New Year in Cyprus is a celebration deeply rooted in tradition and family customs, which are passed down from generation to generation and keep the spirit of the place alive.
In many villages of the island, especially in the Paphos district, the old customs are still observed to this day, reminding the younger generation of the lifestyle and values of their ancestors. New Year in Cyprus means customs, family, and tradition but also memories of the past.
Mary Savvidou from Tala mentioned that since the olden days the New Year was always celebrated as a family, together with the parents. As he typically said, "we slaughtered the chickens, baked our roasts and made our king pie", thus creating a festive table full of traditional flavors. In earlier years, he recalls, families also prepared sausages and baked their own breads, processes that required labor but strengthened the sense of community.
Of particular interest is the custom of the fireplace and the burning of the olive tree, which is still observed in some villages of the Pafos district. According to tradition, they throw an olive branch into the fire and if it burns and is "thrown away", then it means that the parent or loved one really loves you. A symbolic custom, full of emotion and folk wisdom.
In closing, Mary Savvidou wished the whole world health and happiness, while she expressed her hope for a fair resolution of the Cyprus issue. "We want something good for Cyprus and peace for our country," he added, sending a message of optimism and unity for the new year.
The king pie is prepared on New Year's Eve and cut on the first day of the year. This continues to this day.
The householder of the house would crucify it and first distribute a piece to Christ, the Virgin and the poor, showing that the new year should begin with faith, gratitude and solidarity.
Through New Year's and Epiphany customs, memory, family and hope are passed down from generation to generation.
According to tradition scholar Anna Tselepou, the New Year and Epiphany customs in Cyprus form a living link between the Christian faith and the folk tradition of our country.
They are customs that are not limited to formal acts, but carry feelings, memories and values that unite the family and strengthen our cultural identity.
As he points out, through these traditions the deep need of people for family cohesion, optimism and continuity can be discerned. Respect for nature, hope for the future and the transmission of values to the younger generation pass quietly but effectively through traditional customs.
The "foot"
On the first day of the year, foot care is of particular importance. The first person to enter the house is considered to "bring luck" for the entire year. That is why it is preferable to be a good-natured person or a child, while the right foot must step on the threshold first.
On the same day, the king pie is also cut. As Ms. Tselepou reports, they first carve it with a knife and then cut it, with the order of the pieces varying from region to region, "of Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Poor, Saint Basil". Whoever finds the coin is considered lucky for the whole year and keeps the coin in their wallet as a talisman.
The pomegranate
Breaking the pomegranate at the entrance of the house symbolizes abundance, health and good fortune. The many seeds of the pomegranate are associated with the prosperity and fullness that we wish to fill our home in the new year.
The olive custom
In many villages of Cyprus, but also in the province of Paphos, they make olive wreaths. In homes with a fireplace, people throw olive branches into the fire and sing softly:
"King Santa Claus, show and tell if you love me...", saying the name of the one they wish. If the leaflet burns and makes a noise, then – according to tradition – the love is true.
New Year's carol
New Year's carols set a happy tone for neighborhoods. Children go from house to house, singing and receiving gratuities, usually money or sweets, carrying the message of joy and hope for the new year.
New Year's customs, as Anna Tselepou emphasizes, are not just memories of the past. It is a living road that leads us to who we are, unites us as a community and reminds us that tradition is a heart that continues to beat through time.
