All about Zakynthos

In Zakynthos, the great celebration of the birth of Jesus, apart from the rituals that take place in the churches, is associated with customs that are different than the rest of Greece. Perhaps the most characteristic is the cutting of the kouloura (kind of bread), which takes place on the eve of the feast.The kouloura used to be kneaded in almost all households. The preparation of the kneading began with the purchase of the ingredients, followed by the "rising" of the bread with sourdough from the previous night, and the puffing of the dough during the night. The kneading at dawn, and then the "re-bubbling" and the carrying to the ovens of each neighbourhood, in the city, to be baked, or the baking in the ovens of the houses, in the countryside. The dinner table was fasting with broccoli and olives for those who would "take communion" the next day or local cheese for the rest. The process of cutting the bun had the following ritual. The head of the family, holding the bun, which had previously been placed in the centre of the festive table, followed by everyone, went to the corner of the house where two wood fires had been lit. Everyone chanted the trope "Thy Nativity, Oh Christ". Then the bun was placed over the fire and poured crosswise over it, wine and oil, which they had put into a glass. At the same time someone began to shoot, saying "For Herod" (The roman king). Then the landlord of the house named the pieces which he offered to those present; the first piece was of Jesus, the second of the house, the third of the poor, the fourth of himself, then of his wife, followed by the children and those others who were present. All were looking for the "finding"; it was thought to bring him luck. When the tradition of the Kouloura began is not clear. The bun symbolizes the Star that led the Magi to the cave where Jesus Christ was born. The "finding" is the Divine Infant. The two torches represent Adam and Eve, burning in the flames of hell. The wine and the oil are the gifts of the Magi. The flame springing from the fire symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and the redemption of the Adam and Eve. Finally, the shooting symbolizes the contempt and mockery of Herod.