Clean Monday in Greece
Clean Monday is a holiday in Greece.
When is Clean Monday in Greece
Clean Monday is celebrated on 27, February, 2023 in Greece.
About Clean Monday in Greece
Clean Monday, also known as Kathara Deftera, is a public holiday in Greece that marks the beginning of Lent in the Greek Orthodox Church. It falls on the first day of the Great Lent, which is the 40-day fasting period leading up to Easter.
Clean Monday is a day of purification and renewal, both spiritually and physically. Traditionally, people clean their houses and prepare special foods that are free from meat, dairy, and eggs, as these are forbidden during Lent. Instead, they eat a variety of vegan dishes, such as lagana (a type of flatbread), taramosalata (a dip made from fish roe), and halva (a sweet made from sesame seeds).
Another popular tradition on Clean Monday is flying kites, which symbolizes the release of the spirit from the constraints of the body. People of all ages gather in parks and open spaces to fly colorful kites and enjoy the spring weather.
Clean Monday is also a time for family gatherings and socializing. Many people take the day off work and spend time with loved ones, playing games, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Overall, Clean Monday is a joyful and meaningful celebration that marks the beginning of a period of reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual renewal.
History of Clean Monday in Greece
Clean Monday, also known as Kathara Deftera, is a public holiday in Greece that marks the beginning of Lent in the Greek Orthodox Church. The holiday falls on the first day of the Great Lent, which is the 40-day period of fasting and spiritual preparation leading up to Easter.
The origins of Clean Monday can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was celebrated as a day of purification and spring cleaning. It was also a day of feasting, with people eating traditional Lenten foods such as lagana (a type of flatbread), seafood, and vegetables.
After the spread of Christianity in Greece, Clean Monday became associated with the start of Lent and the period of fasting and repentance that followed. The tradition of spring cleaning and feasting continued, but with a focus on spiritual renewal and preparation for Easter.
Today, Clean Monday is celebrated throughout Greece with a range of customs and traditions. Many people fly kites, which symbolize the ascent of the soul to heaven and the breaking of earthly bonds. Others participate in traditional dances and games, such as the “flour war” in which people throw colored flour at each other.
Overall, Clean Monday is a holiday that reflects the rich cultural and religious heritage of Greece, and serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual renewal and preparation for the Easter season.
How is Clean Monday celebrated in Greece
Clean Monday, also known as Kathara Deftera, is celebrated in Greece as the first day of Lent and the beginning of the fasting period leading up to Easter. Here are some ways in which Clean Monday is celebrated in Greece:
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Kite flying: This is a popular tradition on Clean Monday, with families heading to open fields or beaches to fly kites. This is seen as a symbol of the release of the spirit and the beginning of a new season.
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Traditional food: On Clean Monday, Greeks traditionally eat a vegetarian meal consisting of lagana (a special bread), taramosalata (a dip made from fish roe), olives, and a variety of other vegetarian dishes.
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Dancing: Clean Monday is also a day for dancing, with traditional Greek dances like the syrtos and the kalamatianos being performed.
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Outdoor activities: In addition to kite flying, Clean Monday is also a day for other outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and playing games like tug-of-war and sack races.
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Forgiveness: Clean Monday is also a day for forgiveness and reconciliation, with people seeking forgiveness from those they have wronged and forgiving those who have wronged them. This is seen as an important step towards spiritual purification.
Dates
Clean Monday 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.