The Greek Orthodox baptism is a very joyous ceremony for the family, when a child, sponsored by a Godparent, officially becomes a Christian. On Crete baptisms take place all
year round but the warmer spring and summer months are very popular times, so as a tourist you may be fortunate to witness one of these beautiful ceremonies. Whereas in
the UK and other European countries, where the baby’s forehead is sprinkled with water, in Greece the baby is totally immersed in the font. This is why it is usual for the child to
be at least 40 days old (and younger than two) at the time of its christening.
Generally a very close friend of the mother or father is asked to be the Godparent, but sometimes it can be a relative. To be asked to be a Godparent is a great honour and also
huge responsibility. It is also an expensive time for the Godparent. He or she provides the gold cross, everything that the child will wear after the baptism and everything
needed in the ceremony; a special set of underwear for the child, towels, a small bottle of olive oil, which the priest will put into the font and soap for him to wash his hands after
the ceremony. All of these are put into a decorative chest which becomes a lovely memento of the special day. Everyone at the ceremony wears a small cross with a ribbon and
pin attached, (called the Martirika), which is also provided by the Godparent. He or she is also expected to foot the bill for the church decorations; young children carry festive
candles wrapped in tulle.
Usually the ceremony itself takes place in the cooler part of the day. The Godparent holds the child and reconfirms his or her allegiance to the church and denounces the devil.
As everyone gathers around, the child is undressed and the priest plunges the child three times into the font, giving the child its name and invoking the Father, the Son and the
Holy Spirit. It’s a strong tradition in Greece to name the child after the grandparents, usually the father’s parents first. The name will also be the name of a Christian Orthodox
saint, and that will be the name day that the child celebrates. The child is anointed with holy myrrh, wrapped in a towel, and carried by the Godparent and walked three times
around the baptismal font. The child is then towel dried – but not too thoroughly so that some of the holy oil stays on the skin – and then dressed, head to toe in entirely new
clothing, which the priest has also blessed. After the ceremony the parents kiss the hand of the godparent. Well-wishers come and say “Na sas zisi” - “to the child!”
The parents have ordered the invitations and they supply the traditional “boubouneras”; a small treat of almonds in a bundle of tulle and tied with a ribbon. There is also a little
sweet gift of “Kserotigana”, which are rolls of crisp fried dough, drenched in honey syrup, which the guests accept as they leave the church, congratulating the Godparent and the
parents. There is also water and of course, this being Crete, there is also raki. There will also be a meaningful gift for the Godparent.
After the ceremony Cretans celebrate with food, especially for a village baptism, with a festive lunch or dinner with the extended family, godparents and their family, and close
friends. Cretan specialties will be served – goat, freshly made pies, excellent cheeses and salads, and homemade wines, accompanied by music and dancing to the sound of
the Cretan lyra.
The child will not be bathed for several days – tradition says three days, so as not to disturb the holy oil on the baby’s skin. The child should also attend church and receive holy
communion for the three consecutive Sundays following baptism.
The Godparents continue to play a role in the child’s life. They always ensure the child has an Easter “Lambada” – the candle to get the holy light of the resurrection at church at
midnight. They also offer a gift on the child’s name day. But most importantly, they serve as a spiritually important figure in the child’s life as he or she grows.
Because of the strength of the relationship and the fact that the Godparent is spiritually considered a parent, it is the custom that a person always ever only baptizes girls, or
boys. This is because the spiritual “siblings” should not marry, in case they meet later on.
We were lucky enough to be invited to the baptism of Maria, the child of two dear Cretan friends, Nikos and Eleni from The Oasis Cafe, Neapoli. Unfortunately it was during the
time of Covid and the ceremony had to be restricted in the number of people who could attend. However we were fortunate to receive a boubouneras each and they are pictured
below.
Christenings in Crete
Weddings in Crete