This morning was spent in Toyshops looking at Lampadas (beautifully decorated candles), which are given to your Godchildren to take to Church to light when the Priest announces 'Christos Anesti', (Christ has risen) and the bells ring out (and the dynamite sticks deafen you!!!) at midnight on Easter Saturday. The symbol of light (the flame) has returned to the world, and is carried carefully home. The fire-crackers also frighten evil spirits away and remind us, out of darkness comes light and that Jesus is seen as the eternal light.
The ones that I managed to picture are for young children, however there are soo many different types for all ages of children, men and women. Some are plain, others are over embellished and elaborate. Others hold gifts such as a compact mirror, a photograph frame, hair clips, teddies. Traditional Lambadas are white, but now a days any colour goes and often they accompany a toy/giftset. As with all traditions they get modernised and commercialised a long the way.
Shoes are often bought for Godchildren, as at Easter everything should look clean and new, not just the houses!!!
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The afternoon was spent down at the beach, in Kardamena. A village about 30 mins from our house. Glorious!!! The children played in the sunshine and on the sandy shores with their friends. Whilst we sipped frappes (cold coffee) enjoying the almost summer skies, and listening to the sound of the ocean. The bucket and spades were out, aswell as the picnic hamper (and my new tupperware!!!).
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