Καθαρά Δευτέρα in Greece
Καθαρά Δευτέρα is a holiday in Greece.
When is Καθαρά Δευτέρα in Greece
Καθαρά Δευτέρα is celebrated on 27, February, 2023 in Greece.
About Καθαρά Δευτέρα in Greece
Καθαρά Δευτέρα (Kathara Deftera) is a public holiday in Greece that marks the beginning of Lent. It is also known as Clean Monday or Ash Monday. The holiday falls on the Monday seven weeks before Easter Sunday and is a day for feasting, flying kites, and participating in outdoor activities.
The name “Clean Monday” comes from the Greek tradition of cleaning the house and starting a period of fasting and abstinence from meat and dairy products for the next 40 days leading up to Easter. The day is also associated with the burning of the previous year’s palm fronds from Palm Sunday, which are used to make crosses that are worn on the forehead.
The holiday is celebrated all over Greece, with many people heading to the countryside for picnics and kite-flying. Traditional foods eaten on Clean Monday include lagana, a special unleavened bread, and taramosalata, a spread made from fish roe. Other popular dishes include grilled octopus, shellfish, and vegetarian dishes such as dolmades and fasolada.
Overall, Καθαρά Δευτέρα is a time for Greeks to come together and celebrate the start of Lent, while enjoying the beautiful spring weather and the company of family and friends.
History of Καθαρά Δευτέρα in Greece
Καθαρά Δευτέρα, also known as Clean Monday, is a public holiday in Greece that marks the beginning of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The holiday falls on the first Monday of Lent, which is 48 days before Easter Sunday.
The origins of the holiday date back to ancient Greece, where it was celebrated as a day of purification. People would cleanse their homes and bodies, and burn old possessions as a symbol of renewal. The tradition continued during the early Christian period, when it became associated with the start of Lent.
During the Ottoman Empire, the celebration of Καθαρά Δευτέρα was suppressed, but it was revived after Greece gained independence in the 19th century. Today, the holiday is celebrated throughout Greece with outdoor activities, such as kite flying, picnics, and traditional foods like lagana bread and taramosalata.
The holiday is also marked by the consumption of fasting foods, such as seafood and vegetables, as meat and dairy products are prohibited during Lent. In some parts of Greece, people also participate in a ritual known as “cleaning the ashes,” where they jump over a bonfire to symbolize the cleansing of their souls.
Overall, Καθαρά Δευτέρα is a significant holiday in Greece that combines ancient traditions with Christian beliefs, and is celebrated as a time of purification and renewal.
How is Καθαρά Δευτέρα celebrated in Greece
Καθαρά Δευτέρα (Clean Monday) is celebrated as the first day of Lent in Greece. It is a public holiday and is celebrated with a variety of traditions and customs.
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Kite flying: One of the most popular traditions of Clean Monday is kite flying. People of all ages gather in open fields and parks to fly kites. It is believed that flying kites symbolizes the ascension of the spirit towards heaven.
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Clean eating: Clean Monday is also known as “Green Monday” in Greece, as it is a day when people abstain from meat and dairy products. Instead, they eat a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as lagana (a special type of bread), taramosalata (fish roe dip), and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves).
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Outdoor activities: Clean Monday is a day for outdoor activities and sports. People participate in hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. Many beaches also open on this day, marking the start of the swimming season.
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Traditional dances: Clean Monday is also a day for traditional Greek dances. People gather in public squares and dance to traditional Greek music. The most popular dance is called “Kalamatianos.”
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Bonfires: In some parts of Greece, people light bonfires on Clean Monday. The bonfires symbolize the burning of the old and the start of the new. People jump over the bonfires, which is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Overall, Clean Monday is a day for celebrating the start of Lent and the arrival of spring. It is a day for outdoor activities, traditional customs, and clean eating.
Dates
Καθαρά Δευτέρα will be celebrated in Greece on 2023-02-27 2024-03-18 2025-03-03 2026-02-23 2027-03-15 in the comming years.
