Feb 22 • 11:36 UTC 🇬🇷 Greece Naftemporiki

This is how Pontians said goodbye to Apokria: Feast, songs, and strict fasting from… (Clean) Monday

Pontians traditionally celebrated the end of Apokria with a lavish feast and singing before commencing strict fasting for Lent.

The fourth Sunday of Triodion, known as Cheese-Fare Sunday, commemorates the expulsion of the first humans from Paradise and marks the transition from the joyful celebrations of Apokria to the fasting period of Great Lent. For the Pontic Greek community, this day carries significant weight as it was commonly a time for strict adherence to fasting, making it a final opportunity for feasting and celebration.

The Pontic tradition, referred to as Emponestia, stems from the phrase meaning 'I enter into fasting.' On Cheese-Fare Sunday, families and groups would gather around lavish tables filled with rich foods or venture outdoors to enjoy all the available delicacies—mainly meats and dairy products—because the following day signified the beginning of a strict fast. This cultural practice highlights not only the joy and togetherness of the community but also their dedication to religious observance.

The significance of this day for Pontians underscores various aspects of their identity, preserving traditions that connect them to their historical roots and cultural heritage. As communities engage in these festivities, they reinforce social bonds and continue a legacy that has been passed down through generations, illustrating the importance of food and celebration in their cultural practices.

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