Beard's significance?

Question

Why would someone say they are growing a beard because they are Greek? Is it because of the Greek orthodox religion? Time of religious year (i.e. lent)? ordained as a subdeacon? What? The didn't have a beard months ago so I am more confused.

Answer 1

Someone close to them may have died.  There is a tradition in Greece that there is a specific 40 days of mourning.  Like at least you have to wear black for 40 days and the men often stop shaving or cutting their hair for 40 days.  Other people keep it up after 40 days has passed.  But it could be for this reason.

Also priests haves beards.  I think they don't cut their hair either because They all have really long hair and long beards.  

Sorry, I only live here, Im not Greek so I cant be super specific.

Answer 2

Maybe they just want a beard - simple as that. However, I have known some people grow beards when in mourning - and of course to enter priesthood.

Answer 3

Growing a beard because they are Greek?Of all the men in my family I only have two cousins with a mustache.. and there are plenty men in my family...And young people especially don't think of leaving a beard as mandatory....Maybe people from Crete see it as tradition..My two cousins are from Crete.

Answer 4

Only priests and monks of the Greek Orthodox religion must have a beard. Apart from that, having a beard has nothing to do with being Greek, I don't know if your friend knows that or has been confused.

Answer 5

..I dont think its about relegion but rather its like an oath,,most men will swear an oath ..you might even hear them say ..i will grow  a beard or moustace  to verify my actions. escpicialy in the balkan regions  they have that sort of practice ..but its all depends on the individual man..one thing thats 'funny is that .in greece ..if a man has a moustace or beard ..and falls head over heels for a woman..others might say to him .. be a man dont let her rule you .other wise she will have you shaving your moustace..so to most men the sign of having facial hair is a mark of man hood and his resolve as a man of his word..I rember my father when hearing on his father death .,beacuse he was so far away the only thing he could do at the time was lament and he swore to grow a beard  in respect to his father..he had his beard till the day my father died.. never shaved it off.in those 28 years..so yeah  maybe for some men of strogn faith they might grow a beard for the time of a relegious period .like lent or easter.. what ever the call..the act is mark of respect .. but its up to the individusl ..not a necisity