Gournes: Saint George Methystis’ Day

2017-11-02 19:00 - 2017-11-03 11:00
Gournes
Address: Παλαιά ΕΟ Αγίου Νικολάου Ηρακλείου 12, Γούρνες 715 00, Ελλάδα

 

In the Greek Orthodox Church, Saint George’s Day is celebrated on 23rd of April. On 3rd of November, the transfer of his relics to the Lydda of Iope in Palestine is celebrated.

In Ancient Greece, in the beginning of spring, the barrels with the wine of the year were opened on the day called Pithoigia, which was part of the feast of Anthesteria, and the god of wine was Dionysus. The Athenians celebrated this feast in the sanctuary of Dionysus, tasted wine, danced, sang and offered libations to Dionysus. It was a day of joy, celebration and of an endless wine-drinking. The next day, it was the day of Choës when they continued again with wine-drinking.

When Greece embraced Christianity, Saint George, who was also celebrated on the 3rd of November, a period that was the first wine tasting, became the “Methystis” perpetuating the divine blessing in wine. Thus, Saint George Methystis (i.e. St George that makes people drunk) is the patron of wine and vineyards, and the viticulturists offer him from their new production. The custom is celebrated all over Greece.

There were great festivals in Crete until the 1960s. The festivals started on the festival eves and ended on the feast days. Nowadays, the tradition of barrel opening continues, and many individuals (not professional wine producers) make wine at home making in this way many more home festivals.

In the Municipality of Hersonissos and specifically in Gournes and in the Church of St. George Tropaioforos, a festival takes place. It begins on the eve’s afternoon and ends on the feast day.

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