Green or Clean Monday in Cyprus is the first day of Lent and an official day off. Unlike for example the Russian tradition of starting Lent with all kinds of abstinence, the Cypriot tradition involves fun and pleasant pastime with an abundant (albeit Lenten) table.
1. General atmosphere of Green Monday
In Cyprus, instead of Shrove Week, Apokryia is celebrated: a large 10-day carnival that symbolizes the arrival of spring and precedes Lent. Apokryia is celebrated with great fanfare, especially in Limassol and Paphos: people celebrate for 10 days, organize beautiful performances, and simply enjoy the time.
It is hard to get out of such a stormy celebration during the strict fasting period, that's why Cyprus has come up with a wonderful trick: to make the first fasting day a day off and… dedicate this time to home and family.
People get together, go into nature (luckily, the weather allows - everything is green, blooming, and smelling, and the sun is shining), and set a fasting but diverse table. In this simple and very effective way Cypriots prepare for a long and strict fast - and at the same time pay tribute to Spring and Life.
Interesting! The mentality of the inhabitants of Cyprus is not the same as that of the inhabitants of northern countries. For them, Lent is not a severe test, but a way to purify themselves and make their lives easier. Therefore, they meet Lent more calmly and relaxed. This art is definitely worth learning.
2. Why did Monday become "Green"?
The first day of Lent in Cyprus has two names: Green Monday and Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα). It is clean because it is dedicated to the purification of body, soul, and home - we will talk about these traditions below.
And it is green for two likely reasons:
- The festive table consists mainly of greens, vegetables, and fruits - these are the most appropriate foods during Lent.
- Everyone tries to take the family out into nature to have a picnic and fly a kite.
In any case, this day is very much appreciated by the people of Cyprus. Visitors and expatriates are happy to pick up the traditions of the island and celebrate Green Monday in the same way as the natives.
3. Attributes of Green Monday
Cypriots usually prepare two symbolic items for Clean Monday: a doll of Kira Sarakosti and a kite. Each of the attributes has a rather deep symbolism.
Kira Sarakosti (also called Mama Lent or Mistress of Lent) is the "patroness" of Lent. She is depicted as a simple woman or nun, folding her hands for prayer and having a cross on her chest. The most notable thing about Kira Saracosti is that she has seven legs, one leg for each week of Lent. The Mother of Lent is also depicted without ears (so as not to hear gossip and other sinful talk) and mouth (so as not to eat fleshy food or utter sinful words).
This doll is made of different materials: salt or yeast dough, paper, fabric, and ceramics. It is placed in a prominent place in the house for all 40 days of Lent. It will be great if the doll is made by children: so its value will be doubled!
Interesting! Kira Sarakosti made of paper or dough is sometimes used as a "calendar": every Saturday, after a week, one of her legs is cut off or broken off. This way you can see how many Lenten weeks have passed and how many are left.
Kites were also "introduced" into the holiday for a reason. By flying a kite into the sky, people thus visualize the remission of sins and purification of the soul. Usually, they are made with their own hands, but you can just buy a kite at a fair or in a store. If there is no experience in launching - you can come to popular places for this purpose on Green Monday and look at other people. Contemplation will also help set your thoughts in the right frame of mind.
4. Classes and activities
Clean Monday is called Clean Monday for a reason: Cypriots dedicate the first half of the day to getting clean physically. This is done by cleaning the house and garden and taking a bath or shower. It is believed that this contributes to spiritual cleansing and health - which cannot be disputed.
The second half of the day is devoted entirely to family. Cypriots like to get together (that's 10-15 people) and go to the countryside to have a grand picnic. They take with them prepared Lenten pies (about them below), fruits, vegetables and seafood. Sometimes they limit themselves to just a picnic, and sometimes they organize a "Lenten barbecue": they bake vegetables, mushrooms and squid on the grill. It turns out very tasty!
"Picnickers" listen to music, dance, play catch-up and have fun like children. Of course, they do not forget about kite flying, if the place is suitable - there are no trees or power lines. Beaches and hills near dams are good for this.
In large villages, festive performances are organized: folk music plays, people sing ditties, tables with treats are set for everyone, contests are held and children are entertained. At the holiday fair you can buy Lenten sweets or useful things for the coming Lent.
If you are a quiet person and do not like large and noisy companies, you can spend Green Monday more peacefully. For example, gather the closest people at home at a festive table, sit together, watch a movie and talk. You can go on a nature walk together - in Cyprus, by the way, there are a lot of trekking trails in incredibly beautiful places. The most important thing is to feel the atmosphere of spring and purity, which clearly hangs in the air.
