Guest blogger on Tsougrisma: The Greek Easter Egg Game

It's nearly here!  

Tsougrisma: The Greek Easter Egg Game

 

Wooden spoons and a straw nest holding Greek red Easter eggs. © Provided by Smells Like Delish

Easter celebrations around the world are bursting with unique traditions, and Greece is no exception. A delightful game, known as the Greek Easter egg game, takes center stage, bringing families and communities together for a playful competition steeped in tradition.

This seemingly simple activity, involving bright red dyed eggs and a touch of friendly rivalry, holds deep symbolic meaning and historical roots within Greek Orthodox Easter customs.

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The Heart of Tsougrisma: Cracking Eggs and Sharing Blessings

At the heart of Tsougrisma lies a playful competition. Each participant holds a red-dyed Easter egg, traditionally hard-boiled chicken eggs.

Players then take turns tapping the ends of their eggs against each other, uttering the phrases "Christos Anesti!" (by one player) and "Alithos Anesti!" (Indeed He is Risen! by the other) with each tap.

The goal? To emerge victorious with an unbroken egg! The player with the last unbroken egg is declared the winner and is believed to be blessed with good luck for the coming year.

A Tradition Steeped in Symbolism

The vibrant red color of the Easter eggs is no accident. In Greek Orthodox tradition, red symbolizes the blood of Christ shed on the cross.

The hard shell of the egg represents the sealed tomb of Jesus, and the cracking of the egg during Tsougrisma signifies the triumphant resurrection.

Each tap and response ("Christos Anesti!" and "Alithos Anesti!") echo the core message of Easter: the death and rebirth of Jesus Christ.

A History as Rich as the Red Dye

Shrouded in mystery, the Greek Easter egg game likely stems from both ancient fertility rites (eggs symbolizing new life) and pagan celebrations (tapping eggs representing spring's arrival).

Over time, these elements blended with Christian traditions, forming the unique game enjoyed today.

The red dye was originally onion skins as when steeped to a very dark shade they're a sienna red-orange shade. Modern red Greek eggs tend to use food coloring though.

A Time for Family and Community

While winning Tsougrisma brings bragging rights and a touch of good luck, the true essence of the game lies in its ability to bring families and communities together.

The Easter table becomes a battleground for friendly competition, filled with laughter, cheers, and playful taunts. Children eagerly face off against adults, grandparents challenge grandchildren, and cousins test their egg-tapping skills.

This lighthearted competition strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories.

Playing Tsougrisma: Tips and Tricks (or Not!)

There's no official rule book for Tsougrisma, and perhaps that's part of its charm. However, some time-tested "strategies" (though their effectiveness is debatable) have been passed down through generations. These include:

• The "Strong" Egg: Some may choose particularly strong eggs, hoping they'll withstand the tapping onslaught. However, a thicker shell might not always guarantee victory.
• The "Secret Weapon": Legends abound of players using boiled or dyed quail eggs, hoping their smaller size will give them an edge. Whether this is ethical (or even effective) is a matter of personal Tsougrisma philosophy!
• The "Lucky Charm": Many believe in the power of positive thinking. Holding your egg with confidence and focusing on its strength might just give you a mental edge.

Ultimately, the true joy of Tsougrisma lies in the spirit of the game. Embrace the friendly competition, enjoy the camaraderie, and savor the symbolism behind the cracking of each egg.

Related

• Bunnies to Lambs - The Symbols of Easter
• Dying Eggs With Onion Skins For Easter
• 12 Delicious Uses for Leftover Easter Eggs
• Tsoureki (Greek Easter Bread)

Cracking Open a World of Greek Easter Traditions

Tsougrisma is just one piece of the vibrant tapestry of Greek Easter traditions. To delve deeper, explore these resources:

• Greek Easter: Customs and Traditions (https://realgreekexperiences.com/greek-easter-traditions) offers a comprehensive overview of Greek Easter customs, including Tsougrisma, food, and religious practices.
• The Spruce Eats: Tsougrisma: The Greek Red Easter Egg Game (https://www.thespruceeats.com/greek-easter-egg-game-1705738) provides detailed instructions on how to play Tsougrisma and explains the symbolism behind the game.
• Keep Talking Greece: Greek Easter Eggs symbolism in color and cracking tradition (https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/category/1-news/) explores the significance of the red color and the cracking tradition in Greek Easter celebrations.

So, this Easter, gather your loved ones, dye some eggs a vibrant red, and get ready for a fun-filled round of Tsougrisma. A

s you tap your eggs together and celebrate the resurrection of Christ, remember that the Easter is a time of family, reverence, and celebration with the traditions you love.

The post Tsougrisma: The Greek Easter Egg Game appeared first on Smells Like Delish.

