Happy April everyone! Καλό Απρίλη! Easter is just weeks away and we are all just trying our best to get ready for this special holiday of celebration in our religion and culture. The excitement is in the air, as we await this special day. Fasting or not, we’re all trying our best to approach this day with dedication to our faith. And as Karpathians, every holiday is important to us and Greek Easter is no different. We thought that for today’s post we could break down some of the traditions that occur every year either if you live on the island or if you celebrate from far away.
- Τhe 40 day period of lent and prayer, also known as Σαρακοστή begins on Καθαρά Δευτέρα.
- Leading up to Easter day, Karpathies make traditional Greek Easter desserts and foods that symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ, such as Greek cookies (κουλουράκια) mini pastries (τούρτες) red eggs (κόκκινα αυγά).
- On Easter day, Karpathian men and women get the meat ready also known as the βυζάντι, which is lamb that is cooked in traditional ovens in each family’s stable (στάβλος). We will attach a recipe to it here – Karpathian Easter Lamb – Βυζάντι – Recipe
- Holy week also known as Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα is the last week of the 40 day lent. On Saturday, or (το Μεγάλο Σάββατο) at 12:00 am and Sunday morning the bell rings to signify that it is officially Easter day.
- Men, women and children attend church with their candles, (λαμπάδες) lighting each one with the holy light (άγιο φώς).
- Once church ends on Easter day, Karpathian men ignite fireworks that light up the sky to signify the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Families then unite, eat the Karpathian food and desserts mentioned. Everyone celebrates with a great feast, drinks wine. Dancing occurs at bigger family gatherings. The egg cracking (τσούγκρισμα των αυγών) occurs shortly after.
Leave a Reply