The Easter of Summer -
The Dormition of the Virgin or Assumption of Mary is one of the biggest celebrations in Greece. Also known as the Easter of Summer, or the peak of the Summer period, it’s not only celebrated by the Greek Orthodox church, but also important in the Roman Catholic calendar.
Dekapentavgoustos - August 15 marks the falling asleep or “kimisis” of the Virgin Mary - her departure from this life and the assumption of her body into heaven, and is regarded as a day of joy and celebration of her divine qualities.
The icon of the Virgin Mary is thought to work miracles in every Greek Orthodox church and is positioned in pride of place, right across from the altar.
For some the celebrations begin on the eve (14 August) and reach their peak the following day with some parts of Greece continuing the festivities until the 17 August. Many precede the feast with a two week fast that requires an abstention from meat and dairy products, fish, oil, eggs and wine.
You don’t need to look far to find some sort of celebration, from divine worship to church fetes, traditional costumes and dancing, and there’s always a chapel around the corner to light a candle to the Mother of Christ.
Marked as the traditional start of the Summer vacation, many Greeks from the cities and overseas return to their places of origin for the holidays, representing a reunion of extended families.
August 15 is a name day for very long list of names including Maria, Mary, Maro, Marios, Mario, Mariori, Marika, Maroula, Maritsa, Margiori, Marigoula, Manio, Marietta, Marousa, Marsia, Marcy. Also celebrating on the day are Despoina, Elona, Gesthimani, Heleiostalakti, Kristalo, Marieta, Mariniki, Mireille, Panagiotis and Panagiota and all variations of that name; as well as Mireille or Mirella, Presveia, Symela, Theotokis and Theotokia…..to name a few!
ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ ΜΕ ΥΓΕΙΑ!
Post by Nikki Franks Falloon
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