Beyond the delicious feasts and joyous proclamations of "Christos Anesti!" (Christ is Risen!), a delightful game takes center stage: Tsougrisma, also known as the Greek Easter Egg Game. © Smells Like Delish

Closeup on tapping with red Easter eggs playing a game of Tsougrisma, the Greek Easter egg game. © Provided by Smells Like Delish

Closeup on happy mother and daughter having egg tapping with red easter eggs in the house in sunny spring day. © Provided by Smells Like Delish

Greek red eggs for Easter. © Provided by Smells Like Delish

Red Easter eggs and liquid dye. © Provided by Smells Like Delish

Wooden spoons and a straw nest holding Greek red Easter eggs. © Provided by Smells Like Delish

Full pink moon April 23

 

  phlox, wood hyacinth

look up at the full pink moon

dew glows in it's light

 

guest blogger on 50 Marilyn Monroe Quotes

 Norma  Jean Mortenson,  thank you!

 

 

 

 

50 Marilyn Monroe Quotes

That'll Make You Feel Empowered, Inspired and Confident

Alexandra Hurtado

5–6 minutes

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"Well-behaved women seldom make history" isn't actually a Marilyn Monroe quote, but it certainly applies to the late blonde bombshell. 

Norma Jeane Mortenson may have been regarded as a sex symbol during her lifetime, but she was much more than an actress with an hourglass figure, blonde hair and trademark red lips. The cultural icon is credited with a number of famous sayings that would make any woman in the '50s,'60s or today, feel empowered, inspired and, well, sexy. 

For those looking to channel Monroe's confidence or needing a strong female-focused Instagram caption, we've rounded up 50 quotes often attributed to Marilyn Monroe that sum up the sultry and smart silver screen star.

Best Marilyn Monroe Quotes

1. "I think that sexuality is only attractive when it's natural and spontaneous."

2. "A girl doesn’t need anyone who doesn’t need her."

3. "Boys think girls are like books. If the cover doesn’t catch their eye they won’t bother to read what’s inside."

4. "The nicest thing for me is sleep, then at least I can dream."

5. "I live to succeed, not to please you or anyone else."

6. "I don’t stop when I’m tired. I only stop when I’m done."

7. "One of the best things that ever happened to me is that I'm a woman. That is the way all females should feel."

8. "A woman knows by intuition, or instinct, what is best for herself."

9. "I am good, but not an angel. I do sin, but I am not the devil. I am just a small girl in a big world trying to find someone to love."

10. "We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle."

11. "A wise girl knows her limits, a smart girl knows that she has none."

12. "We should all start to live before we get too old."

13. "If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything."

14. "Fear is stupid. So are regrets."

15. "I don't want to make money. I just want to be wonderful."

16. "No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they're pretty, even if they aren't."

17. "If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never got anywhere."

18. "Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

19. "Always, always, always believe in yourself. Because if you don’t then who will, sweetie?"

20. "Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about."

21. "We are all stars but we must learn how to shine."

22. "I think that love and work are the only things that really happen to us."

23. "Above all, I want to be treated as a human being."

24. "Anything’s possible, almost."

25. "I think there’s two things in human beings…that they want to be alone, but they also want to be together."

26. "A smile is the best makeup a girl can wear."

27. "If I am a star, the people made me a star."

28. "I dress for men. A woman looks at your clothes critically. A man appreciates them."

29. "If there is only one thing in my life that I am proud of, it's that I've never been a kept woman."

30. "I am very definitely a woman and I enjoy it."

31. "I think I'm a mixture of simplicity and complexes, but I'm beginning to understand myself now."

Related: Inhale, Exhale and Repeat After Me! 150 Best Quotes About Life

32. "I never wanted to be Marilyn--it just happened. Marilyn's like a veil I wear over Norma Jeane."

33. "There isn't anybody that looks like me without clothes on."

34. "It's nice to be included in people's fantasies but you also like to be accepted for your own sake."

35. "Fame is like caviar, you know—it's good to have caviar but not when you have it at every meal."

36. "Happy birthday, Mr. President."

37. "I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it."

38. “I don’t forgive people because I’m weak, I forgive them because I am strong enough to know people make mistakes.”

39. "If you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty.”

40.  “Always remember to smile and look up at what you got in life.”

41. "A strong man doesn't have to be dominant toward a woman. He doesn't match his strength against a woman weak with love for him. He matches it against the world."

42. “Dreaming about being an actress, is more exciting than being one.”

43. “A friend tells you what you want to hear; a best friend tells you the truth.”

44. “For those who are poor in happiness, each time is a first time; happiness never becomes a habit.”

45. “It’s far better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone – so far.”

46. “Men who think that a woman’s past love affairs lessen her love for them are usually stupid and weak.”

47. "A career is wonderful, but you can't curl up with it on a cold night."

48. "The truth is, I've never fooled anyone. I've let men sometimes fool themselves."

49. "I am not a victim of emotional conflicts. I am human.”

50. “Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world.”

Related: 64 Mister Rogers Quotes That Will Make Today a Beautiful Day

 

Monty Python, and now for something silly, "It's the Arts"

 An now for a warm memory from long ago, OK now for something completely different, and a bit of fun.  Monty Python and his Flying Circus appeared on our  black and white console TV,  in 1974 on PBS, and I was instantly won over.  Which was good because it was the most reliable channel we had way back in the days  of antennas.  " It's the art's"  is pure sillyness and pure fun.

