SO what do you know about the Greeks? Historically, they are the oldest civilization. But based on our observation about modern Greeks, we can notice that they are a tight-knit bunch. If you really like to know more about the Greeks, just watch My Big Fat Greek Life or rent My Big Fat Greek Wedding. And then, there are also lots of Greek-American hot stars on television today. But if you want to know how the Greeks celebrate Valentines, then better read this post.

Actually, lovers all over Greece – whether male or female – give poppies to each other. Roses are not definitely the in thing here. For the Greeks, poppies represent the realization of one’s imagination and dream. If you have received a poppy from your admirer this Valentines, then it means that your dream of becoming united with him in love will come true right at the very day.

Poppies grow annually in winter and they flower only during Easter or spring so there are already a few which can be plucked on Valentines Day because we’re in the middle of Lent already. And if you are a cook, you may surprise your loved ones with a dish that has a poppy plant. They can be eaten boiled and they taste yummy too. That’s how the Greeks express gastronomical love.

Other Greek delicacies which are suitable for Valentines include Western delights such as chocolate pudding for those who do not have diabetes yet and stuffed peppers for those who already have. For the stuffed peppers, you may mix this stuff with white wine for maximum taste. Besides, white wine is good for the health whether you are high school exchange students enrolled in Athens or you are already past your prime and retiring in Greece. The aroma of the stuffed pepper dish is also smoothening to the nose and will ignite your passion for each other once you are seated side by side while tasting the viand. Stuffed peppers also have that Mediterranean feel as they are mixed with rice which is cultivated only in the region. Another popular dish in the region during Valentines is the butchering of an ostrich in lieu of the more popular turkey in the United States.

The celebration of Valentines though is relatively new as it really originated as an annual celebration in honor of a Roman Catholic saint, St. Valentine. Of course, there were no saints yet during the pre-New Testament times in the Bibles so the Day for Lovers is celebrated only recently. But in ancient Greece, it is already being celebrated at relatively the exact week (i.e. the earlier part of February) in honor of all lovers in the society at the time. In particular, they are dedicating this celebration in honor of the marriage between the god Zeus and his wife Hera. So what are you waiting for? Have a Happy Lovers’ Day here in Greece and enjoy the sights, sounds, food but most importantly, each other’s company.