Greek Charms and Superstitions

What is the word for Greek charm

Greek “charm”, which means “Γούρι” in Greek, based on the Dictionary of Standard Modern Greek means anything, that according to some superstitions, brings good luck. Etymologically the Greek word derives from the Turkish word “uğur” which means “good sign, good luck”. A second version connects the word “γούρι” with the Latin word “augurium”, which denotes the good omen.

Greek charms (τα γούρια) are usually objects that are considered to bring luck, prosperity, protection, and power to their owner.

Famous Greek charms

• Pomegranate is a characteristic charm (γούρι). The tradition of smashing a pomegranate is an ancient custom in Greece according to which on New Year’s Eve the householder smashes a pomegranate on the doorstep so that the family in this house has good luck, abundance, and fertility in the new year. Pomegranate is also a common gift when we visit friends at Christmas.
• The horseshoe symbolizes power, luck, and happiness. We usually hang it behind the door of the house.
• At weddings, after the couple gets married and as they are going out of the church, the guests throw rice at the newlyweds so that they enjoy a happy married life, full of health, wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
• “Κάνω ποδαρικό” means that whoever enters a new house or a new shop, must step inside with the right foot to bring good luck.
• The first time that we get into a friend’s new car, we tend to toss a few coins in the car to wish him “Congratulations” and good luck with his new acquisition.
• Some believe that negative energy can be transmitted from one to another. In this case we say: “Κάποιος με μάτιασε!”, meaning that he transferred the negative energy to me. The “receiver” or in Greek “ο ματιασμένος” feels weak and is in a bad psychological mood. To ward off the bad energy, we wear a blue eye bead accessory, which supposedly protects us.

How to use the Greek word “γουρι” in a common expression

“Γούρι είναι!”: We use this expression to declare that what just happened will bring luck. Some of these incidents followed by this expression are the following:

• When they serve you a Greek coffee and it is spilled by mistake
• When you find money on the street while walking
• When wine is spilled on the table
• When you get pooped on by a bird (yes, indeed!)

So, the next time you are in Greece, and you accidentally slightly spill your coffee, just say “Γούρι είναι!” and enjoy your coffee with the prospect of a fortunate future.

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