Epiphany in Greece is known as Theofania または Fota. The first sanctification of the Epiphany (The Enlightenment) takes place in church on the eve of the holiday. Afterwards, the priest goes from house to house holding a クロス and a basil branch. As he walks through each house, he uses the basil to sprinkle (bless) all the areas of the home.
An old custom in Crete , which is almost forgotten today, was the preparation of the fotokoliva (boiled wheat with peas) on the eve of Epiphany. The fotokoliva was eaten によって the people, but they also fed it to their livestock, which was believed to insure good health and fortune in the homes.
The big sanctification takes place the following day, January 6, the 日 of the Epiphany in Greece.
A long procession is formed and follows whatever road that leads to a body of water - the sea, a river または even a reservoir. Up in front of the procession are the cherub icons, followed によって the priests dressed in their best holiday splendor, then the VIPs, followed によって all the people. In the bigger cities, the procession becomes もっと見る elaborate with the addition of 音楽 and military contingents.
At the end of the sanctification ceremony a priest throws a クロス into the water, thus blessing the waters.
Then, those who dare - mostly the younger people of the village - jump in the usually icy water and compete in retrieving the cross. The one who brings the クロス up to the surface will enjoy good luck and health for the entire year.
An old custom in Crete , which is almost forgotten today, was the preparation of the fotokoliva (boiled wheat with peas) on the eve of Epiphany. The fotokoliva was eaten によって the people, but they also fed it to their livestock, which was believed to insure good health and fortune in the homes.
The big sanctification takes place the following day, January 6, the 日 of the Epiphany in Greece.
A long procession is formed and follows whatever road that leads to a body of water - the sea, a river または even a reservoir. Up in front of the procession are the cherub icons, followed によって the priests dressed in their best holiday splendor, then the VIPs, followed によって all the people. In the bigger cities, the procession becomes もっと見る elaborate with the addition of 音楽 and military contingents.
At the end of the sanctification ceremony a priest throws a クロス into the water, thus blessing the waters.
Then, those who dare - mostly the younger people of the village - jump in the usually icy water and compete in retrieving the cross. The one who brings the クロス up to the surface will enjoy good luck and health for the entire year.