Christmas in Crete: A Festive Journey Through Traditions

Introduction

Welcome to the enchanting world of Christmas in Crete, where age-old traditions blend seamlessly with the magic of the holiday season. 

As we explore the unique customs of this Mediterranean gem, be prepared for a festive journey filled with surprises and heartwarming stories. Let's dive into the beauty of The Christmas in Crete.

The Twelve Days 

In Greece, the Christmas period runs from 25 December to 6 January. This period is called the Dodecameron, or twelve days.

In the Christian Orthodox tradition, the twelve days mark the period between the birth of Christ and the arrival of the three wise men.

The Twelve Days of Christmas are a time of great significance in Christianity, and they are celebrated in many different ways around the world. 

The famous carol "The 12 Days of Christmas" refers to the twelve days following Christmas Day. It's a time when traditions blossom and stories come to life, as families and communities come together to mark the passing of the year and the birth of Christ. 

The period of Advent that precedes Christmas, which lasts for four weeks, ends on December 24.  

What day do children get Christmas presents?

One of the most notable differences between Christmas in Greece and in other parts of the world is the day on which Christmas gifts are exchanged. 

While many people around the globe exchange gifts on the 25th of December (Christmas Day), in Greece, children eagerly await New Year's Day for their presents. The Greek Santa Claus, known as Saint Vasilios, brings gifts and joy on January 1st. 

In fact, Saint Vasilios' name day is celebrated on January 1, which is why he is the one who brings gifts on that day.

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However, as traditions tend to evolve over time, some Greeks may choose to give presents on Christmas Day instead of waiting until New Year's Day. 

And if some kids are particularly lucky, they might even receive surprises on both Christmas and New Year's Day, turning the season into a double celebration.

Who is the Greek Santa?

Saint Vasilios, also known as Basil the Great, was one of the three Hierarchs who lived in Caesarea of Cappadocia, which is now located in modern-day Turkey, during the 4th century. He is known for dedicating his life and possessions to helping the poor. 

Throughout his life, he always made sure to take care of the needy, and he built various institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, and orphanages to provide for them. The Church honours his memory on January 1st.

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In Greece, January 1st is a day of celebration for the name "Vasilis" or "Vasiliki", which is derived from the name of Saint Vasilios. Children in Greece eagerly await this day, which is sometimes referred to as the "Feast of Saint Vasilios".

On this day, people in Greece observe the tradition of eating "Vasilopita," a cake that has a hidden coin inside. The person who finds the coin in their piece of cake is said to have good luck for the year. The name "Vasilopita" comes from the name of Saint Vasilios, and the tradition is a way of honouring his legacy.

The Story Behind Vasilopita

Among the many Greek Christmas customs, the tradition of cutting the Vasilopita on the first day of the year is closely associated with Saint Basil. The story behind this tradition is both heartwarming and fascinating. 

According to one version of the story, the tradition comes from the life of Saint Basil, when a king imposed heavy taxation during a time of great poverty. The people of the kingdom were struggling to make ends meet and were forced to give their jewels to pay the heavy taxes. 

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Moved by the plight of his people, Saint Basil called on the king to repent and return the jewels to the people. 

The king realized the error of his ways and returned the jewels to the people. However, no one knew what belonged to whom, and this created a dilemma. 

To solve this problem, Saint Basil decided to put the jewels in a pie and give pieces of the pie to the people. Miraculously, everyone received their own jewels. The Vasilopita pie is now an integral part of the New Year's celebrations in Greece and is a symbol of unity, kindness, and generosity.

The Christ Bread and the Custom of Pig

In Crete, the celebration of Christmas is incomplete without the presence of two very important traditional dishes - Christopsomo and pork dishes. 

Christopsomo, which translates to "Christ bread," is a blessed bread that has a special place in every household during the festive season. It is made by women with special care and patience, ensuring that it is soft, fluffy, and delicious. On Christmas day, the bread is cut and exchanged with wishes among family members.

