At the 1st of March we celebrated the beginning of spring in the 2nd primary school of Vrontados. Therefore we volunteers helped to prepare handicrafts the previous days, where we drew and cut out swallows, which the children could decorate later with colorful crepe paper.
We got to know another Greek tradition as well. From the first day until the last day of march everyone wears a bracelet from red and white string, which is a custom to celebrate the arrival of spring. The bracelet is called ‘Martis’, the Greek name of the month march. It should protect one’s skin from the upcoming strong Greek sunshine. At the end of the month you hang your bracelet at a fruit tree, in order to keep the tree healthy and to guarantee for a good harvest in autumn.
During the day, the first and second class of the primary school went from class to class, to sing short Greek songs and to wish their schoolmates a good start of the month. Afterwards they handed out flowers to the teachers. We went to the kindergarten next door as well, and presented the small performance. Later the classes were allowed to play with the kindergarten-children for a little while.
Our first day of the month had been very cheerful and sunny already. Now the sun just has to gain a bit more power to raise the temperature. Welcome spring.
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