Γιορτές και κάλαντα στην Ελλάδα! [ghio-r-TES ke CA-lan-da stin E-LA-dha] (Holidays and Carols in Greece)
The Holiday Period in Greece consists of three major holidays that take place in the course of twelve days, starting on Christmas’s Eve – December, 24th- and ending on Epiphany -Januay 6th.
1. Χριστούγεννα (chri- STU-ghe-na= Christmas).
Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, like in most parts of the world.
Χριστούγεννα (Chri-STU-ghe-na= Christos+ghena= Christ+Birth=the birth of Christ) is a religious holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and is preceded by νηστεία (ne-STI-a =fasting). The νηστεία (ne-STI-a) begins on November 14th, forty days prior to Χριστούγεννα!
On Christmas Eve, a very old custom is still in practice all around Greece. Παιδιά (pe-DHIA=children) in small groups go around houses to sing the Christmas κάλαντα (CA-lan-da=carols). They get money or sweets as their reward. The actual lyrics of Κάλαντα refer to the birth of Christ. In general, Calanda are sung with accompanying musical instruments; with τρίγωνο (TRI-gho-no= triangle) and φυσαρμόνικα (phi-sar-MO-ni-ca=harmonica) being the most popular ones.
2. Πρωτοχρονιά (Pro-to-chro-NIA=proti+chronia=first year=New Years)
New Years is celebrated on January 1st but the festivities start on New Years’ Eve, on December 31st. On January 1st, we celebrate the memory of Aghios Vasilis, the Greek Santa Claus, and cut the traditional Vasilopita, the New Years’ cake.
The first day of the New Year is considered an extremely important day since, according to tradition, it determines the course of the rest year. Whatever one does on Πρωτοχρονιά, one will continue to do for the remaining year as well. That is why there are countless traditions associated with Πρωτοχρονιά for good luck and prosperity. The main one, which is common all around Greece, is Ποδαρικό (po-da-ri-CO= from the world podi=foot). It refers to the first meeting, to the first person who will set “foot” on someone’s else house or to the first person one will meet after the midnight of December 31st. That person is to bring good or bad luck depending on whether they are considered to be lucky and with good energy or not!
On Πρωτοχρονιά’ eve, just like Χριστούγεννα, παιδιά sing the New Years κάλαντα from house to house. The New Years κάλαντα refer to the well being and good fortune of all people for the New Year.
3. Θεοφάνεια (the-o-PHA-nia= Epiphany or Theophany or Phota)
Θεοφάνεια ia also a religious holigay that falls on January 6th. Θεοφάνεια is the celebration of the baptism of Jesus in Jordan river by John the Baptist.
In Greece, customs and traditions for Θεοφάνεια revolve around the Great Blessing of the Waters. The priests perform the ceremony by the water, not in the church as usual, and at the end they throw a Cross in the water! Swimmers, mostly men, jump to retrieve it regardless the weather conditions! The one who swims faster and gets the cross first is considered to be very lucky and specially blessed.
Also, παιδιά sing the κάλαντα for Θεοφάνεια! They are sung the eve of Θεοφάνεια!
