In Greece the holiest holiday for them is Easter.
Pictured is the celebration of Christ's resurrection.
Easter preparations begin on
Holy Thursday when traditional Easter bread tsoureki is baked and then eggs are dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ). Since Ancient Greece the egg has been a symbol of the renewal of life and the message of the red eggs is victory over death (Christ's resurrection).
The most holy day of Holy Week is Holy Friday. It is a day of mourning not of work (even cooking). It is also the only day during the year when the Divine Liturgy is not read. All flags are hung at half-mast and church bells ring all day in a slow mournful tone.
On Holy Saturday the Eternal Flame is brought to Greece by a military jet and is distributed to waiting Priests who carry it to their local churches. The event is always televised so all can see and if there's a threat of bad weather or a delay, the entire country agonizes until the flame arrives safely.
On the morning of Holy Saturday preparations begin for the next day’s Easter feast. Dishes that can be prepared in advance are made, and the traditional mayirtsa soup is prepared which will be eaten after the midnight service to break the fast.
The midnight Service of the Resurrection is an occasion attended by everyone who is able including children each holding a white candle.
At dawn on Easter Sunday, the spits are set to work, and grills are fired up. The customary main attraction of the day is whole roasted lamb or goat to represent the Lamb of God. Ovens are filled with traditional accompaniments and all the trimmings. Great Greek wines ouzo and other drinks flow freely and preparations for the meal turn into festive celebrations even before the eating begins. These high-spirited gatherings often last long into the night.
Another national holiday, Easter Monday is a day to take things slowly and certainly a day filled with leftovers.
Mayirtsa soup
Tsoureki bread
Dying eggs red tradition
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