The Cretan Tradition, a 5000-year-old Tale
Ancient legends and habits, struggles for liberation and connection to the Earth: All these characteristics and even more, make up the vivid, colorful, rich, fascinating canvas of Cretan tradition.
The Cretan Hospitality
Looking for the roots of the Cretan tradition, we can’t help but travel a long way back in time.
According to the ancient Greek legends, Zeus, the father of Gods, was born in Crete. In addition, the ancient Greeks believed hospitality to be a sacred rule. It was delivered by the Gods and especially by Zeus, whose one of the given names was “Xenios” Zeus – meaning “protector of the foreigners”. So, the idea of the moral obligation to hospitality became more intense in Crete, Zeus’ birthplace, over the times. It is still met in modern Crete. It is also acclaimed that, the closer to tradition a region in Crete is, the more people stay loyal to the idea of hospitality.
The Cretan Culinary Culture
Hospitality is not the only aspect of the Cretan tradition, that is dating back to antiquity. The Culinary Culture, Wine Making, and even Raki Making in Crete are undoubtedly linked to the Minoan Gastronomy and Traditions. The consumption of loads of cheese and olive oil, along with the extended use of herbs in cooking and beverages have been popular in Crete since the Minoan era. According to the excavations in the Minoan palaces, the Minoans were superb wine producers, an art still widespread and practiced in modern Crete.
Furthermore, it is believed that the popular among the Cretans “raki” spirit was first produced in Crete in the Late Minoan era, 1900 – 1700BC. Even the distillation process of the Minoans has a lot in common with the traditional Cretan distillation process we know about today. Moreover, honey has been a beloved product of Crete from the Minoan era until today.
The Cretan Agriculture
Crete has always been possessing an advantageous location by means of strategy. Therefore, the Cretans have been facing invaders for many centuries. So, they have been through many battles, struggles, and bloodsheds in order to regain their freedom. This stubbornness and power will have permeated their tradition and many aspects of the Cretans’ everyday life. No matter what difficulties appear, the Cretans are determined to overcome them.
The specificity of the climate and the geophysical specialties of Crete have been creating the ideal conditions for the Cretans to emphasize on the agriculture, since the Minoan era. The Earth, once worshipped as the Great Goddess on this island, has been favoring the Cretans with numerous of her goods, some unique. This is why the connection to the Earth and respecting her has always been a component of the Cretan tradition.
Except for farmers, the Cretans have always been breeders as well. Sheep and goats are mostly met on the island, giving people their milk for dairy production, their wool for clothing, and their meat too. The olive and olive oil production could not help but be the cornerstone of agriculture in Crete. A typical Cretan household of the past centuries should have had the means to be self-sufficient to the highest level. For this reason, the Cretan traditional pattern for the people of a household was making everything by themselves, from farming products to clothing and wine.
Is Tradition still Alive in Crete?
The traditional way of life has generally faded in the latest years. The modern lifestyle has become more and more popular, especially in the big towns of Crete. However, there are still many villages or particular households/farms that keep the traditions and the habits of old times alive. In addition to this, they are keen on introducing the traditional Cretan life to the new generations and travelers in Crete. We found them and we proudly introduce them to you, through our Themed Private Tours! So, get ready to join us in exploring traditional Crete!
Suggested Experience in Central Crete: History, Tradition & Folk Arts
We also Suggest in Central Crete: A Day in a Cretan Farm
Suggested Experience in East Crete: Be a Cretan for a Day
We also Suggest in East Crete: Tastes & Sounds of Crete
Suggested Experience in West Crete; The Magic Bee World
We also Suggest in West Crete: Explore the Traditional Aspects of Chania
