece for the upcoming year. Easter holds a special significance in Greece with many individuals considering it a larger event than Christmas. The festivities commence on Good Friday when the Epitaph, Christ's sepulcher, is transported from the church to the burial ground. The Epitaph is magnificently adorned with flowers from the church. Once Christ is interred, all attendees light candles and return to the church to venerate an image of Christ. Next is midnight mass that ends with celebratory fireworks, followed by families returning home for a delectable feast known as “Resurrection Meal” (“Greek Festivals”). On Sunday, the feasting and merrymaking carry on well into the night. The Greek summer months annually host the Hellenic Festival.

The text mentions several festivals, including the Athens Festival, the Epidaurus Festival, and Musical July. The Athens Festival features shows by local and global artists, taking place mainly in the Odeon of Herrodes Atticus theatre. The Epidaurus Festival, another theater-centric event, predominantly conducts its plays and performances at both the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Little Theatre of Epidaurus. Ranking among the leading

Greek festivals is the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, drawing acclaimed directors and actors from film and theater industries.

For a span of ten days, the festival showcases film screenings from across the globe, notable guests from the modern film industry, tributes, masterclasses and panel discussions. The International Trade fair, also located in Thessaloniki, is significant as it hosts Greece's Prime Minister who gives a speech outlining government strategies for the forthcoming year. Another significant event in Greece is Independence Day on March 25th. This special day commemorates the 1821 uprising of Greeks against nearly 400 years Ottoman Empire rule.

Equally, as the 4th of July is celebrated by Americans with nationwide parades and festivities, Greeks also mark their anniversary in a comparable way, including military processions and various jubilations. In today's Greece, Greeks persist in making considerable contributions to several sectors such as science, mathematics, and technology. Among them is Constantin Caratheodory, a famous Greek mathematician known for his significant input into the thermodynamics theory of relativity. Additionally, John Argyris stands out as another successful Greek figure who has made exceptional contributions to physics through his invention of finite element analysis and the direct stiffness method; he was renowned for his prowess in both mathematics and engineering.

Fotis Kafatos, a biologist, was a trailblazer in molecular cloning and genomics. Additionally, Georgios Papanikolaou made notable strides in cancer detection as the inventor of the Pap smear. In political terms, Greece changed from being a monarchy to become a republic in 1923 due to an unsuccessful conflict with Turkey following World War I. At present, Greece is under the administration of a Parliamentary Republic led by President Karolos Papoulias and

Prime Minister George Papandreou. The Parliament nominates the President for five years; thereafter, the President selects the Prime Minister.

Initiated in 1975, the Constitution with its 120 articles has experienced two revisions, specifically in 1986 and 2001. The modification in 1986 brought substantial changes pertaining to the duties of the President, transferring majority of Greece's political power to the Prime Minister. Post restoration of democracy, New Democracy embodying liberal-conservative views and Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) representing social-democratic ideologies have been prominent entities within Greek politics. PASOK was founded by George Papandreou's son who is presently holding office as its president.

The political landscape in Greece is characterized by high engagement and transparency. However, allegations of the government marginalizing minority groups in political dialogues persist, often relegating their perspectives as ancillary or insignificant. It is a cultural norm among Greeks to actively participate in political discussions during social gatherings, voicing out support for or against various political factions or beliefs openly. Greek society places high importance on education too, mandating free schooling for children between the ages of six and fifteen.

The education system is divided into three stages: elementary, middle, and advanced education. The initial stage features one or two years of kindergarten, succeeded by primary school for children between the ages 6-12. Middle-level schooling comprises of Gymnasio and Lykeio; with Gymnasio resembling a junior high school curriculum spread over three years, while Lykeio represents an academically-driven secondary school. Learning English becomes mandatory starting from fourth grade through to high school. Advanced education, frequently associated with university-level learning, is facilitated by universities, technology institutes alongside specialized academies predominantly for military and clergy-related studies.

