Christmas in Cyprus

Ah, it is "kourabiedes" time, and the sweet aroma of "melomakarona"
 cookies will soon be filling Greek kitchens worldwide.

Turkeys have invaded Greek Cypriot Christmas customs.
 For many Cypriots the holiday is preceded by a time of fasting.
For Cyprus, the season is in full swing by December 6th,
the Feast of St. Nicholas, and will last through January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany.

Christmas in Cyprus is traditionally a solemn, religious holiday.
Throughout  the festivities, there is no doubt that Cyprus honours our Lord.
 Beautiful carols called "kalanda" have been handed down from Byzantine times and add to the reverent quality of the celebration. While other cultures have Christmas elves, the Cypriot equivalent is not so benign.

Legend has it that mischievous and even dangerous sprites called "Kalikantzari" prey upon people only during the twelve days of Christmas, from Christmas Eve to Epiphany Day, on January 6. Apart from the "kalikantzari" other customs related to Christmas celebrations, are the following:

Children get their presents on New Year's Day and
not on Christmas Day, as their "Santa" is Ai-Vasilis, whom they
celebrate on January 1.

So on New Year's Eve, after the children have gone to sleep, mum places Christmas cookies or Santa's cake called Vasilopita with a coin inside by the Christmas tree, lighting a candle and placing a goblet of wine or a glass of milk next to it. Tradition says, that Ai-Vasilis comes exhausted; he blesses the cake and drinks the milk or the wine. Then he places the presents for the children of the family under the tree. The children wake up early in the morning and rush to open up their presents. Then Father cuts the Vasilopita - Santa's cake - to find out who will be the lucky one of the year - it is the person who has the piece with the coin in it.

Grandfathers and grandmothers "ploumizoun" (give money)
to their grandchildren on the morning of Epiphany Day, on
January 6.  So, the children, early in the morning go to their grandparents' and say the following verse:
'Kalimera ke ta Phota ke tin pouloustrina prota" (Good morning
 on this day of light and let us have our gift first). The grandparents
are pleased and give them their tip (money-gift).

Comments

[What Matters Most Now]

Thanks for sharing this Anastasia! This is so interesting to read about traditions in other countries, such as yours. The food looks delicious in your photos! So curious what the vertical dish is that looks to have olives and cherry tomatoes with toothpicks in it? Is it a type of dip or spread? Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you!

[Kofla Olivieri]

Happy holidays!

[Anastasia]

This dish consists of the heart of 2 small kohlarbis (turnip cabbage) held together with a skewer. And, yes, using toothpicks, I decorated my kohlarbis with cherry tomatoes and olives. Nothing special, really. But everyone loves picking a cherry tomato or an olive while waiting for the starter. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[Anastasia]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[Stefania]

When I was a child, on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, I would go from door to door with the other children of my neighbourhood and sing the "kalanda". Then we'd share the money we collected and buy sweets. Beautiful Christmas memories.

[Anastasia]

My greatest regret is that I never sang the kalanda whwn I was a child. I had a terrible voice and lacked confidence! :-)