Wit and Self-Reflection The Ithacan sayings are a good example of the local dialect, sense of humor, and quite often are self-sarcastic. The popular philosophy, the daily problems and the way of thinking of the island are also included within the small phrases. Some people love the priest, but others his wife. It’s more difficult [...] Read More
Timeless Carnival Celebrations The carnival was a cherished celebration for everyone. People of all ages delighted in its unforgettable festivities, which included songs, dance, and costumes and masks, often in the Venetian style. At night, revelers would wander from house to house, playing practical jokes on those who preferred to stay home. On the final [...] Read More
Old Ithacan Rhymes Some four line rhymes of unknown authors are still in use today in Ithaca. They are about love, marriage, emigration and daily activities. Four expensive golden crosses are hanging round your neck, everyone kisses the crosses but I kiss your cheek. Your dog barks at me and your husband threatens me, [...] Read More
Love, Loss, and Legacy: The Enduring Power of Ithacan Song While time has eroded much of Ithaca's rich folk song tradition, a handful of remarkable songs have endured. These surviving gems are considered complete works, showcasing both clever poetic devices and a high degree of musical merit. Often structured as dialogues between two characters, the [...] Read More
Island Remedies: Incantations and Traditional Healing Life on the island centuries ago was far from modern medicine. With no doctors or pharmacies, islanders relied on tradition. A key element was incantations – special phrases, often prayers, believed to heal ailments like snakebites, burns, or the evil eye. These weren't simple words; islanders used symbolic gestures [...] Read More
The Ithacan lamentation is a song about life, not about death. The poet does not write about life after death although this seems to be against the Christian religion. The lyrics depict Charon as having no feelings, comprehension or mercy. He is always wicked, inhuman, crafty and he is often called a pirate. These lamentations [...] Read More
Children's game - Laography The manufactured type games we have today were unknown at that time. The games played either indoors or outdoors were invented or discovered periodically by the children in order to fulfill their natural need for playing. To play many of the games, such as tag, hide and seek etc., one [...] Read More
The 24th of June, St. John's day, was the day that the unmarried girls would find out their matrimonial future. There were different ways to obtain a sign, such as putting their rings in a glass of water and having it read according to its movement, also the shapes formed by melted lead or the [...] Read More
Ithacan Wedding Traditions: A Celebration of Love and New Beginnings In Ithaca, marriage marked a significant and sacred transition in life. Unlike today, couples typically married just once, remaining partners until the end of their days. Divorce was simply not an option. Festive Feasts and Joyful Melodies Similar to other regions of Greece, Ithacan weddings [...] Read More
A Glimpse into Traditional Ithacan Attire Until the 20th century, Ithacans largely relied on locally-produced fabrics for their clothing. Linen and wool were the primary materials, and some households even possess tools used for processing linen to this day. Men's Fashion: Practical and Distinctive Men traditionally wore trousers and jackets made from a blend of [...] Read More