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)