THE ORTHODOX LENT, A CELEBRATION OF LIGHT AND LIGHTNESS
Have you ever wondered why kites fly on Clean Monday? And what does Kyra Sarakosti, a typical Orthodox Lent biscuit, represent?
With the Καθαρά Δευτέρα the Carnival ends and a long period of fasting begins. This path of preparation to Easter Sunday is rich in meaning and deeply felt, an opportunity for reflection and change.
THE SCENT OF HALVA. ALL THE SWEETNESS OF THE "CLEAN MONDAY"
Kathari Deftera, or "Clean Monday", is one of the most important holidays in the Greek liturgical calendar and certainly one of our favourites. Growing up in a Catholic country and accustomed to a definitely gloomier and more introspective beginning of Lent, we could not be anything but (pleasantly) surprised by a celebration of reconciliation, regeneration and raising of the spirit characterised instead by outdoor excursions, flights of kites and good shared food.
MARTAKIA, COLOURFUL SPRING BRACELETS
It is surprising how many good luck charms, amulets and references to health appear in the Greek folk tradition.
Today we are featuring the white and red March bracelet called μαρτακι, which according to popular custom is worn on the wrist, ankle or in some areas on the big toe so that the wearer does not stumble. Traditionally, this bracelet would protect the wearer from the first sun and the whims of the spring season. In fact, red recalls the color of healthy cheeks while white symbolizes the purity of the complexion.
THE DAYS OF ALCYONE
On a Greek island, especially in winter, time seems to go slower than in the rest of the world. The rhythms are marked by the conditions of the sky and the sea and reality finds an explanation in an intricate intertwining of myths, memories, history, traditions and science. It so happens that the warm temperatures of these days are not only determined by meteorological causes but also by a couple so in love as to involuntarily offend the gods, a compassionate Zeus and a beautiful sea bird, the Alcyone (or kingfisher).
OLIVE GREEN KEFALONIA
In autumn, Greece is tinged with olive green, gold and earth tones.
It is in this period that villages and families come together for an important annual event, the olive harvest. An activity that is part of Greek culture, handed down from generation to generation and represents not only a commitment, but also an opportunity to meet and spend time with family, friends and neighbors.
THE EXHUMATION OF THE SAINT. OCTOBER IN VALSAMATA
The monastery of San Gerasimos is located in the Omala plain, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. A green and suggestive place that perfectly frames the most vivid symbol of Kefalonia's mysticism, the church dedicated to its patron saint. Although the island could not celebrate with music and banquets as it usually happens on October 20th, the saint's sarcophagus was brought today outside the church and placed under the huge plane tree that is located near the well that the Saint would have dug with his own hands.
ODE TO THE PRINCKLY PEAR, THE GOOD OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
While September forces us to jump between hot and sultry days, lightning and thunderbolts, we say goodbye to the Greek summer with a juicy and colourful prickly pear, a fresh and locally sourced snack.
KEFALONIA, WALKING IN THE FOOTSEPS OF KEFALONIA MOST REPRESENTATIVE WRITERS
From beautiful fishing villages to peaceful olive groves and vineyards, Kefalonia is so beautiful that it almost feels imaginary. It has the simple charm of an old-fashioned island with pristine beaches, emerald seas and pastel-painted villages. It has the magic of a place full of ancient history, Venetian and British reminiscences, moving war memories. Kefalonia has a strong relationship with myth and abounds in hidden secrets and touches of magic. Rare, wild flowers bloom in its fields, wild horses live on Mount Aenos and geological unique phenomena characterize its underworld. It is not surprising that Kefalonia with its lush, picturesque scenery and its welcoming, captivating people, has inspired Greek and foreign writers for millennia.
FANOUROPITA, THE CAKE OF LOST THINGS
Have you lost anything lately? Your purse, your glasses, your socks in the washing machine, your temper with your capricious children? Well, you should try baking a Fanouropita! In Greece, Fanouropita is made on August 27th to honour Saint Fanourios, the saint of lost things. His name originates from the Greek word “fanerono”, that is “I reveal”. Therefore, Fanouropita literally means “a cake that reveals”.
PANAGIA OF THE SNAKES, THE CELEBRATION OF SPIRIT AND TRADITION IN MARKOPOULO
Like every year, even in this disastrous 2020 the first snakes appeared in the Church of Panagia Lagouvarda (or Panagia Fidousa, Panagia of the snakes) in Markopoulo and in nearby Arginia, Kefalonia.
