In Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition, “Sarakosti” (Σαρακoστή) is the Greek term for Lent, the forty-day time of fasting and spiritual preparation preceded by Easter. During this time, people should think deeply about their lives, repent, and seek greater intimacy with God via prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.

why 40 days?

The biblical tales of forty days—including those of Moses on the mountain of Sinai, the Prophet Elijah journey, and most importantly, Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness—serve as inspiration for this period.

Based on these instances, we may conclude that the number 40 has spiritual meaning, signifying a period of purification and preparation.

But don’t worry you won’t stay hungry, If you visit Greece around this time…Greek cuisine has a big variety of foods you can please your taste buds with!

Greece’s Sarakosti culinary customs combine wonderful, nutritious meals with religious observance in a fascinating way. Just remember: Abstaining from meat, dairy products, and eggs and focus on plant-based foods and seafood.

Key sources of fibre and protein include beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
There are also some seasonal veggies that can be used in baked goods, salads, and stews.

It is important to say, that lenten meals include lots of olives and olive oil, which are essential components of the Mediterranean diet.

Shellfish and other seafood are allowed, although “fish with a backbone” are often avoided. Among them are octopuses, squid, prawns and mussels.

Vocabulary

Before we continue our spiritual Odyssey of Greek Lent let’s see some useful vocabulary to make your journey more fun but also tasteful:

• “Sarakostí” (Σαρακοστή) – “Lent”
• “Nistía” (Νηστεία) – “Fasting”
• “Nistévo”  (Νηστεύω) –  “To fast”
• “Kathará Deftéra” (Καθαρά Δευτέρα) – “Clean Monday” (the first day of Lent)
• “Páscha” (Πάσχα) – “Easter”
•  “Prosefchí” (Προσευχή) – “Prayer”
• “Ekklisía” (Εκκλησία) – “Church”

Food:

• “Nistísimos” (Νηστίσιμος) – “Lenten food”
• “Thalassiná” (Θαλασσινά) – “Seafood”
• “Chtapódi” (Χταπόδι) – “Octopus”
• “Kalamári” (Καλαμάρι) – “Squid”
• “Garídes” (Γαρίδες) – “Shrimp”
• “Fasοlada” (Φασολάδα) – “ Baked beans”
• “Revíthia” (Ρεβίθια) – “Chickpeas”
• “Fakés” (Φακές) – “Lentils”
• “Eliés” (Ελιές) – “Olives”
• “Taramosaláta” (Ταραμοσαλάτα) –  “a dip made from fish roe”

If you thought that you unveiled all the secrets of Greek Lent, let me tell you about Kyra Sarakosti (Lady Lent):

One of the most unique customs is the “Kyra Sarakosti,” a folk custom in which a lady appears on paper, cloth, or even bread. She often has seven legs, each indicating a week of Lent. Each week, one leg is “removed,” marking the countdown to Easter. She frequently lacks a mouth, symbolising the fasting period, and occasionally ears, suggesting a turn away from gossip. This is a really unique way that the Greek people have of keeping track of the lent season.

Here is your Sarakosti starter kit.

Take a deep dive and enjoy!

Aaaand….if you truly want to start mastering Greek in style, we recommend starting with our Greek Crash Course.

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See you in the next one!