Thankfully, for students in Greece, their

tertiary education, textbooks included, is complimentary as long that they can fulfil the demanding entry prerequisites. The entire educational framework in Greece, spanning from curriculum, tutor abilities and financing are controlled by The Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs. Unfortunately, there exists a disquiet within the Greek community due to majority of the resolutions concerning education being made solely by a few authorities in the Ministry of Education. This results in discontent as these processes do not consider varying interests of different participants or the larger societal requirement (Macar, Oya).

Despite the prohibition of private university operations in Greece by the Greek constitution, certain private college campuses exist, though their degrees lack state recognition. A desire for more advanced education prevails among Greek students, primarily due to the career prospects it opens up. The Greek education system also reflects distinct gender roles. Greek girls were first allowed to attend middle or junior high school in the 1870s with the establishment of Palada Girls’ School as noted by Macar, Oya.

Prior to the 1870s, only elementary education was available for women. The significance of educating girls in Greece became profoundly apparent due to societal shifts occurring in Europe and the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century, appreciation of women's importance, and the urgency to educate teachers due to continuous growth in school enrollment. Greece is globally recognized for its abundant and varied assortment of foods and wines. With traditions stemming from several millennia ago, contemporary Greek culinary art has developed and integrated countless influences over time.

Greek culinary tastes vary with geography and season. Given its many islands, seafood is widely preferred in Greece. Goat and lamb are the

customary meats served during festivals and celebrations. Common grains consist of bulgar, pasta, and dolmades, while frequently used vegetables incorporate tomato, eggplant, potato, green beans, okra, green peppers, and onions. Mezes comprises a selection of small dishes or appetizers, typically accompanied by wine or ouzo, which are liqueurs flavored with anise.

As referred to in Greece, the "Greek salad" is otherwise known as the "Village salad" or "Horiatiki", and its composition includes tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and kalamata olives ("Modern Greek Culture and Traditions of Greece"). Fasolada, a bean soup, is widely recognized in various cookbooks as an essential Greek dish. The beneficial climate of Greece allows utmost cultivation of olive and lemon trees, ultimately yielding two of the country's highly-favored ingredients. Besides its role as a fundamental component in Greek cuisine, olive oil also plays a significant part in both folk and religious rituals symbolizing pivotal life events.

To exemplify, during a baptism ceremony, the clergyman uses olive oil to consecrate the child. Furthermore, since 2000 BC, olives have been pivotal in Greece's economic structure. The nation is known for its distinctive herbs and spices that are often incorporated in most meals to enhance their flavor. The exceptional quality of Greek herbs and spices can be attributed largely to the ample sunshine they receive throughout their growing season. Commonly used herbs and spices include oregano, mint, garlic, onion, dill, bay laurel leaves, basil, and thyme. The eating traditions of Greece have been profoundly influenced by the Greek Orthodox Church.

Despite their faith-based beliefs, it's typical for Greeks to abstain from consuming animal products like meat, eggs and dairy during long periods of fasting before Easter,

Christmas and other holy occasions. Various dishes including stuffed vegetables or pastries are made in two distinct versions - one with meat or cheese and the other without - to cater to those observing the Lenten fast. Historically, many Greeks essentially followed a vegetarian lifestyle due to circumstances; a lack of capacity for extensive livestock farming meant that not everyone could be provided with meat.

Hence, consuming meat was typically reserved for significant events such as religious celebrations and family gatherings. Similar to the United States, dining out is a prevalent custom in Greece. Both traditional Greek homemade meals and fast food options are readily available. Despite the increasing popularity of fast food due to its convenience, Greeks still primarily prefer the diverse and savoury range of Greek dishes. In conclusion, Greece has a diverse and profound culture influenced by nearby civilizations and its strategic geographical placement between the East and the West.

The War of Independence in Greece played a significant role in rejuvenating the country's culture and establishing its identity. The preservation of traditions from ancient societies and their adaptation has created a distinct and unique Greek culture. Cultural elements such as music and folk dance, profound religious faith, major festive celebrations, advancements in science and politics, an intensive education system, and distinctive gastronomy all contribute to the richness of contemporary Greek culture.