Greek Tradtional Lifestyles and Festivals
We live in a world with a wide variety of lifestyle choices available - not to all,
but to more of us than ever before. For those of us with this choice comes a responsibility
- not to spoil things too much, yet not to impede a better life choice for others.
It can be more problematic than we think and sometimes the damage is done before
we realise the full implications. We need to think and to keep within the law of the land we choose.
Carnival in Greece
Feb 4th 2008
As the days get longer and
we head towards spring Greece is preparing for it's annual carnival season. On
"Clean Monday" - March 10th this year (before Shrove Tuesday) Methoni has a special
tradition of a "wedding", a colourful and unorthodox event,called the Koutroulis Marriage.
it is reminiscent of English pantomime, - both bride and groom are male and the dowry - proclaimed for all to hear, is funny, unusual and, I'm told, risque.In recent years the town has become crowded with tourists, ferried in by coach, and the "Wedding" is televised. There used to be much singing and dancing, though that has dwindled. nevertheless - it is worth attending for the lively atmosphere and the chance to catch up with friends.
More on Greek carnivals - Greek National Tourist Information
The Festival Of Light - Jan 6th
Jan 2nd 2008
Once Christmas and new year are over many of us forget the other festivals, but in Greece
"name days" continue as important celebrations. January 6th
(Epiphany) Is celebrated as the Festival of Light and is the name day for Photis.
Since I first witnessed the beautiful celebration in Methoni in 2002 I have remembered this day. On a mild and very sunny day, the silver cross from the Church of St Nickolas was paraded through the streets to the pier. While the Priest and some dignitaries walked onto the pier, the small crowd gathered on the shore. The Priest threw the large cross into the sea - a spectacular gesture as he threw it high and the silver glinted in the sun, as it spiralled over the water with the attached white ribbon twisting and shimmering behind.
A number of young men then braved the cold water to retrieve the cross and return it to the Priest for prayers before its parade back through the town.
In this way, the sea is blessed - with hopes for good fishing throughout the year.
We dispersed for coffee and to pass the time of day at various local venues. It is too easy, in our electicity hungry world, to take for granted or forget the importance of natural light.
Greek Cultural traditions
Mourning - a lesson in change management
A recent documentary including references to the history of Methoni, coupled with a work related change management course, gave rise to the following thoughts.
Having read on the subject of bereavement some years ago, I was already aware that much material presented on change management courses arose from research into bereavement. The course reminded me of the very disinct process of mourning that still occurs in Greece, or at least in areas such as Methoni. I have found it a very comforting process, as I am sure others do. Funerals take place quickly; the solomn toll of the chuch bell notifying death and the funeral, usaully a day apart. Formal remembrance is observed weekly at first, lengthening to annually. The graveyard is a busy place, usually with elaborate marble headstones, many flowers, candles, photos, and ornaments. But after 5 years the grave is removed and the remains placed in a small box in an adjoining chapel.
Thus the chief mourners are gradually and sensitively weaned away from their grief and encouraged to move on.
Methoni Traditional Lifestyles
Rural crafts continue around the area but are dying out as younger people turn towards an urban lifestyle. Running a restaurant or bar is a favourite occupation but property development and associated trades are now booming.
Wine Making
The Peloponnese is a fine area for growing grapes and vineyards abound. Many are for currants, but wine-making is still common and I still see people treading the grapes or using a wooden press by their homes.
Fishing
Since Methoni is a fishing village it would be inappropriate to leave out the paraphenalia
used in connection with fishing.
Sadly, many fishermen have given up their boats now - with a government incentive to do so. In just 10 years, there are far fewer boats and fewer men and women sitting mending nets, but some remain, and a good catch is valuable and easiliy sold.
Fruit Farming
Olives are still the main crop - virtually everyone has a few, if not hundreds of trees. Many families still grow some or all of their own food as well as having other means of income.In highly developed cities and towns throughout the world there has been a move in the opposite direction for some time now and if we can strike the right balance we will all benefit.
Life skills are not always taught but can be applied wherever we live.