05/04/2021
Did you know Greek cookies go all the way back to 1200 BC? Oh yes, Greek cookies are rich in flavor and history! While koulourakia cookies are considered to be the quintessential Greek Easter cookie, they are also claimed to have dated back to the Minoan civilization in Crete! Myth has it, the Minoans shaped their koulourakia in the form of a snake, which was symbolically known for its healing powers. Another Greek holiday favorite are the popular kourabiedes cookies. It is said that these buttery shortbread cookies were crescent shaped during the Turkish occupation of Greece in, obedience to Ottoman rule. Today kourabiedes are offered to guests at weddings and christenings, as their pure white color symbolizes new beginnings. Melomakarona cookies are a Greek Christmas favorite, however the origin of these cookies are immersed in Greece's pagan background. In ancient times, melomakarona were offered at funerals, to share the memory of their loved ones. Today, Melomakarona are said to be combined with walnuts as a symbol of bliss and abundance, while honey is used to signify fertility and prosperity. All of these delectable treats have fed the Greek people for ages and today they are available to you.
