Prince Nicholas of Greece and Denmark

Getting around

Leisurely train travel in Greece

Trains in Greece often made leisurely stops of several minutes at stations, where passengers alighted to socialize while hawkers sold goods and wine shops opened.

At the table

Resinated Wine Consumption

Resinated wine, known as retsinata, was a common table beverage, favored for its unique flavor and believed digestive qualities. Many Greeks, however, consumed it sparingly or avoided strong wines altogether.

What people wore

Festive attire featured coins and gold threads

On feast days, women in Megara adorned themselves with strings of coins and silver chains, and wore veils of transparent silk interwoven with gold threads. Festive costumes were distinguished from practical, dark-colored everyday wear by their rich embroidery, bright colors, and ornamentation.

Music

Singing heroic ballads at table feasts

Heroic songs, or klephtic ballads, were often sung by soloists at banquets while seated around tables filled with food and wine. Singers and their audience used these songs to emotionally relive stories of bravery and life's challenges.

Daily life

Village Life and Daily Work Patterns

Peasants typically lived in large villages rather than isolated farmhouses to protect themselves from brigandage, traveling daily to work in the fields with bread and olives for lunch.