The circle of Easter customs in West Macedonia starts from Saturday of Lazaruswhere the “Lazarines” from Aianihim Crocthe Leukopigithe Caesareathe Rodiani and St. Friday of Kozaniwith their colorful traditional costumes start to sing Lazaratika songs in the neighborhoods of their villages and dance the “Chinchiro” dance in the squares.
In accordance with traditional ritualthe Lazarines are girls from childhood up to the time of marriage, which however is not the case nowadays since today women of all ages participate. There is no family girl who does not play the role of Lazarina at least once and there isn’t a family that doesn’t have at least one colorful outfit, the fabrics of which have been created on local looms in the area.
The Lazarines usually gather in a certain house – they name it bunny– and in groups they visit all the neighborhoods of the village, sing Easter or improvised songs, appropriate to the wishes and situation of the family.
They derive their origin from the “Virginity”, the characteristic dances by groups of girls of the Doric cities of the north. Later, at the Byzantine years they were associated with the Resurrection of Lazarus, the rebirth of nature and the renewal of life. Only the girls take part in the custom and their main characteristic is dancing and singing without any participation of musical instruments.
- Republished by APE-MPE
