Baptism in Agia Paraskevi in Pikris

Baptisms or Christenings in Crete are usually a big occasion and cause for a big celebration and party atmosphere, meaning anything from 50 to 300 or more guests. The ceremony is a very complicated and serious affair, but at the same time everything is very relaxed.

The child is undressed and its body is immersed into the holy water of the font causing the child to cry momentarily from the shock of the water. As soon as this is done, the child is dried and dressed in the finest garment (the baptism gown).

Since there is not room for all the guest to be in the small church at the same time, people just wander in and out to witness the proceedings, the majority of them will stand in the courtyard or terrace conversing about this and that in a very relaxed fashion. 

After the ceremony the guests pass by the parents, congratulating and handing over a gift; an envelope containing normally anything from 15 Euro and upwards. All the guests are given a small gift, often a framed picture of the child or a little amulet.

Food and wine in large quantities are served following the lengthy church service. The traditional dinner will be mezedes, Pilafi with boiled lamb followed by roast lamb and potatoes, salads and loads of the village wine "Marouvas". But be careful the food is served little by little and you can easily overeat or even overdrink. The meal will continue for hours.

If you are lucky and it is a big gathering, there will be traditional live Cretan music and dancing.