Do you know why we eat cod on March 25?

Why do we eat cod on March 25?

This particular dish, of course, is not associated with the revolution of 1821, but with the religious side of the day. A few years after the revolution of 1821, in 1938, the celebration of the national holiday was decided to coincide with the great feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin. Between Clean Monday until Easter starvation is differentiated three times. Thus, believers are given the opportunity to strengthen themselves, since this fast is the most severe. The first of these exceptions falls on his feast day. Annunciation of the Virgin Maryas set March 25th. This is a joyful and especially important holiday dedicated to the Virgin Mary. During this holiday, the fast is “broken” and fish, oil and wine are allowed.

The second day during which the fast is varied, when the Church allows the eating of fish (“catalysis of ichthyos” in church terminology), is Palm Sunday. Finally, oil catalysis is also carried out. on Maundy Thursdayaccording to monastic rites, the day dedicated to the tradition of the Last Supper.

But why exactly cod?

Cod they say that he got on the Greek table about at the end of the 15th century. It quickly became the national food on March 25th. But why did this happen? Cod, or bacalaos, has always been an easy and cheap option, especially for mainland Greeks. Unlike the islanders, who had easy access to fresh fish, the rest of the Greeks had to look for a solution without great expense and without “luxury”.

Historically, the British sent large quantities of cod to Greece in exchange for raisins. Therefore, it was easy for most of the interior Greeks to get cod. In addition, cod was relatively easy to preserve with salt. Thus, the salted cod that we eat on March 25 appeared on the Greek table around the 15th century. Over time, cod (with or without garlic) established itself as the feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Other Customs for the Annunciation of the Mother of God

According to Sansimera, in the past it was believed that on the eve of the Annunciation the heavens open and everything that you can ask for at that moment you will receive. That is why it was said that those who were born on this day are lucky throughout their lives. On the same night, the trees bow and bow to the earth, but only the righteous see the phenomenon.

The Feast of the Annunciation is considered one of the greatest feasts, so abstinence from all work is required. It is usually said that even the swallows, which later return, stop building their nest on this day.

Protection from snakes and other reptiles was a major concern for the villagers during this period. Many places were not swept to prevent snakes, ants and other insects from entering the house. It was also forbidden to bring green grass into the house, because it also turns into snakes or mice. They were not allowed to bring water, either because a snake could come out of the house, or a devil in the form of a snake could enter the jug.

In Epirus, on the eve of the Annunciation or on the day of the feast, children walked through courtyards and gardens, ringing bells and kitchen utensils and rhythmically shouting: “Bring out the snakes and asps / because the evangelist is coming / he will cut off your head / throw you in the river”. Large fires were also lit to neutralize the snakes.