A special burial custom is revived on the Second day of Easter in Alonakia and Protochori of Kozani, but also in many villages of Pontic origin.

It is the day that the residents dedicate to their dead, a day of mourning, during which all the families will gather from every corner of Greece where they live, to be found that day in the cemeteries of the village near their own people who are no longer there in life.

The custom is connected to Christianity but also to the Anthesterias in ancient Greece, a day that was dedicated to the dead.

In the cemeteries, the traditional Pontic “tsirihta”, tsipouro and wine are offered to the sounds of the Pontic lyre. People will march from grave to grave offering memorial prayers.

Food and other items are shared among the young children who actively participate, while the custom is passed down from generation to generation.

The verse of the song with the Pontic lyre adapts to this day dedicated to the dead stating that “If I die come to my grave once a year, light a candle for my soul to rest”.

Photo source prlogos.gr