Why are Greek doors blue?
Why are Greek doors blue? The blue also originated from a cleaning agent called Loulaki. It is a sort of talcum powder. This blue powder was found across every home in Greece. The mixture of Loulaki powder with lime produces the bright blue colour that we often see in Greek homes today.
Why is blue so important in Greece?
Blue became prevalent for doors and shutters as it was the cheapest paint color available to fishermen and sailors. The military dictatorship enforced the blue and white coloring of Greek island houses, inspired by notions of patriotism and Greek nationalism.
Why are houses in Greece so close together?
The traditional two-story dwelling is an ingenious construction, striking the perfect balance between form and function. The towns of Nisyros typify Greek Aegean settlements, with houses clustered close to each other for shade and protection from the strong Aegean winds.
Why are doors and windows blue in Greece?
The widespread use also emanates from an ancient belief that the sky blue shade of turquoise has the power to keep evil away. It is believed that the radiation of the colour composes an invisible shield which prevents the approach of bad spirits.
What is the blue symbol in Greece?
In some parts of Greece, it is believed those with blue or green eyes are particularly able to give the curse to another person, which is a major reason why the evil eye talismans, or the mati symbols, are depicted as a blue eye.
Why do Greek houses have domed roofs?
It mainly had to do with construction reasons. Domes in general are one of the first structural forms humans worked with in stone architecture. Spherical domes are used in Greece from appx. 5,800 BC.
Why are houses white in Santorini?
At the beginning of the 20th century, during the war, serious deceases, like cholera, plagued the Greek islands. Whitewash is a cheap, disinfectant material that was used regularly to limit the contagion. Back to that era, it was probably the most effective or even the only medium available for disinfection.
Are there mosquitoes in Greece?
In Greece there are some mosquito species that can transmit certain diseases, if infected: West Nile virus, which is transmitted through the “house” common mosquitoes, is considered established in our country, and cases are recorded almost annually during the transmission season.
Why are buildings in Greece painted white and blue?
During the colonel's dictatorship from 1967 to 1974, the junta established by Colonel Georgios Papadopoulos and Brigadier General Stylianos Pattakos mandated blue and white as standard colors for Cycladic homes. This was an attempt to boost patriotism and reflected Greek national pride.
Can you drink Santorini tap water?
Yes, you can drink tap water in Santorini. Like all of the rest of the country, the water in Santorini meets EU standards for water quality. Most of the water you will drink in Santorini will come from a desalination plant.