The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary

One of the greatest feasts of the Greek Orthodox Church is the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. It commemorates the Virgin Mary "acceptance of God" will for the incarnation of Jesus and the salvation of humanity. The Annunciation is celebrated on March 25th and holds special significance in Greece, as it coincides with the national holiday marking the anniversary of the 1821 Revolution, symbolizing the liberation of the oppressed Greek nation from Ottoman rule.
In folk tradition, the Annunciation is also associated with the arrival of spring, and the customs surrounding the celebration exude optimism and joy or are linked to practical matters brought about by the seasonal change.