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A Newsletter to Share with the Whole Family
Autumn in Nisyros
The autumn months in Nisyros bring a big change in the weather from the harsh heat of the summer. Because of the lack of water on the island, the wet Fall brought the opportunity for the inhabitants to collect rain water for household use throughout the season.
September:
September marks the beginning of the ekklisiastical and agricultural calendar. The 1st of September was always a special day, when the people of Nisyros would celebrate as well as pray for a prosperous and fruitful season. In Emporios, the Nikokires(women of the home) would tie together a large pomegranate, a bunch of red grapes, and a head of garlic, to make the traditional Rodostafyllo to hang on the family’s front door. This was said to bring good luck. During the month of September, the fishing boats, Trates, go out for Marides (smelts), Kolious (mackerel), Goppes (medium sized gray fish indingenous to the Aegean). Hunting season for Perdikes (quail) begins. Around the 15th of September the schools of Nisyros open with the yearly Agiasmos, (blessing).
October:
The beginning of October brings the Protovrohia (The First Rains of the Season). The farmers go out to their Horafia(Fields) for the Spora (planting of the seeds). Children would also spend their free time searching for Salingaria (snails). The island of Nisyros has very rich, and fertile soil, because of the volcano. Despite the lack of water, many indigenous fruits and vegetables thrive on our tiny island. Amygdala(almonds), Valanithies (Chestnut like fruit), and Loubounia (yellow juicy fruits). As the weather would get colder, it was necessary to use the Mangali (firepit) to heat the homes in Nisyros. Families would gather and tell stories, dance, and sing to pass the time.
November:
As November approaches the preparation for the Xoirosfagia (slaughtering of the pigs) takes place. This tradition is practiced throughout Greece and continues to be a very special and largest Glendia (parties) in Nisyros. Each family would prepare their largest pig, which had been fattened up all year to be ready for this indulgent feast. The Nikokires would cook traditional Nisyrian meals using every part of the pig. Fouki (pork stew), and Boukounies (deep -fried pork medallions) are very popular eveb today. Loukanika (fresh sausages) are stuffed and hung from wooden beams. When ready they would be fried and served with eggs. The lard collected from the big is called Mylla. This is stored in clay pots, and used for cooking and like butter over pasta throughout the year.
Religious Holidays/Panygiria
September 8th: Gennisis tis Theotokou/ Emporios
September 14th: Tou Stavrou/Mandraki
September 26th: St. John Theologos / Nikia
October 26th: St. Demetrios
November 8th: Taxiarchis (Archangels)/ Emporios
November9th: Agios Nektarios/ Nikia
November 21st Ta Isodia tis Theotokou/ Nikia
November 25th: St Catherine
Written by: Tina Papamichael-Molos
This Month’s Contributors: Irini Angelidakis, Nikos Sfakianos, Maritsa Xanthos
Works Cited:
Thebook. Λαογραφικα Εμπορειου Νισυρου by Πρ. Μιχαηλ Σκουλλη
