Traditions and customs of Cyprus

Cyprus is an island state of the Mediterranean. The local population of Cyprus can boast of the richest history of its state, because this civilization exists about 9 thousand years. For such a long time, many customs and traditions have developed in Cyprus, which are carefully kept by Cypriots.

What influenced the culture and traditions of the country?

Thanks to the favorable geographical position, the cultural heritage of the state evolved under the influence of the countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, which, of course, left its indelible mark on various sectors of the population of Cyprus. But still, Cyprus has its own laws , culture and traditions, which are distinguished by their originality and uniqueness and are capable of conveying the national characteristics of the island's population. The traditions of Cyprus are numerous and unique, we will tell about some of them.

The most interesting traditions and rituals

1. All inhabitants of the island are united by hospitality. Until now, there is a tradition to treat guests with coffee and sweets.
2. One of the traditional celebrations of the island state is the "Carnival". This holiday is associated with biblical stories about the life of Noah and the World Flood. On this day, the streets of cities are full of people pouring water from the sea. Tourists coming to the "Carnival", note that this holiday is life-affirming, cheerful, joyful. The most revered in Larnaka .
3. Every year in September the city of Limassol celebrates the Wine Festival. Celebration lasts 10 days and is accompanied by a tasting of local wines. Thus, the Cypriots praise Dionysus - the oldest god of winemaking.
4. Cyprus is famous for its weekly festivities, which are dedicated to the patrons of the island - the saints. The most solemn and revered religious holiday of the state is the Orthodox Easter, which gathers thousands of believers in temples and on the streets of cities.
5. The culture of the island is vividly represented by folk crafts. Cypriots are famous all over the world for the ability to create extraordinarily beautiful and useful at the same time gizmos. These traditions are passed from the elders to the younger ones and are carefully stored inside each family.
6. Attention of tourists attracts an unusual kind of Cypriot houses, from the roofs of which are visible metal structures. It turns out that in this house there lives a girl who is once to be married, and the construction is the foundation of her future dowry home.

music and dancing

It is difficult to imagine a state without traditional national music. In Cyprus, it is diverse and interesting and is closely connected with dances that appeared in the time of shamans and religious offerings. The national instrument used in the performance of musical compositions, laouto is a stringed instrument, in the role of a bow in which the feathers of birds of prey are used.

Long since dances have been considered the best way to express the entire palette of feelings that a person can experience. The male population of Cyprus enjoys dancing at numerous festivities and island ceremonies, but women are only allowed to dance at weddings. All Cypriot dances combine expression and sensuality.

Wedding ceremonies and christening in Cyprus

The indigenous population of Cyprus treasures and cherishes national traditions, the most important of which is a wedding. The father of the future wife is obliged to provide her with a dowry-house. Cypriot weddings are crowded: depending on their financial situation, they are able to collect up to a thousand guests invited from both sides. As a gift, as a rule, money is presented so that the newlyweds can start their family life with dignity.

If the wedding takes place in the village, then there are a number of rites in which all the inhabitants of the village are involved. The future spouse must shave in the parents' house to the sound of a violin. When the young are ready, they slowly move to the village church, accompanied by relatives, friends, acquaintances. The priest during the wedding passes the young tiara to consolidate their union. When all the guests go to the banquet, the newlyweds are the first to enter the hall and begin to dance, the guests approaching decorate their holiday clothes with money bills.

How will they name the child?

Interesting is the tradition of Cyprus, concerning the names that children are called at birth. First, the chosen name must be approved by the church and belong to one of the revered saints. Secondly, the first-born boy is named after his grandfather in the line of his father; If the first daughter appears in the family, she bears the name of the grandmother from her father's side. All subsequent children are called the names of grandmothers and grandfathers on the maternal line. Because in the families of Cyprus, so many people who bear the same names.

Sacrament of Baptism

The baptism rite is obligatory, everyone must accept it. Usually baptize infants up to six months. For this child is brought to the church, where before the ceremony stripped naked. During the ceremony, the priest reads prayers and smears the eyes, mouth, nose of the child with the world. At the end of the ceremony, the baby is cut off a little hair. The mystery is completed by immersion in a font from which a godson is handed over to one of the godparents. They put the child in the best clothes from expensive fabric. All those present at baptism and just passing passers are presented with sweets. Next is the celebration of the christening in one of the cafes or restaurants of the village.

Information for tourists

It should be noted that Cyprus - a fairly conservative state, going to which it would be nice to get a little insight into the history and culture of the country. This will help you to feel comfortable and not to offend local residents by not following the basic norms of behavior adopted by the Cypriots. Especially it concerns visiting temples and monasteries . Do not wear open and provocative clothes: in spite of the hot climate, it is strictly forbidden to appear in the church.

We draw attention to the fact that in Cyprus they are seriously concerned about the appearance and behavior of women, they can not even enter many places of the island. Take this information for a note, and your holiday will not be overshadowed by minor troubles.