The Christmas custom of the “flaming yew” in the region of Epirus
During the festive Christmas period, there is a number of customs that revive across Greece. We distinguished a very old traditional custom in the villages of the region of Epirus up in the northern corner of Greece, which emerges from centuries back...That of the flaming yew. The story says, that when baby Jesus was born, the three shepherds had to walk through the pitch black night in order to go and greet the baby's birth. In order to find their way in the darkness, the shepherds thought of setting fire to dry brunches of yew which they would hold during their long nocturnal journey.
This is exactly what they did and - at once - their dark way through the mountains became a trip in the company of ample light and squeaky noises and rattle by the flaming brunches! Even still in our days, if you find yourself in the villages of Epirus for a Christmas break, you will come across people walking and holding flaming brunches of yew or any other tree brunch that rattles as it burns, just for the fun of it. People will walk around the little picturesque village alleys to go to their neighbours and wish them “Merry Christmas”, joyfully holding their burning yews. The more squeak and rattle the brunch makes...the better!
In the city of Ioannina in Epirus the locals have a similar custom where they hold a bunch of bay leaves or yew which they will throw in the fireplace of the house they are visiting, alongside loud wishes for a joyful Christmas! As you might have guessed...the more fire, squeak and rattle the bay leaves and yew makes in the fireplace, the stronger the wishes will be for the people who are present.
The villages of the region of Epirus constitute an ideal destination for a Christmas vacation. Particularly in Zagorohoria , as many as 46 unique villages come together in a marvellous complex ready to fascinate your senses. Make accommodation arrangements at one of the three hotel-members of Trésor Hotels & Resorts in Zagorohoria and enjoy the best Christmas ever. Mikro Papigo 1700 Hotel & Spa worthy of your selection for the fairytale landscapes that surround it within the homonymous village, Kipi Suites in Kipi village which will let you in its secret world and its marvelous stone-built neighborhood if you simply whisper the password ‘harmony’ and, of course, Monopatia Mountain Resort & Restaurant which consists of 19th century mansions, cottages and barns that were restored with respect and according to their existing architecture in Ano Pedina village.
For reservations call us at +302108981884 or send us your request via e-mail at callcenter@tresorhotels.com