 

 

"In the Monty Python sketch titled “It’s the Arts,” there’s a delightfully absurd name recited. The character in question is Johann Gambolputty de von Ausfern-schplenden-schlitter-crasscrenbon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelterwasser-kurstlich-himbleeisen-bahnwagen-gutenabend-bitte-ein-nürnburger-bratwustle-gerspurten-mitzweimache-luber-hundsfut-gumbeaber-shönendanker-kalbsfleisch-mittler-aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm1. Quite the mouthful, isn’t it?
This elaborate name is attributed to a German Baroque composer, and it’s introduced by Arthur Figgis in the sketch. The sole surviving relative of Johann Gambolputty, Karl Gambolputty, recounts their encounter with the composer, but unfortunately, Karl passes away before completing the full name "

haiku~~~~just talk. just wondering

 stories you could tell

wind, weather, trains, passing by

 jewel of the wires

Menudo, quest for a lost recipie

 Menudo! was a favorite meal at my house for many years, but as time passes one finds new "favorites" and menudo dropped off the menu.  a few weeks ago, I was asked "why don't we ever have menudo anymore?"  to which I replyed "lost the recipie" not even realizing that it was the truth.  Sigh, and then off to see if AI could be a help to me.  I asked for an authentic  recipie for Menudo and that is exactly what i got. Very cool bit of Information, but not what I needed.  But if one wishes, one might like to sample this, I would as long as I didn't have to do the actual cooking.  so it shall be included.

Sure, here’s a recipe for Menudo, a traditional Mexican soup¹²:

Ingredients:

• Cow feet and marrow bones
• Tripe
• 5 garlic cloves
• Onion
• Oregano
• Guajillo peppers
• Cumin (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Simmer the cow feet and marrow bones in a large pot with 6 quarts of water, 5 garlic cloves, and onion for about 15 minutes at medium heat without covering¹.
2. Add the tripe and oregano and cook for about 2 – 2 ½ hours approximately until tripe is tender but firm¹.
3. While the meat is cooking, prepare the guajillo sauce. Toast the Guajillo peppers in a griddle over medium heat. Place the roasted peppers in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for about 25 minutes until soft¹.
4. After that, drain the peppers and place them in your blender with the rest of the garlic, ½ cup of the broth, and cumin if using. Blend until very smooth¹.
5. Strain the sauce using a sieve and pour into the pot. Simmer the broth for another 30 minutes, partially covered¹.
6. Taste to season with more salt if needed¹.
7. Serve the soup in large bowls and place the garnishes in a dish in order for everyone to add to their liking¹.

Enjoy your Menudo! 😊

 

Sent by you: now that is an authentic recipe even if I couldn't spell it

 

I’m glad you found the recipe authentic! And don’t worry about the spelling, it’s the cooking that counts. If you have any more questions or need help with anything else, feel free to ask. Happy cooking! 😊

The following is my version of a spice blend, intended for Menudo that I found in my recipe jumble, trust me this is much too tame for my guys so triple the onion, double the garlic, and quadruple the Italian seasoning, don't forget some roasted paprika and a hefty splash of hot sauce, Oh yes and use molasses sugar or brown sugar,  doubling the amount.

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic flakes or powder

1tsp dried onion

 1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp rosemary

1/2 tsp dried orange peel

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp dry mustard

 

1/2 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning

 

2 tsp white sugar

 

1/4 tsp cinnamon

 

1/4 tsp nutmeg

 

After looking at other recipes this is as close to the old recipe, as I can get. And no one said they the liked the old recipe better., which is good. 

2 pounds of pork cut into  small cubes 

1 can of garbanzo beans
2 Onions, chopped
6-8 cloves cloves of peeled garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 large Plum Tomatoes, chopped
2 dried or fresh Bay  leaves
1/2 cup Water
2 medium Carrots, chopped 

3 finely chopped ribs of celery
1/2 cup Ketchup or Pasta sauce
1 Red Bell pepper
1/2 cup raisins
Brown sugar, to taste

Soy sauce to taste

Add pork cubes to a large pan and let them cook on medium heat until they  begins to brown.  You might need to add a little oil, or not depending on how much fat is in the meat . Add the garlic, onions , celerey, sauté. Season with a little salt. Continue to cook until the pork has browned (but not fried all the way) and the onions have softened .  Cover and simmer on low until the pork is tender.

When the pork is tender, add the water Bay leaves and  vegetables. Cook covered until the vegetables are tender. Add the sweet pepper{ could also add a hot one}, raisins and the ketchup (or pasta sauce). Cook for another few minutes until the raisins are re-hydrated and the sauce is heated.

Taste, and adjust seasonings. this is when you add brown sugar if you want to.

I like to tweek recipies to suit the tastes of my family,which is good because it cuts down on wasted food.   Dear reader, I hope you feel the same.

A quote from Andy Warhol.

 

 

 

 

 

I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want.

Andy Warhol