Image by symivisitor via Flickr
Monday of Lent, on the 7th of March 2011
Early Spring and Jack Frost was kind enough to pay a flouncing visit to us , for fear that we might take his absence unkindly.He set upon with violent force ,determined to spoil our Public Holiday “Clean Monday” ,leaving us snowed in for three consecutive days,reminding us that one swallow doesn’t make a summer…
It’s customary to celebrate Clean Monday outdoors,flying kites and having picnic lunch, consuming Lagana Bread baked with plenty of sesame and FASTING FOOD ( the opposite of fast food and junk food) and of course a lot of dancing and drinking .You can also see many Kite-flyers everywhere around as it is a widespread custom all over Greece,provided the ruler of winds Aeolous opens its bags generously (Greek Mythology) .
Many Thanks to Aeolous for his generosity and to Old Man winter,who was a bit late and gave us the chance to enjoy, at least,the late morning hours.Though,before long a battle between Spring and Winter started and the victor began to write his own story,apologising for his capricious disposition.The first huge snowflakes were falling rhythmically, mixed with startled,panicked birds which still kept flying and singing .An unusual setting for Greek weather standards but welcome.
Spring snowfall March 2011
It reminded me of the Lord’s words connected with the “Clean Monday” concept…..Come and I will make your sins white as snow…That’s the meaning of fasting for 40 days before Easter Sunday.What a coincidence!!!
Early Spring March 2011
Not monkeying at all….It was over our expectations , absolutely beyond belief….Imagin,during Xmas we were still swimming and skiing was just a dream.The above snow-covered cedar tree is where some of my marble statues rest which now they looked almost ice-sculptured.
https://dodagrivas.wordpress.com/2011/03/06/garden-decoration-and-the-vergina-sun/
Edward resting on the snow carpet March 2011
Our 13 year Old Man Eddie, was exhausted after running around in the garden and rolling over in the snow and right now while resting, he is probably thinking of his ancestors in Labrador Lake where they lived in snow most of the time ,helping fishermen in the cold waters of the lake.
Spring ,March 2011
PS: My beloved fox family was so happy in the snow and every evening when I went to their feeding place for their usual dinner,they were still playing tag..It is amazing how weather influences the animals’ mood….
https://dodagrivas.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/more-foxes/
Related Articles:
- Lent (wickedwomenmag.com)
- Lagana bread recipe:
http://greekfood.about.com/od/greekbreadspitas/r/cleanmondaybreadlagana.htm
My Space in the Immense Universe 
I enjoyed hearing of the Greek traditions, and appreciate your connection with the wildlife. Great post, Doda.
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By: Jet Eliot on 12/05/2014
at 22:22
Thank you so much Jet for you kind comment ! Feel so glad that you appreciated what I shared with you ! Doda 🙂 xxx
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By: DG MARYOGA on 13/05/2014
at 05:55
very interesting and informative post,especially for those who don’t know what Monday of Lent is !!!good work…
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By: Anonymous on 02/04/2011
at 00:19
Thanks for coming by.They might know it as : Clean Monday or Ash Wednesday or whatelse…It all depends on the religion they practise and dogmas. It truly arouses some interest in any case,doesn’t it?
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By: DG MARYOGA on 02/04/2011
at 10:05
very interesting and informative post,especially for those who don’t know what Monday of Lent is!!!good work…
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By: Anonymous on 02/04/2011
at 00:17
A good post. I have a plan to do a run of blog articles on festivals and traditions in Europe and this would be good to include.
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By: Andrew Petcher on 18/03/2011
at 10:03
Although I have not expanded on further details concerning the specific festivities of this period of the year, it ,still , has some particular elements referring to Clean Monday itself,just to convey the colour and the spirit of the day.
Your plan sounds stimulating.
Festivals and traditions always magnetize people’s inerest as they go deep into cultures and social frameworks.
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By: DG MARYOGA on 18/03/2011
at 13:34
What a juxtaposition kite flying and the snow, but it makes for a beautiful Clean Monday!
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By: OrthodoxNorthwesteditor on 15/03/2011
at 21:51
Thank you so much for coming by and commenting on,in such an “apposite” way.
The kite flying is very symbolic to me ,for it represents the deep,instinctual desire of humans to communicate with God….
All the best
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By: DG MARYOGA on 15/03/2011
at 23:05
How nice. One last cleansing snow. We are supposed to get some this weekend. I’m leaving tomorrow for two weeks to visit my daughter in San Jose. I’ll see the new baby boy Noah and his big sister Kaylie. No snow in San Jose.
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By: Gretchen Del Rio on 14/03/2011
at 18:32
Thanks for dropping in and commenting.
Glad to hear you will join your daughter’s family.That’s a very,very special visit,welcoming the new member of your family,baby Noah. Newborn babies are such a pleasure!!! Actually,looking at them,we can see the real extension of our life….
I am sure that the sunshine of your heart pairs well with San Jose’s sunshine.
So,leave San Bernardino’s snow behind and enjoy yourself.
Wishing you and yours the best of best 🙂
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By: DG MARYOGA on 15/03/2011
at 16:35