Clean Monday in Cyprus
Clean Monday is a holiday in Cyprus.
When is Clean Monday in Cyprus
Clean Monday is celebrated on 27, February, 2023 in Cyprus.
About Clean Monday in Cyprus
Clean Monday, also known as “Kathara Deftera,” is a public holiday in Cyprus that marks the beginning of Lent in the Greek Orthodox Church. It falls on the first Monday of Lent, which is 48 days before Easter Sunday.
On Clean Monday, Cypriots traditionally engage in a range of activities that symbolize the start of the fasting period. One of the most popular customs is kite-flying, with families gathering in parks and open spaces to fly brightly colored kites. This activity is said to represent the flight of the soul towards God.
Another tradition is the consumption of a special Lenten meal, which typically consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes such as lentil soup, tahini dip, and pickled vegetables. These foods are eaten in moderation, as fasting is a key component of the Lenten period.
Clean Monday is also a time for forgiveness and reconciliation, with many Cypriots using the occasion to seek out old friends and family members and make amends for past grievances.
Overall, Clean Monday is a significant holiday in Cyprus that brings people together to celebrate the start of a period of spiritual reflection and renewal.
History of Clean Monday in Cyprus
Clean Monday, also known as Kathara Deftera, is a public holiday in Cyprus that marks the beginning of Lent in the Greek Orthodox Church. It is celebrated on the first day of the Great Lent, which is the 40-day period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter.
The origins of Clean Monday can be traced back to ancient Greece, when it was a pagan holiday known as “Koulouma”. It was a day of cleansing and purification, when people would clean their homes and bodies in preparation for the coming spring.
With the arrival of Christianity in Cyprus, the holiday was adapted to reflect the new religious beliefs. The name “Kathara Deftera” means “Clean Monday” in Greek, and it is a time for spiritual cleansing and renewal.
On Clean Monday, people in Cyprus traditionally gather with family and friends for a picnic in the countryside. They eat a special meal of lenten foods, such as seafood, vegetables, and bread baked without yeast. They also fly kites, which symbolize the freeing of the spirit from earthly concerns.
In recent years, Clean Monday has become a popular holiday for tourists visiting Cyprus. Many hotels and restaurants offer special menus and activities to celebrate the occasion.
Overall, Clean Monday is an important holiday in Cyprus that combines ancient traditions with modern celebrations of faith and community.
How is Clean Monday celebrated in Cyprus
Clean Monday, also known as Kathara Deftera, is celebrated in Cyprus with various traditions and customs. Here are some of the ways Clean Monday is celebrated in Cyprus:
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Flying kites: One of the most popular traditions of Clean Monday in Cyprus is flying kites. Families and friends gather in open fields and fly kites of different colors and shapes.
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Picnics: Clean Monday is also a day for picnics. Families and friends gather in parks or the countryside and enjoy traditional Lenten food such as lagana bread, olives, tahini dip, and halva.
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Traditional games: Clean Monday is a day for outdoor activities and traditional games such as tug of war, sack races, and egg cracking.
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Clean Monday parade: In some towns and villages, a parade is organized on Clean Monday, with people dressed in traditional costumes, carrying banners, and playing traditional instruments.
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Sea dipping: In coastal towns and villages, people celebrate Clean Monday by taking a dip in the sea, symbolizing the cleansing of the body and soul.
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Bonfires: In some areas, people light bonfires on Clean Monday, symbolizing the burning of the old and the beginning of a new cycle.
Overall, Clean Monday is a day for outdoor activities, traditional food, and customs that celebrate the beginning of Lent and the arrival of spring.
Dates
Clean Monday will be celebrated in Cyprus on 2023-02-27 2024-03-18 2025-03-03 2026-02-23 2027-03-15 in the comming years.
