Under the clear skies of Καθαρά Δευτέρα (Clean Monday), students from Year 7 and Year 8 at St. John’s College enjoyed a special experience as part of their Greek studies curriculum.
Engaging in the ancient tradition of kite flying, the students deepened their connection to Hellenism and enriched their understanding of Greek heritage.
These hands-on activities are designed to provide a holistic approach to learning, allowing students to immerse themselves in the cultural practices of Greece.
By participating in this tradition, students from all backgrounds not only learn about the customs of Greek culture but also develop a deeper appreciation for their own heritage both as an educational experience but also a playful activity that brings the school community together.
CELEBRATING KATHARA DEFTERA
Clean Monday, marks the beginning of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Christian calendar. It is a day of cleansing and renewal, both spiritually and physically, as believers prepare for the solemnity of Easter. In Australia, the Greek Orthodox community observes Clean Monday with traditional foods, customs, and gatherings where families and friends indulge in a feast of seafood, vegetables, and special Lenten delicacies.
One of the most iconic dishes is “lagana,” a flatbread baked only on this day as well as mezethes the likes of olives, pickles, taramosalata (fish roe dip), octopus, calamari, and small fried fish.
Apart from the culinary delights, Clean Monday is also a time for outdoor activities and communal picnics where children are flying kites, enjoying the first signs of spring (for the Northern hemisphere). This tradition normally symbolises the casting away of the winter blues and embracing the vitality of the new season, however, in Australia Greek schools focus on the start of the new year, goal setting and reaching for the top.