The Custom of Blessing of Sheep in Crete

Every year in April in celebration of St. George revives the unique tradition of the blessing of sheep in the mountain community of Asi Gonia in Crete, located in the limits of the counties of Chania and Rethymno.

  Farmers in the region consider Saint George to be their proterctor Saint and on feast day they bring their flocks to the village church, which is located in the center square. The spectacle is impressive; as thousands of sheep trimmed with bells are lead to the chapel ... the sound of the bells is really magic and reminds of ancient ceremonies ... where they wait for the priest to bless them ... breeders milk the sheep and generously share the milk to residents and visitors.

Leading down the flocks from their folds, no matter how far they may be, is tradition and sheep gathered calculate at approximately 30.000. According to the residents of Asi Gonia, the custom revived since the village existed and even themselves consider unthinkable for the breeders not to bring their sheep for blessing.

Milking sheep symbolizes the solidarity which people must be with each other, that is why and milk is distributed free to all. It is said that it is actually a vow (tama) that have residents to St. George in expectation and anticipation of protection from all evil.

On the feast day, the mountain community of Crete becomes a pole of attraction for visitors who arrive by any means even with organized trips to see up close this unique ritual ... The locals in traditional costumes offer Cretan rusks, while in the area traditional celebrations are held that introduce you to the genuine tradition, as this is kept alive, in the mountain villages of Crete.

(original greek text by Georgia Polaki -translated in English by Elisavet Lemoni)

Customs of The Holy Week in Greece

Holy Monday

Women tried not to hold knives especially on Holy Monday in fear of getting cut, as it was considered a great sin, due to the blood running from the wound.

 Most people start fasting on Holy Monday. In villages they used to have a lamb with a red ribbon around its neck, tied in the garden.

Holy Tuesday

This day was dedicated to clean the house. In some areas they used to make the Easter cookies and Easter breads (type of brioche) instead of making them on Holy Thursday

Holy Wednesday

Women after church started to prepare the yeast covering it with woolen blankets to get ready for making Easter breads (a type of brioche) and the traditional Easter cookies (koulourakia).

Holy Thursday

This is the day that the eggs are dyed, usually red. The egg represents the tomb where Christ was risen from on resurrection day. The old times they used to dye the eggs with natural colors coming from redwood or almond leaves giving a brownish color. The first egg was considered the egg of Virgin Mary’s and wishes were written on it.

In the evening young girls decorate the Epitaph with Spring flowers singing  the Virgin Mary’s dirge.

Holy Friday

A day of mourning, a great fasting day, some people would drink only water and vinegar. Especially the young girls that decorated the Epitaph were not supposed to eat until the procession of the Epitaph.

In the evening the procession of the Epitaph is taking place, while the bells strike mournfully all day. In many parts of Greece the flowers of the Epitaph are held after the procession, because are considered miraculous.

                                                      Holy Saturday

The lamb was slaughtered for Sunday and in general the preparations were getting place. After church at night everyone is carrying the Holy Fire in their homes and the custom wants to guard it in order not to be extinguished for forty days.  After the Resurrection, which is a celebration, tradition requires breaking and eating the dyed eggs and the soup that has been prepared since morning.

Easter Sunday

This is the great feast of Easter. From early morning the traditional lamb on the spit is baked on the fire, while friends and relatives are gathered around the festive table to eat and have fun until late afternoon.

Crete - A Dream Destination

Crete is the biggest island in Greece. 
There are many legends about the origin of the name of Crete.

Most likely, the son of Zeus and the nymph Ida whose name was Kris, has given his name to Crete, especially since the highest mountain on the island is bearing the name of his mother (mount Idi).

The history of Crete extends from the Neolithic period, as far as 8000 years ago.
Because of its location and topography, the known to all Minoan Civilization was created and flourished.
Successively in Crete reached the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians and Turks who ruled until 1897. 

In 1898 the Cretan State with capital Chania was founded

The 1^st of December  1913 Crete was officially united with Greece.
 

Zakros ruins in Lasithi

All civilizations who passed left a trail of important monuments of paramount archaeological study and value which despite the indelible marks left by the World War II, remained intact.

Knossos

We mention the Zakros in  Lassithi Perfecture, Knossos and Phaistos in Heraklion Perfecture, Syvrikos in Rethymno Prefecture, Ancient Aptera and Firkas in Chania Prefecture, among to numerous of other  priceless archaeological treasures each of them hiding its own story .

Rethymno Old Town

Apart from the archaeological sites, Crete has rich tradition and customs some of which is maintained until today.

Chania Old Harbor

The beauty of nature is generously poured out in every corner of Crete.
 
From the mountains, deep gorges, and the rich vegetation to the endless beaches with crystal clear waters, Crete is rightfully among the first destinations for travelers from all around the world.

Crete is actually a dream destination where every visitor can make every wish come true either if the purpose of his visit is to relax, or to explore  natural sites such as canyons, lakes and villages, or historical monuments and archaeological sites. Sailing trips, Boat Trips, Diving and water sports in Cretan blue sea provide entertainment for children and adults of all levels of experience.

Tradition is everywhere to be found for guests that wish to be a part of it during their vacation in beautiful Crete.

Every guest is welcomed!