Clean Monday

Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera in Greek) is a significant day in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Byzantine Rite Catholic Churches. It marks the beginning of the Great Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and penitence leading up to Easter. This day is considered a time of cleansing from sinful attitudes and the renewal of the Orthodox Christian.

Origins and Significance

The term "Clean Monday" refers to the leaving behind of sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods. It is a day of celebration, marked by outdoor, family activities, and the widespread custom of flying kites. It is also a public holiday in Greece and Cyprus, where it is celebrated with outdoor excursions, the consumption of shellfish and other fasting foods, a special kind of azyme bread, baked only on that day, named "lagana" and the widespread custom of flying kites.

Traditions and Customs

On Clean Monday, families and friends celebrate with outdoor activities. The most popular is the tradition of flying kites. This custom is symbolic of the need for people to reach for the heavens and for the values of the Orthodox Christian faith.

The food consumed on this day is quite specific. The Orthodox fasting rules prohibit meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs. However, shellfish is allowed, making it a popular choice for Clean Monday feasts. Other traditional foods include "lagana", a type of flatbread baked only on Clean Monday, "taramosalata" (a dip made from fish roe), and various types of legumes and vegetables.

Observance in Modern Times

In modern times, Clean Monday is still widely observed in Orthodox Christian countries. It is a public holiday in Greece and Cyprus, and is marked by various family activities and special foods. The day is seen not only as a time of repentance but also of celebration of the coming resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.

See Also

• Great Lent
• Eastern Orthodox Church
• Byzantine Rite
• Orthodox fasting