Today is Oxi Day. It is the anniversary of the day in 1940 when the Greek Prime Minister told the Italian Ambassador that they would not surrender (oxi means no) and allow Italy to occupy Greece.
It was gutsy and defiant. The Greeks were not the powerhouse the Italians were at the time. What ended up happening was Greece fought the best they could and eventually Hitler had to send in German troops to help the Italians. Greece was eventually conquered, but it was long and very costly for both the Axis countries. Some even credit it with delaying the German invasion of the Soviet Union until so late in the year that they ended up fighting in winter and losing badly.
You may see it spelled "Ohi" or "Ochi" but I don't like either of those. The Greek letter x is pronounced like you're trying to pronounce H while clearing your throat. I would say the closest way to spell it in English is oh-khee.
If you see this before you see any of my in-laws, my kids or any Greek person you know, remember to wish them Happy Oxi Day!
It was gutsy and defiant. The Greeks were not the powerhouse the Italians were at the time. What ended up happening was Greece fought the best they could and eventually Hitler had to send in German troops to help the Italians. Greece was eventually conquered, but it was long and very costly for both the Axis countries. Some even credit it with delaying the German invasion of the Soviet Union until so late in the year that they ended up fighting in winter and losing badly.
You may see it spelled "Ohi" or "Ochi" but I don't like either of those. The Greek letter x is pronounced like you're trying to pronounce H while clearing your throat. I would say the closest way to spell it in English is oh-khee.
If you see this before you see any of my in-laws, my kids or any Greek person you know, remember to wish them Happy Oxi Day!
1 comment:
Thanks, Bill. This was very interesting. I didn't know any of this. I will to remember from the time I leave the lower level and go to the upper level to put a note for next year; so I can wish all of you Happy Oxi Day next year. Love you all & can't say how much or often enough that I'm sooooo glad you are home. xoxoxoxoxo Auntie Char ;-p
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