Subject: Folklore: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: George Papavgeris Date: 11 Apr 04 - 06:50 AM Easter Day. The fires are burning all over Greece, in gardens, in BBQs, in fields. Thousands of lambs being turned on the spit by every member of every family. A day of love, families getting together, music and dance. People greeting each other with the Kiss of Love and playing their conker-like game with red-dyed eggs in memory of His sacrifice. The smell of beeswax candles from last night's midnight Mass still in their nostrils. Everyone wearing their best clothes and getting them singed by the fire or stained by the grease. And Nature is wearing its best today, spring in full force - I know, some friends just phoned me to tell me. And this sad git is at home in Chesham, grey day outside, mug of coffee and celebratory cigar to hand, and reading Mudcat. Not a "tsoureki" (Easter sweetbread) in sight. And I miss it all like buggery, it hurts. Next year perhaps... For now, Christos Anesti ("Christ Is Risen", the standard Easter wish) to all! And if you are not of this - or indeed any - religious persuasion, equal messages of love to you! |
Subject: RE: Folklore: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 11 Apr 04 - 07:21 AM El Greko, an old Episcopal priest I once knew taught me the proper response to Christos Anesti- could you refresh my memory? Another old Episcopal priest I once knew incorporated much of his Greek tradition into the Episcopal Easter service at our church, so I have a hint of the beauty and the glory and the joy. And Christos Anesti to you! Allison |
Subject: RE: Folklore: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: George Papavgeris Date: 11 Apr 04 - 07:34 AM "Alithos Anesti" - truly He has risen... Thank you, Allison! |
Subject: RE: Folklore: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 11 Apr 04 - 07:43 AM Thanks to you too, George! Allison |
Subject: RE: Folklore: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: John MacKenzie Date: 11 Apr 04 - 09:06 AM All that lamb becoming Pydakia [Sp] It grings back memories to me too, I used to spend a lot of time in Pireaus in my truck driving days, and loved Easter. Even in Athens and surrounding suburbs people would set up an oildrum split lengthwise, in the street, or on the rooftop, and barbecue lamb. I also learned and forgot the correct response to Christos Anesti, when in the evening Greek Orthodox priests would come and bless houses, and their occupants by making a sooty sign of the cross above the door with a candle flame. It is the first time I can remember Easter being at the same time in Greece and the UK, I remember times when I could celebrate the festival twice in different countries. I often wonder what Greece is like with the advent of the Euro, part of the romance of the country was the Drachma, such a lovely name. I bet the prices have gone sky high, I remember when VAT was introduced, the fiddles were laughable. I always think of Greeks as a people who deal in cash, and carry rolls of Drachma big enough to choke a horse. Have a happy Easter George [Giorgiou?] John |
Subject: RE: Folklore: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: Leadfingers Date: 11 Apr 04 - 09:20 AM Easter Greetings indeed to All Catters of what ever persuasion. Pauses to make note of Greek greeting in notebook- One Day I Will be Multilingual! |
Subject: RE: Folklore: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: George Papavgeris Date: 11 Apr 04 - 09:21 AM Yes, turkey sandwiches have nothing on cold lamb leftovers! I gather prices have adjusted now, after a year or so of shameless profiteering by some shopkeepers. And the rolls of drachmae have been replaced by the old coin-holders (which had disappeared 30 years ago in Greece) for the Euros. But the split oildrums are still in evidence on Piraeus rooftops, I'm sure. Thanks, Yianni Yorgos |
Subject: RE: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: Herga Kitty Date: 11 Apr 04 - 12:45 PM I heard this morning (service from Canterbury Cathedral on Radio 4) that the Orthodox and Anglican Easter actually coincide this year. |
Subject: RE: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: Clinton Hammond Date: 11 Apr 04 - 12:51 PM As I said elsewhere... In fine Aeostre 'tradition' we gathered with friends on Friday, roasted a rabbit on the BBQ, and feasted... The Deviled Eggs were a huge hit too... We drank bottles and bottles of wine... laughed, sang, told bad jokes.... We wore bright colours... A great way to welcome back the spring Mind, we did stop slightly short of the orgy... We're friends... just not THAT kinda friends! LOL |
Subject: RE: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: Mrs.Duck Date: 11 Apr 04 - 02:06 PM I'm afraid all we did was pig out on chocolate but I like Georges traditions better So "Alithos anesti" and lets get the bottle open. Hope to see you at the Yorkshire gathering again this year George. |
Subject: RE: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: InOBU Date: 11 Apr 04 - 08:30 PM Happy Easter to all! At the rise of our Quaker meeting this morning, a rather dour Friend rose and said, "to vistors who have come to see what we Quakers do on Easter, well this is it, what we do every First Day..." I turned to a Friend next to me and sang (to the tune of the Bells of Hell..." The Easter bunny goes hop hop hop for you but not for me... Happy Happy Happy and peaceful Easter (Lasho Patragi Romale - shavale!) Larry |
Subject: RE: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler Date: 16 Apr 04 - 10:29 AM Anesti Aleftheros (late as usual)! RtS |
Subject: RE: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: Mark Clark Date: 16 Apr 04 - 01:40 PM
- Mark |
Subject: RE: CHRISTOS ANESTI From: LadyJean Date: 17 Apr 04 - 01:32 AM Someone has to say it, and I am that someone. It's Greek to me. I sent my cousin some Greek Easter bread from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the only church in Pittsburgh that's famous for it's cuisine. The food festival is next month. |
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