Clean Monday

Kathara Deftera or Kathari Deftera (medium Greek Καθαρά Δευτέρα in Modern Greek, Καθαρή Δευτέρα, Pure Monday ') is the Greek name for the 48 days before Orthodox Easter Sunday and marks the beginning of the forty days of Lent ( Sarakosti, σαρακοστή ) and also the end of the Orthodox Carnival ( Apokries, απόκριες ). The name comes from the intended meaning of Lent, the Christian people both mentally and physically to "purify " and prepare for Easter. The first day of fasting is closed an official holiday, schools and shops remain in Greece. By the Church all works are prohibited, except cleaning the kitchen appliances of residues carnal meals. May be consumed only herbal products, and seafood, but no eggs or dairy products, as well as any oil that is during Lent Saturdays and Sundays only allowed (except Holy Saturday ). The duration of fasting before Easter corresponds to the biblical statement of forty days, that Jesus Christ is said to have spent in the desert.

Today Kathari Deftera is usually committed by the Greek families go out either for a meatless meal, or - have a picnic outdoors, must be allowed to fly in the paper dragon - especially for families with children. It is true, the Dragons ( chartaetos, χαρταετός, literally " paper eagle " ) to be as high as possible to ascend, what should promise happiness for the coming year. Katharι Deftera is traditionally committed preferably outdoors, it symbolizes in non-Christian tradition, the end of winter and the beginning of the new year.

Swell

• Νεώτερον Εγκυκλοπαιδικόν Λεξικόν Ηλίου τ.3ος, σ.264

• Christianity in Greece
• Byzantine rite
• Dragon
• Lent