Origin & history
Easter Monday, known as Δευτέρα του Πάσχα (Deutera tou Pascha) in Greece, follows directly from the Orthodox Easter Sunday, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date is set according to the Julian calendar, often differing from Western Easter. The origins of the holiday trace back to early Christianity, when the week following Easter (Bright Week) was treated as a continuous celebration. In Greece, this tradition was reinforced by Byzantine customs, where the entire week was a time of rest and festivity. The Monday specifically became a public holiday in modern Greece, allowing families to prolong the celebration and participate in communal activities.
Customs & traditions
Easter Monday in Greece is traditionally a day for outdoor excursions and picnics, often in the countryside or by the sea. Families and friends gather to enjoy roasted lamb or goat, along with traditional Easter foods such as tsoureki (sweet bread) and red-dyed eggs. A popular game is 'tsougrisma,' where people tap their hard-boiled eggs against each other; the person whose egg remains uncracked is considered lucky. Another custom is the flying of kites, symbolizing the resurrection and the ascent of Christ. Many villages host local feasts with music, dancing, and communal meals, continuing the joyful atmosphere of the previous day.
Why it is celebrated
Easter Monday is celebrated as a continuation of the joy of Christ's resurrection, emphasizing family bonding and community spirit. For Greeks, it is a day to relax after the solemnity of Holy Week and the midnight Resurrection service. The holiday underscores the importance of togetherness, renewal, and the triumph of life over death, which are central themes of Orthodox Easter. It also marks the beginning of the Bright Week, during which the faithful greet each other with 'Christos Anesti' (Christ is Risen) and respond 'Alithos Anesti' (Truly He is Risen).