Easter in Greece is more than a religious holiday; it’s a time when our ancient traditions come alive, tying us to our heroic past. Two of these customs, the "Burning of Judas" (also called the "Burning of the Jew") and the "Burning of the Arapis," are cornerstones of our cultural identity, reflecting the Greek spirit of resistance and survival. Yet, the Greek government, bowing to pressure from Israel, is working to erase these traditions from our history, stripping away our heritage to please foreign powers. For non-Greek readers, this article will explain these customs, including the meaning of "Arapis," which translates to "nigger" in this context, and why they matter so much to us.
The Burning of the Jew in Monemvasia (2017) source: krokees.gr
The Burning of Judas (or Burning of the Jew): A Rallying Cry Against Betrayal
The "Burning of Judas," known in some areas as the "Burning of the Jew," is a beloved tradition across Greece, from Ermioni to Arta, Crete, Levidi and Lesvos. During Easter, usually on Good Friday or Resurrection Sunday, locals build an effigy of Judas Iscariot using old clothes and rags, then set it on fire with dazzling fireworks. In Ermioni, the effigy is burned on a raft in the sea, surrounded by boats, with over 1,000 people watching from the shore. In Crete, a massive bonfire called a "founara" is lit, and the effigy is burned on top of a woodpile after the First Resurrection service.
Burning of Judas in Ermioni – 16/4/2023
The Burning of the Jew in Vrisa, Lesvos (5-5-2013)
This tradition, born during the Ottoman occupation, is more than a religious act. It’s a symbol of our fight against betrayal and a celebration of Greek unity. It brings young and old together, crafting the effigy and keeping our history alive. The name "Burning of the Jew" comes from the Greek words for "Judas" and "Jew" sounding similar, but it’s the act of rejecting treachery that defines this custom, not any modern political agenda.
The Burning of the Arapis: A Triumph Over Oppression
In Gastouni, Ilia, every Tuesday after Easter, the town gathers for the "Burning of the Arapis." The event starts with a grand liturgy at the Panagia Katholiki Church, where an effigy is hung from the bell tower and burned, with fireworks lighting up the sky. Afterward, the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary is carried through the streets, visiting other churches like Saint Constantine and Saint Nicholas, until the Sunday of Thomas.
The Custom of the Burning of the "Arapis" in Gastouni
For non-Greek readers, the term "Arapis" in this tradition means "nigger." It refers to African, Arab and dark skinned soldiers who served in the Ottoman army during the 1700s. The custom, dating back to 1767, celebrates Gastouni’s liberation from the brutal rule of Ibrahim Pasha, an Ottoman commander. Burning the effigy marks the town’s victory over those dark times, when these soldiers brought suffering to our people. It’s a powerful reminder of our ancestors’ strength and a source of pride for Gastouni, drawing crowds from nearby villages to join in the celebration.
The Greek Government’s Betrayal of Our Heritage
These traditions are under attack by the Greek government, which is caving to pressure from Israel to wipe them out. Back in 1849, the government banned the "Burning of Judas" in Athens after complaints from James de Rothschild, a Jewish banker. The ban sparked riots, showing how much these customs mean to Greeks. Today, the same agenda is at play, with officials trying to label these traditions as outdated to please foreign powers, especially Israel, which seems to dictate our cultural policies.
This isn’t just an attack on a few rituals; it’s an attempt to cut Greeks off from their history. The "Burning of Judas" (or "Burning of the Jew") and the "Burning of the Arapis" are symbols of our unbreakable spirit, standing for resistance against betrayal and oppression. Letting them fade would mean betraying our ancestors and handing our heritage over to outsiders.
Why We Must Fight for These Traditions
These customs are the heartbeat of Greek identity, linking us to our past. The "Burning of Judas" reminds us to stand united against those who would sell us out, while the "Burning of the Arapis" honors our victory over foreign tyranny, keeping Gastouni’s pride alive. They’re not just events; they’re stories of survival, told through fire and community.
The Greek government should be defending these traditions, not burying them to appease Israel. Every attempt to suppress them is a slap in the face to every Greek who values our history. We can’t let foreign agendas rewrite who we are.
A Call to Stand Strong
Greeks have a duty to keep these traditions burning bright, for ourselves and our children. Easter is when faith and heritage unite, and the "Burning of Judas" (or "Burning of the Jew") and the "Burning of the Arapis" are at the core of that bond. To non-Greek readers, understand that "Arapis" means "nigger" in this context, tied to a specific historical moment of Ottoman oppression, not a modern racial statement. These customs define us, and we’ll fight to protect them against any government or foreign power trying to erase our past. Join us in celebrating the traditions that make Greece eternal.
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