TRADITION

The most eastern department on the island has a rich spiritual tradition, which is worthily perpetuated from generation to generation until nowadays.

Lassithi was the land where Vintsentzos Kornaros was distinguished, after a period of stagnation in the early years of Turkish domination. It is where men of letters are constantly distinguished for their significant spiritual production. In the domain of arts, especially in the domain of woodcarving many craftsmen became famous due to different works, in particular due to church ornamentation (icon screens), Christ on the cross, thrones c.t.a), most of them well- preserved until nowadays, unique for their inspiration and for their fine technique.

Moreover, the prefecture of Lassithi has always shown a remarkable production of home handicraft. An innate or a hereditary good taste has always been a feature of its housewives. The shuttle was present in every household, in front of which all young ladies of the past generation burned the midnight oil, striving to make their dowry, in a spirit of noble emulation. That resulted in fine works of art, in exquisite decorations, in wonderful colourings coming from colour - fast vegetable dyeing matters and in refined techniques.

Another, very ancient tradition, the tradition of popular "festivities" in public or family gatherings, adds a particular, vivid colour in the local way of living which was, no doubt, inevitably affected by the evolution of modern way of living and by contemporary ways of recreation. The lyre bow has recognised its famous artists, also in the new generations, real masters of "kondilies", as the various popular music patterns are called in Cretan dialect, according to which "mandinades" are sung (spontaneous, improvised couplets). "Kondilies" were solemnly preserved from alterations, due to the artists' fanatic dedication to tradition. Cretan dances of unparalleled grace, vivacity and gallantry, the fully expressive "orses" (steps) of " pidichtos" and the mincing steps of "pendozalis" or "sirtos", of unrivaled rhythm and modesty, rouse people of all ages during social gatherings or festivities, awakening subconscious memories of their ancient cultural heritage, a fact which shows that tradition is deeply rooted within them.

TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE

In the villages of Crete, the parents' consent - particularly that of the father - is necessary for one to get married. The couple thus asks their parents' consent and blessing. The first step is the "pledge" or engagement ceremony, which takes place at the house of the bride-to-be and is blessed by a priest. After that, the marriage contract is drawn and signed. A few days before the wedding, the quests sent their "kaniskia" or presents, usually oil, wine, cheese or meat. Before the ceremony, the trousseau is carried from the house of the bride to the groom's house. It consists of handwoven or embroidered articles, sheets and household furnishing. It is accompanied by relatives and friends in a joyful parade, to the sounds of lyre, singing and gun fires. The ceremony includes a parade from the groom's house to the bride's house. There, a woman sings a mantinada to persuade the family to open the door. The bell calls the newly-weds to the church. After the ceremony, the couple goes to the groom's house where his mother feeds the bride with honey and walnuts and makes a cross at the front door, while the bride pours honey and breaks a pommerode, to have a sweet, "rose" marriage. Celebration starts with the couple singing and dancing, drinking and eating ends in the daylight.

 
SOURCE : Perfecture of Lasithi