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Zakynthian Traditions and Customs are many during the period of ‘Apokreas’ but one that stands out today is that of a ritual that takes place within the Zakynthian home.
Within the Zakynthian home the period of Apokreas is coming to an end and soon the period of Great Lent will take place. The dish of the day is that of representing cheesefare day.
Macaroni is slowly boiled in milk rather than water, creating a creamy dish then cheese is added for an extra rich and creamy dish.
Boiled eggs are also served with an extra emphasis on leaving the shell for the person to peel off whilst eating their egg. Eggs play an important part within the culture of Zakynthians relating to rebirth and new beginnings. Like many religions, eggs are also associated with Easter and the Greek Orthodox being no different.
The table will be set and the hostess will begin to serve up the dish, in which the members of the family will be asked to take three spoonfuls from the creamy macaroni/milk dish and then each member will be served the boiled eggs. On finishing the hostess will then ask ‘have you eaten?’ then the members will answer ‘we have’. She will then ask ‘are you full?’ they will answer ‘yes, we are.’
then the hostess will make her cross, in typical Greek Orthodox way, three times saying ‘praise the Lord’.
The main meal is then served up. After the meal, the tablecloth is left as it is today they say the souls of our loved ones will come and feast.
Later in the evening the church of Proskopi will traditionally hang a bouquet of lettuce leaves and garlic from the bell tower then the bells will chime in mourning style, an announcement that in a few hours time Great Lent will begin.
The lettuce
and garlic, a symbol of the strict fasting period ahead, will be left right up until the Saturday of Lazarus in which they will be replaced by Vaiya.
Decorations made from palm leaves known as Vaiya will symbolise the resurrection to come, thus being in their place right up until Holy Saturday.
Written by Louise Inzk.
