I Spy With My Little Eye...

I was in a deep and pleasant sleep the other morning when suddenly a strange pungent smell entered my dream. Was there a fire burning? I woke up to find that it was only my mother warding off evil spirits with the "kapnistiri", a small clay cup used to burn charcoal and leaves and bless the home. I was relieved at least that I didn't need to call the fire brigade. I should explain that this is a Greek custom which is also used in weddings to bless the bride and groom. All this is done in the hope of warding off all evil and bless and protect.

 There is a strong tradition of superstition in Cyprus and this also involves to a great degree the belief in the Evil Eye. The Evil Eye is the belief that others have the ability to curse you and your life. After all why do grandparents spit on their grandchildren often viewed with confusion by foreigners? Because it is to protect them against any harm coming to them through a compliment such as 'Wow you have beautiful eyes,' which can only be viewed dubiously. 'Why did they say that? Are they envious of my granddaughter's eyes?' Jealousy in fact has got to do a lot with the Evil Eye. It is said that it is someone's envy that creates it.

 There are various ways to protect yourself which can supposedly turn the harm away. A blue eye for example worn by many as necklaces and bracelets is one example. There is actually an interesting history behind this. It is said that the tradition of the eye as protection dates back to the 6th Century BC in Greece where the eye symbol was used on drinking cups.

 The question is, does this belief carry any weight or is it a figure of the imagination? Does an individual person really have the power to curse you with an evil eye? In my view you get what you give out. There are those who brag and boast about how much money they have and what they have achieved which can make someone envy you and in turn cast an evil eye upon you. Why not be modest? It also has to do with how you view things. For example many are convinced that black cats are bad luck. In my eyes they are beautiful mysterious creatures which can only be lucky. At the end of the day it is all about whether you see the cup half full or half empty.

Saying this however cannot convince the majority of us in Cyprus in taking a compliment with a degree of doubt, whispering a prayer from many around which can work in uncursing you. The belief in the Evil Eye is fixed too deeply in our tradition to be got rid off that easily. It is in our blood, a legacy from older generations. So next time you give a compliment, don't be surprised to receive a sharp look of apprehension.

What's in a Name?

Name days have always been and will always be a big thing in Cyprus, at some point and arguably still, bigger than birthdays. It is an opportunity to invite people round for dinner or coffee and take part in "kerasma," which is treating people to something usually of the sweet kind. Friends and relatives in return will wish you "xronia polla" (a wish to live many years) with a smile and a kiss. Flower shops and confectionaries have a field day especially when it is a very common name like Andreas or Maria.

 The strong tradition of naming children after their grandparents has meant that certain names stay in the family and this has also meant that some names are more common than others. I get flashbacks of the scene in 'Big Fat Greek Wedding' when the "xeno" (foreigner) Ian is comically introduced to all the Nikos' of the family. This is an example of how deep the tradition of names is and how it has always been viewed that naming a child after a grandparent is a way of honouring and thanking that person for all they have done and is a blessing in return.

It is also the tradition to name children after saints if they are born on the saint's day or near that day. I have heard stories of expectant mothers seeing visions in their sleep of a particular saint and this has led them to name their child after them. It is an expression of thanks and gratitude.

 My grandmother, a woman who like many of her generation has a deep religious faith always writes our names in church to be chanted by the priest as a sort of blessing on our particular name days. When my grandmother is celebrating her own name day, she makes homemade bread and takes it to church to be shared out to the congregation at the end of the service. It always tastes good and sometimes I am present when she is baking it and the sweet smell fills the entire house.

I'm always interested in what name days are coming up and I have my favourites. Ayios Georgios (St. George) is one of them, probably because he is the patron saint of England and a symbol of bravery and defender against all evil in the symbolic slaying of the dragon. St. Catherines's story too has its own message. She was a princess who became a Christian at fourteen, managed to convert people to Christianity and was martyred.

 It is always the case that if you look into where names come from, it is not unusual to find an exceptional story behind it. I think of the friends and family around me and their names and I sometimes wonder what if they were named something else? The truth is a name often grows on you and begins to represent who you are. It is more than just a mere name, it is your identity and wherever it derives from it does not cease to be a blessing.