The bread of Christ

Decorative elements

What is the “Christpsomo” ?

Christmas bread is one of the oldest Christmas customs in Greece. The housewives knead the Christmas bread with great reverence. According to tradition, on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day, the head of the house makes the sign of the cross and then cut it. The bread is shared to all the guests of the house.

The grains of the bread that come together and form the bread symbolize the unity of the members of the church. In Peloponnese, housewives place a coin that symbolizes good luck.

Dough cross

The most characteristic element symbolizing blessing

Sesame seeds

Sprinkled over the bread, often on the cross

Nuts and fruits

whole walnuts

dried figs

raisins

almonds are used to form

designs, such as flowers, birds, or other traditional symbols

Stamp

sometimes a stamp is used on the bread

Finger designs

They make finger prints to show that Christ blessed the bread

Coins

In areas such as Gratini, they put a coin inside for good luck

Symbolism

The designs symbolize wishes for

– fertility

– a good harvest and

– prosperity

Λεξιλόγιο – Vocabulary

1/ το έθιμο = custom

2/ η παραμονή = eve

3/ η νοικοκυρά = housewife

4/ η γονιμότητα = fertility

5/ συμβολίζω = symbolize