During the Christmas season, every country has its own unique ways of celebrating.
But in the Peloponnese region of Greece, there’s a fascinating and ancient custom designed to protect homes from evil spirits. From Christmas Eve to Epiphany on January 6th, the people there follow age-old traditions to ensure that malevolent creatures stay far from their homes.
One of the most captivating practices is the burning of a massive piece of firewood known as christoxylo. This enormous log must burn continuously throughout the twelve days of the Christmas festivities, symbolizing the warding off of evil spirits, known as kalikantzaroi, who are believed to roam the earth at night. These mischievous creatures are terrified of fire, sunlight, and holy water. By keeping the fire alive, families ensure that these dark forces are kept at bay.
But there's more! Finding the right size of firewood is no small task. Families must select a log that will last the full holiday period. If the fire burns out too soon, it means the kalikantzaroi might find their way into the house. Once the Christmas season ends, however, it’s crucial to clean the fireplace, clearing out the old ashes as a final step to rid the home of any lingering evil.
Another clever and quirky method of repelling these spirits involves a simple yet effective tool: a colander. By placing a colander on the doorstep at night, families can trick the kalikantzaroi into counting the holes in it. These creatures, with their limited counting ability, can only count up to two. When they reach three, they consider it to be a sacred number and, unable to count further, will “kill themselves” in confusion. So, the colander becomes a powerful shield against their mischief.
These fascinating customs aren’t just about superstition; they’re a deep-rooted part of Greek tradition, passed down through generations. By embracing these practices, families protect their homes from evil spirits, ensuring peace and joy during the Christmas season.
So, if you ever find yourself in the Peloponnese over the holidays, don’t be surprised to see massive logs crackling in the fire and colanders sitting at doorsteps, all part of a unique and captivating way of keeping the darkness at bay.