Greek Americans
Βυ ζήλος (Chloe)
Greeks coming to America
Greeks came to America because of the farmland. It was very expensive. They also came because there was unemployment. The boys go to America first. They get jobs, earn money, and send the money to their families. Some of the boys that went to America were as young as 16. That would be very scary for a 16 year old boy to go on the long trip across the Atlantic.
Traditions
There was lots of traditions the Greeks brought with them. One of them is the egg cracking tradition, shown in the picture. On Easter Day, Greeks die the eggs red. Then everybody gets a partner. They crack the tops of the eggs together and whoever's egg wasn't cracked they would go to another person that didn't have a cracked top either. It kept going on until there was one person left. Another tradition was dancing. This type of dancing was called rounds because they danced in circles. Men didn't dance with women. The women danced with women and the men danced with men.
Luck o' the Greeks
This is a traditional bread called Vasilopita. It is eaten on New Years Day. There is a coin put in the bread and whoever gets the coin gets good luck for the whole year.
Democracy?
Greeks actually started democracy. Democracy is a type of government.
Special Saying
There is a saying in Greece, Chistos a neste, enos a neste. This means Christ has risen, he has risen. Greeks say this around Easter time.
Olympics
Greeks started the Olympic Games. The first Olympic event was running. Today, runners race around a track instead of a temple. Winners would get a crown of olive branches. Olives are a very popular food in Greece.
Greek Flag
This is what the Greek flag looks like. It is white and blue.
Greek Pie Recipe
Melópita
Serves 6
I used a 20cm, round baking pan
600gr soft myzithra cheese (or ricotta)
150gr honey
3 eggs
1Tbsp corn flour
½ tsp salt
vanilla or lemon zest for flavor
more honey and cinnamon to serve (optional)
Preheat the oven to 180 C.
In a bowl mix all ingredients with a whisk wire or just a fork, until completely incorporated.
Brush a baking pan with oil or butter and pour the Melópita batter in.
Bake for 40 min or until golden.
Serve Melópita warm or at room temperature drizzled with honey and dusted with cinnamon.