Local Tradition and History

During January in Mediterranean Greek Orthodox Tradition they celebrate Epiphany / Theophania on the 6th of January. The word Epiphany is from Koine Greek ἐπιφάνεια, epipháneia, meaning manifestation or appearance. It is derived from the verb φαίνειν, phainein, meaning “to appear”. In classical Greek it was used for the appearance of dawn, of an enemy in war, but especially of a manifestation of a deity to a worshiper (a theophany). It is also called celebration of light – luminosity – luster, due to the luster given to the Christians through Baptism. Blessings of Waters is a traditional ritual happening at the rivers and sea as a symbol of Baptism and blessing. According to popular belief, this ritual gives the water the power to cleanse and sanitize.

Θεοφάνεια ~ Επιφάνεια ~ Γιορτή των Φώτων

In Greece and Cyprus there is a folklore, a group of tiny goblins, called kalikantzaroi, come out during the holidays, hoping to wreak some havoc on mankind. These little creatures are said to live under the crust of the earth all year round, sawing at the tree of life that holds up our planet and keeps it spinning, hoping to bring it crashing down. Every year during the holidays, however, these mischievous creatures come up to the earth to steal our sweets and just basically give us a hard time. Debate regarding the exact source of these creatures ranges from ancient Greek death spirits to small bugs associated with evil spirits which were known to destroy crops. The kalikantzaroi troll in the darkness, since they fear the light, especially fire. Methods of keeping the malevolent spirits out of your house include reciting a prayer to the Holy Trinity, marking your doorway with a cross, or, in Cyprus, throwing out some little sausages and fried dough to appease them.