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On the other hand, the "anathrema" of the pig that was slaughtered on the eve of Christmas dominates in most villages. The Christmas table is adorned with traditional pork dishes that showcase the artistry of Crete's culinary traditions. 

The second day of Christmas is especially dedicated to relishing pork dishes like vinegary sausage, apaki (smoked pork), synglina (pork cut into small pieces, which was cooked and placed in containers, covered with fat and could be preserved for a long time), also known as cigarides (pieces of cooked fat with spices, accompanied by sourdough bread and usually eaten during the olive harvest).

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The pork dishes are prepared with utmost care and attention, using traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. 

The culinary expertise of the Cretans is reflected in the mouth-watering aroma and taste of these dishes, which are sure to leave you wanting more.

Christmas Cakes in Crete

Melomakarona are traditional Greek Christmas cookies. These spiced cookies are typically made with a mixture of flour, olive oil, sugar, and orange juice. After baking, they are soaked in honey syrup and often topped with crushed walnuts. Melomakarona is popular during the Christmas season and is enjoyed for its sweet and aromatic flavour.

Kourabiedes are another well-known Greek Christmas treat. These are almond shortbread cookies that are usually dusted with powdered sugar, giving them a snowy appearance. 

Kourabiedes often contain almonds and are sometimes flavoured with brandy or rose water. They are a delightful and rich addition to the holiday table.

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Kalikatzaroi – The Naughty Greek Goblins

According to Greek folklore, the Kalikantzaroi are mischievous goblins who are unable to harm humans. These creatures are typically described as small, hairy, and very ugly, with long black tails. 

It is believed that these goblins reside in the centre of the earth, where they try to cut down the Tree of Life that holds the world together. Using a large saw, they attempt to saw the tree all year round. 

However, for 12 days a year, they are allowed to come to the surface of the earth, from Christmas Day (12/25) to Theofania (12/6). During this period, they always attempt to harm people, despite being unable to do so. Their attempts to cause harm typically result in causing a lot of trouble.

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The Kalikantzaroi can enter homes through windows, chimneys, keyholes, or even through cracks in doors. To protect themselves from these mischievous creatures, according to legend, housewives always keep the fireplace burning and close the windows and doors when night falls.

On January 6th, the Kalikantzaroi become frightened because Greek priests bless houses with holy water. When the goblins return to the centre of the earth, they find that the Tree of Life has grown back, and they begin to chop it down again with their large and sharp saw until the next Christmas.

The Breaking of the Pomegranate

The pomegranate has been revered as an ancient fruit that symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and rebirth in Greek culture and mythology for thousands of years. 

In Greece, it is a common practice for almost all Greek households to have pomegranates, especially at the entrance, during the Christmas season. Some people even take the fruit to church to bless it. According to the traditional custom, just before the turn of the year, families leave their homes, symbolizing the old time that has passed. They re-enter with their right foot first, and the first person to enter throws the pomegranate at the door to break it. 

This tradition is said to bring good luck, and the number of seeds thrown represents the family's share of good fortune in the coming year. This practice is still observed by many Greek families today, and it serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.

What is the tradition of decorating boats for Christmas?

The Christmas boat, also known as "karavaki" in Greek, is one of the most prominent traditions in Greece during the holiday season. In the past, Greeks, who are known for their connection with the sea, used to decorate boats instead of Christmas trees. 

The tradition of "karavakia" stems from this deep-rooted association between Greece and the sea.

Theophany in Crete

As the holiday season draws to a close, the day of Theophania, also known as Epiphany, on 6th January brings with it a tradition that is reserved for the brave-hearted. 

During a holy ceremony, a priest blesses a cross and tosses it into the water, where daring individuals plunge into the cold winter waters to retrieve it. It is said that the one who finds the cross and brings it back onto the surface will have good luck for the rest of the year.

The brave soul who emerges victorious from the frigid waters is hailed as the winner and carries the blessed cross door-to-door, receiving kisses and admiration from the people. 

As a sign of worship and respect, people will kiss the cross and give money to its holder as a gesture of admiration. This thrilling tradition has been passed down for generations and continues to be celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour.