Clean Monday
Guide to the date, history, cultural origins and celebration traditions of Clean Monday in Greece.
History & Origins of Clean Monday
Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera) is a movable feast in the Eastern Orthodox Church, observed seven weeks before Orthodox Easter. Historically, it marks the official end of the carnival season and the first day of Great Lent, symbolizing the spiritual and physical cleansing of the soul through prayer and fasting.
How It Is Observed & Celebrated
Greeks celebrate by going outdoors to fly colorful kites, holding family picnics, and eating a special unleavened flatbread called Lagana alongside Lenten delicacies like olives, taramosalata, and seafood.
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