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Epiphany in Greece is known as Theofania or Fota. The first sanctification of the Epiphany (The Enlightenment) takes place in church on the eve of the holiday. Afterwards, the priest goes from house to house holding a cross and a basil branch. As he walks through each house, he uses the basil to sprinkle (bless) all the areas of the home.
An old custom in Crete , which is almost forgotten today, was the preparation of the fotokoliva (boiled wheat with peas) on the eve of Epiphany. The fotokoliva was eaten by the people, but they also fed it to their livestock, which was believed to insure good health and fortune in the homes.
The big sanctification takes place the following day, January 6, the day of the Epiphany in Greece.
A long procession is formed and follows whatever road that leads to a body of water - the sea, a river or even a reservoir. Up in front of the procession are the cherub icons, followed by the priests dressed in their best holiday splendor, then the VIPs, followed by all the people. In the bigger cities, the procession becomes more elaborate with the addition of music and military contingents.
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Kalikantzaroi, or the Greek Christmas Sprites, are small blackish and hairy creatures, with long arms and tail, who reside in the bowels of the earth.
Kalikantzaroi are nasty
With a big saw, they compete to cut down the huge wooden stake which holds the earth in place. But the column is very thick and the sawing seems to go on forever.
Right before Christmas, however, Kalikantzaroi almost accomplish their mission and the column seems ready to fall. Overjoyed by their almost successful effort, but also fearful that the earth will topple over on their heads, they rush to the top to bother and annoy the people.
Thousands of these creatures come up to the surface from every hole or crack they can find. However, Kalikantzaroi are very much afraid of the light, so they hide during the day. But at night - that's when they strike! As soon as it's dark, they scramble from their hiding places to taunt and menace people. Because Kalikantzaroi are small, some even very tiny, they can get into the homes through chimneys, keyholes, even from the little cracks on windows and doors.
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If you want to wish "Merry Christmas" to someone in Greece, then you should say: Kala Hristouyienna.
If you want to wish "Happy New Year " to someone in Greece, then you should say: Kali Hronia.
For "Happy New Year Day" in Greek you should say "Kali Protohronia".
If your friend is called Manolis or Hristos, his nameday is on December 25 (Christmas day). Wish him "Hronia Polla" (Many Happy Returns) for his nameday.
The same applies if your friend is called Vassilis, Yiannis or Fotis. Vassilis nameday is on January 1, Fotis' nameday is on January 6, Yiannis' nameday is on January 7.
During Christmas holiday period, which lasts from December 24 until January 6, plus a couple of weeks past that, it is a custom in Greece to wish "Hronia Polla" to the people you meet. So, if you meet someone in the morning, the proper way to greet him or her is: Kalimera, Hronia Polla! (Good morning, Many Happy Returns).
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