Hundreds of people turned out again this year in Asi Gonia in Chania, where a tradition which goes back for many, many years, back as long as the village itself came into existence, was enacted once more.
This unique tradition of blessing the sheep and goats takes place on the day when the name day of Saint George is celebrated, for the reason that this particular Saint is also the Patron Saint of livestock farmers. The farmers bring their flocks with them to the church in the main square of the village.
The event is impressive, as thousands of the animals, adorned with their bells, are ranched together and take turns to stand outside the church awaiting the blessing of the priest. The farmers milk the females and share the milk amongst the villagers and the visitors.
For some, the process of milking symbolises solidarity that people should have between them and that is why the milk is given away to all present.
It is also said that it symbolises the vow that the locals have made to St. George in the hope and expectation of his protection from all things bad. The village elders eve recount stories of shepherds who didn’t bring their flocks own for the blessing, who then knew the anger of the Saint.
The day of this celebration, mountain regions of Crete become the centre of attention for visitors who will find any way mode of transport to visit, including with organised tours.
The locals, with their traditional costumes offer Cretan dry bread crusts and parties take place in the surrounding areas.
Apart from the blessing which the flocks of animals receive, the Icon of Saint George is also blessed, in a procession around the streets of the village and the milk that is produced on this day is estimated to be more than two tonnes!