Mar 15, 2021
Lagana, halvas, and taramas, otherwise known as “the Koulouma,” are the official foods of the first day of Lent in Greece, a day known as “Clean Monday.” Having the same meaning as Ash Wednesday for Catholics, the Greek Orthodox Day marking the beginning of Lent is connected to different ancient customs across the nation. The most important customs are the flying of kites, going on outdoor excursions and the consumption of these particular delicacies. All the Greek “Clean Monday” customs date back to ancient times. But why do we eat these particular foods on this day? Do we really know what these foods stand for? And why is it that we eat only this type of bread, called Lagana, on Clean Monday?
