Religious customs

Easter customs

It is worth experiencing the deep devotion and the special atmosphere of Holy Week in Crete. There are many special customs that are observed on the island, such as the auction of the Cross, the passing of the sheep under the Epitaph, the carrying of the Holy Light from the faithful to their homes without speaking and the placing of red eggs on the graves.

An important place is occupied by the Burning of Judas, the “Judas Furnace” as it is called, which takes place on Holy Saturday. In towns and villages, in central places or outside the temples, many branches and kindling are placed one on top of the other, especially by the boys, so that a huge pile is made. At the top of the pile an effigy of Judas is placed on a hanger and with the phrase “Christ is Risen”, they set fire to the pile which burns the effigy impressively.

Christmas Customs

In the past, white animals (sheep and cows) should enter houses in order to keep evil spirits away. Similarly, sea squills are hanged on the doors as a symbol of immortality. One of the most remarkable modern Christmas traditions is the Divine Liturgy inside a real manger in the cave of Marathokefala.

Ancient customs for curing patients are still alive. In Sfakia patients devote dough dolls to Saint Anthony to cure their illnesses and in Psiloritis they devote human shaped breads, lazaropsoma, during memorial services. During the festival of Agia Pelagia, patients bury their aching legs or hands in the sand of the beach. In Achlade clothes are put on the sacred turpentine tree of Saint Fanourios. During the celebration of the Holy Cross at the top of Kofinas revives a dendrolatric custom; the fruits of three trees, which locals call apples of Kofinas are gathered, blessed by the priest and shared to the pilgrims that eat them.