Epiphany Customs
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The Greek Festival of Epiphany, or 'The Blessing of the Waters', is held every year on January 6 throughout all of Greece. This is the special occasion when many daring young Greek men brave the chilly waters to dive for a cross after it has been blessed by a priest and thrown into the water. For his gallantry, the first man who recovers the cross is said to have good luck throughout the coming year. The day long festival also features the blessing of small boats and ships, and later on affords entertainment, music, dancing and food to all those present.
In addition to the "Blessing of the Waters", other local or regional customs celebrate the day.
Pappougera, an ancient custom, is always revived during the Epiphany in Kali Vrisi, Drama. Young men dressed with sheepskins and wearing masks from animal skin wander around the village casting out evil spirits and giving wishes.
In Nea Karvali, Kavala, the kallikantzaroi (καλλικάντζαροι → trolls) bid farewell to the real world, dancing around a big fire.
Ragoutsaria, a custom celebrated in the Kastoria area from 6 January - 8 January, coinciding with the Epiphany.
There are a number of beliefs connected with the Kallikantzaroi, who appear only during the 12-day period from Christmas to the Epiphany (January 6). These creatures are believed to emerge from the center of the earth and to slip into people's house through the chimney. The fireplace is kept burning day and night throughout the twelve days, to keep the spirits from entering by the chimney.
