Christmas customs, Sterea Ellada

«CHOIROSFAGI» (SLAUGHTER OF A PIG)

In the mountainous villages of western Fthiotida it is unlikely not to meet, at least, one pig in every house. Always, it has been a matter of nobility, social and economic status. The preparation for their slaughter begins very early as the housewives are obliged to find a tinker to tin the household utensils that are necessary for the ‘slaughter of the pig’. But, in nowadays, the things are different. The companies have become smaller and things have been simplified. However, the ‘slaughter of the pig’ remains a whole ritual, since it is necessary to have fire, charcoal as well as incense and at the time of the slaughter the housewife should throw them over the pig during the slaughter while they put a lemon in the mouth of the pig in order to stay open and expose to air.

When they finish with the pigs, the whole neighborhood begins a feast while at the same time the housewives begin to make sausages and "tsigarithres" (Tsigarithra consists of pieces of the pig’s fat that has small pieces of meat on it.)

"THE ENGAGEMENT OF FIRE"

The engagement of fire: it is occurred at Christmas morning (very early) that’s why people call it "open time". The housewife puts a big wood in the fireplace and according to the tradition at that time whatever you ask – only if it is concerned children, not married ones - can be done. On the contrary, the marriage of fire is on the dawn of the New Year. The housekeeper put two large woods in the fireplace that must be alike in order to burn the same. According to the tradition, at that time it doesn’t change only the day, but it also changes the year and any wish as well any curse that someone does is going to catch a place as the people says. These specific customs are found in many places in Roumeli, especially in western Fthiotida and the mountainous Dorida.

"VASILOPSOMO"

Its name was defined from the date of consumption. It is eaten on the day of Santa Claus (Agios Vasileios), from where it took its name. In addition to flour, the housewives put in millet, basil and water, and create different shapes and representations on it which depict production, health or family. After its baking, it is ready to cut at lunch time at New Year's Eve. Along with ‘Vasilopsomo’, the housewives make also ‘Vasilokouloures’.

"THE ‘FEEDING’ OF THE FOUNTAIN"

At midnight of Christmas, in the villages of Central Greece, it takes place the so-called "feeding" of the fountain.

The village's young ladies, a few hours before Christmas dawn, go to the fountains of the village and rub them with butter and honey, hoping that as the water runs to be run the prosperity and success to their house, too. They hope, also, as sweet as the honey is, so sweet to be their life. With this action, they get the "silent" water from the fountain.

In order to have a good harvest, they brought butter, cheese, roasted wheat or olive branch or legumes to the fountain and they were about to get there as early as possible because, as they were saying, whatever would go first to the fountain would be the happiest the whole year.

Returning home, the women brought the new water, after they had emptied the old one from their barrels.

This process of switching and returning to the fountain becomes silently - that's why it was called ‘silent’ water. With 'silent' water, women sprinkle their homes for strength and good luck.

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