Clean Monday: Lent Begins in Cyprus

The spring of the Fast is set to bloom, and, for the more devout, Kathara Deutera(‘Clean Monday’) marks the commencement of a nearly 50-day period until Easter Sunday during which no meat, eggs, or dairy may be consumed.

As difficult as this may sound, one need only look to a traditional meal prepared for Clean Monday to see the bounty of choices available: fresh fish and seafood, legumes, fruit, vegetables, special ‘lagana’ bread, and more, all enticingly decorating picnic blankets. Indeed, inherited custom still sees families take to the fields, the coast, and the mountains on CleanMonday in search of wide, open spaces in which to enjoy their meals al fresco, whilst children while away the afternoon hours flying kites.

Of course, celebrating the coming of a time of bettering one’s self need not be limited exclusively to the forsaking of so-called pleasures.

Focusing on adopting new maxims that may help to lift your spirits, or embracing a new way of thinking that will ensure that every day is faced with confidence will surely engender a new kind of self-renewal.

Instead of forgoing chocolate (a popular modern Lenten choice!), why not try to increase your daily acts of kindness, or resolve to help someone in need? You might even decide you would like to become more open to trying new things (water skiing, for example, or a foreign cuisine), or, quite simply, take better care of yourself and your wellbeing.

A tradition in the making, perhaps? Share your thoughts with us below!