Green Monday in Cyprus

Green Monday, also known as Clean Monday, Katheri Deftera, or Pure Monday, marks the beginning of the Great Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Christian calendar. It is a public holiday in Cyprus and falls on the first day of the seventh week before Easter Sunday.

History and Traditions:

• Green Monday has its roots in Christianity, symbolizing the start of the 40-day Lenten period leading up to Easter.
• The day emphasizes spiritual renewal and is associated with the expulsion of sinful behaviors.
• It's a day for outdoor activities where families and friends gather for picnics in fields or near beaches.
• Kite flying is one of the traditional activities enjoyed by people of all ages on this day.

What People Do:

• On Green Monday, Cypriots typically consume a special Lenten meal that excludes meat, fish, and dairy products. This aligns with the fasting traditions of Lent.
• The meal includes a variety of vegetables, legumes, fruits, bread (often Lagana - a special flatbread), olives, and halva for dessert.
• Engaging in music and dance is common during these picnics as people celebrate both nature's awakening after winter and their own spiritual cleansing.

It's a day that blends religious observance with community enjoyment of nature's bounty at the advent of springtime.