5. Lenten dishes
For Cypriots, there is no question about the holiday Monday table. They have grown up with the tradition of fasting since childhood and know many delicious dishes. So, on the table on this day you can find:
- Seafood. Octopus, squid, shrimp, and mussels are not considered meat in Cyprus - which means you can eat them, at least sometimes. Especially on Green Monday. They are marinated in advance or cooked on the barbecue. Especially popular are octopus and calamari - deep-fried squid rings.
- Lenten bread. All Cypriot housewives know how to bake bread without eggs and dairy products. Usually, yeast, flour, and vegetable oil are used. Salt and aromatic herbs can be added for flavor. Some people bake lagana, a loaf dipped in sesame seeds. However, you can buy ready-made bread or flatbread: they are sold everywhere at this time of year.
- Lenten pies. If you bake bread with a filling, you get a pie! In Cyprus, for example, kolokopita (with pumpkin and raisins), tahinopita (with sesame-sugar filling), and spanokopita (with spinach) are quite popular. You can also find semolina pudding with raisins and fruit.
- Vegetables in all forms. They can be salads, slices, marinades, or grilled vegetables. The Cypriot table is not without olives - they can be several varieties at once, and almost all Lenten dishes are prepared with them.
- Legumes. They are loved in Cyprus not only in Lent, but also at any other time. Hummus, bean pies, chickpea or lentil soups with vegetables - all this is hearty and very tasty.
- Nuts, seeds and halva. Most of all on the island "respect" tahini - sesame paste. You can also meet sesame halva. But other varieties of seeds will do as well. For spreading on bread, you can take walnuts and combine them with jam.
- Wine. Light wine, diluted with water, is also not refrained.
Interestingly, Cypriots prefer not to eat fish in Lent. But since nutrition is a personal matter for everyone, you can collect and set your own Lenten table. It may not contain the dishes mentioned above - or you may add something of your own.
6. Great places to picnic in Cyprus
Without a fire, a picnic in Cyprus can be enjoyed in any picturesque spot. But if you want a vegetable or seafood barbecue, you should look for a specially equipped place. There are plenty of such places in the vicinity of any major Cypriot city.
One of the most "working" options is the bank of the dam. Almost every dam has a place where walkers can sit down with all the comforts. Not all of them have their own braziers, so there is a probability that it will be necessary to bring your own.
For lovers of comfort, campsites are suitable: here you can not only stay overnight but also get a "piece of civilization": shower and toilet. Campgrounds have special dining areas where you can sit and feast all day long.
Here are a few locations in the suburbs:
- Limassol: Polemidia, Ayia Paraskevi (near Kalo Horye), Prodromos Dam, Finikaria, Kalymnos camping (near Governor's Beach).
- Paphos: Timi (eucalyptus grove near the airport), Smigis (near Neo Chorio), Stavros-tis-Psokas camping and picnic site (there is a mouflon reserve nearby), Pera Vasa, Petra tou Romiou, Polis Chrysochous camping.
- Nicosia: Xystarouda, Xerargaka, Platania camping and picnic site, Xiliatos Dam, Asinou, Athalassa Park (no fire).
- Larnaca: Rizoelia, Kornos.
- Famagusta: Ayios Nikandros (Ayia Napa), Ayios Anargyri (Cape Kavo Greco), Ayios Antonios (Sotira).
Do not forget that Green Monday is Clean Monday, so all the garbage from the picnic site should be taken away with you. However, you should do it on other days as well: but on a bright holiday, it is an ironclad necessity.
7. Precautions
Celebrating the holiday, you should not forget about the culture of behavior, observance of laws, and general safety measures. It is worth remembering a few basic rules:
- You can't start a fire in an unauthorized place. You must not leave it unattended in authorized places.
- You must not throw garbage after yourself: everything must be put in a bag and thrown away according to the sorting rules.
- In nature reserves, it is forbidden to pick berries, tear flowers, or touch birds, insects, and animals. Dogs are also not allowed in them.
- Try not to go to nature alone. If there is a strong desire, it is necessary to warn about the detailed route of the hike and the deadline time of return.
- The sun can get hot, so headgear should be worn to avoid sunstroke during midday hours.
- Kite flying is permitted away from airports, trees, and power lines.
- Only bottled water is suitable for drinking.
Don't leave children unattended and always remain vigilant about fire - even if it's just a gas burner. Basic precautions will help make Green Monday fun, exciting, and safe.
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