Croatian National Costumes

Here is our presentation on the Croatian National Costumes. We learned, we tested our knowledge in the 7th grade and 3rd graders have contributed in a special way. They drew the costumes typical of our region. 

GREECE (8/01/2023) - Representation of the Dionysian wedding in the Kali Vrysi of Drama

Spontaneity and excitement reign supreme at this masquerade party. The custom has pagan roots but was later incorporated into Christian celebrations to provide an occasion for feasting and fun.It is an outburst of society to escape from everyday life and its problems. 

The virtual wedding follows the formality of the traditional wedding to the sounds of local traditional instruments, bagpipes and daharre. The bride is always played by a man, because of the position that women had in ancient times, but also to enhance the comedy of the action. The "Bambugeras" after the ceremony, steal the bride from the groom and after supposedly impregnating her, return her back.

GREECE (8/01/2023) - The custom of "Babougeras" in the Kali Vrysi of Drama

In the village Kali Vrysi of Drama the ancient spirit is alive. The god Dionysus was the god of fruitfulness, pleasure, the vine and the theater. Son of a chthonian goddess, Semele, and the heavenly god Zeus, the fruit of an illicit relationship, because of which he fled to Thrace where he grew up. 

He was worshiped in this region with a special passion because he gave man hope and the divine fury to exceed his limits. Proof of this cult that existed in the area is the temple of the god Dionysos that was discovered 2 km outside of Kali Vrysi. 

The Babugeras in their impressive and imposing form pour out into the streets after the Consecration of the waters and strike the people with the bag of ashes they hold in their hand to exorcise evil.  

The mask made from animal skins is in the form of a goat which symbolizes the animal that has the power of life.Also bells belted around the waist make a sound to wake up nature. Finally, the hump placed back on the back symbolizes the old Babbo who has yielded the fruits of life (the offspring). 

The Babugera during the time of Dionysus, were satyrs followers of the god Dionysus where they reveled in a carefree life of wine and feasting. Bell bearers make their presence felt in all historical periods throughout the centuries. It is also said that these were used by Alexander the Great in his campaigns in order to scare away the elephants of the king of Persia by the sound of the bells. Also, during Turkish rule, no Turkish tax collector set foot in Kali Vrysi to collect the so-called tax-tax of the Greeks to the Turks because the wild Babougeras appeared and terrorized them, causing them to flee.

St Lucia Day - Croatia

Saint Lucia of Syracuse is a Christian martyred for her faith in 303 AC.  She is the protector of the blind, tailors and blacksmiths.

It is a widespread custom to sow wheat on the feast of St. Lucia, 13th December, so that it reaches its beauty by Christmas and it usually adorns the table, space under the pine tree or is placed next to the nativity scene.

On St. Lucia's Day children used to receive gifts in Kaštela. The evening before the holiday, the children used to leave some straw and water at the gate for the donkey ridden by St. Lucia. Good children received a gift (oranges, dried figs, walnuts) under their pillow, and the others an onion and ashes in a sock.

As we were good, we received nice gifts from St. Lucia. That's why we sowed wheat in our classroom so that we can observe it, hoping  that by Christmas it will grow beautiful and green, thus announcing a fruitful year ahead.

https://animoto.com/play/kKIV5Xxxl9mzMBjwH1oqVg

GREECE (6/2/2023) - Theofania in Drama

Theofania is a major annual Christian celebration of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by Saint John the Baptist. It is celebrated on January 6 and is the third and last celebration of the Twelve Days (Christmas holidays). The name derives from the manifestation of the three persons of the Holy Trinity that occurred according to three relevant Gospel passages. 

GREECE (26/12/2022) - The custom of Μomogeri in Drama

In the villages of Platania, Kallifitos and Sitagroi of Drama we find the custom of the Momogeras, which comes from the Pontian refugees. Their name comes from mimos or momos and old man and is connected to their imitative movements. They wear the skins of wolves or goats or are dressed in the uniforms of people armed with swords in the form of old men. The Momogeri, expecting luck for the new year, go around in groups throughout the twelve days, singing carols or other auspicious verses. When the groups meet, they fake war with each other until one group wins and the other submits. The popular imagination rages with the antics of goblins who find the opportunity to thresh in the upper world, when the waters are "unbaptized". Their appearance is terrifying and their tantrums indescribable, but so is their fear of fire.