In 2002, the release of Hollywood film My Big Fat Greek Wedding brought to life many stereo types of the typical Greek family – some true, some not so true. What resonated with many “Greek-somethings” from around the globe though, was the portrayal of The Mother.
Greek Mothers are indeed a force to be reckoned with, for their gentle demeanour often fools those not so well versed in #greeklife.
They are loved, for they are the most generous creatures, showing their love through a constant offering of food, food and more food. Every Greek Mother has a signature dish, that she wears as proudly as a Gold Medal. (It has to be said that my Mother’s Patates Lemonates or Lemon Potatoes cannot be rivalled!)
Greek Mothers are respected even more for their sheer strength of character. They are fiercely protective of their family, and work tirelessly for the family’s benefit. They never tire, never complain, they can withstand so much that it often leaves the younger generation in awe, and a little under-appreciative at times. Most of these Mothers (and their mothers) came to Australia on a boat trip that took 40 days – and it wasn’t the P&O.
One quote from the film encapsulates it all: “The man is the head of the household, but the woman is the neck – and she can turn the head any way she wants”.
This is perhaps why we love Greek Mothers most of all – they are so subtly skilled at entwining their strength of character with a softer, nurturing approach, that it’s easy to forget what powerhouses they are. And they wouldn’t want it any other way.
By Georgina Lionatos