Each time we come on a Greek Odyssey we can’t help notice all the many different beautiful small chapels/shrines know as kandylakia that are scattered along the road sides.
From what we can gather, they are to remember a victim of a traffic accident or built for/by survivors, to thank a saint at the spot where they survived an accident . You should put at least one icon and a votive candle in the shrine. This one, near our beach, had some very beautiful things in it, but it would have been disrespectful of us to take any photos. 
I suppose, in a sort of way, it’s like our putting a candle in a lantern on Christmas Eve and New Years Day, but permanent. We even saw a place where you could buy one on the way to Corfu Town, it would be a very sad thing to have to buy, but in a way, not wishing to offend any of our readers, much nicer than tying cellophane wrapped flowers, that soon become weather worn, to a lamp post or road sign as we do back home.
We’ve mused while we’ve been away and think that perhaps it might be an idea we might adopt and adapt for Christmas, a new tradition to remember our loved ones …… it still needs a little thinking about, but we’re going to see if we can find a plain, house shaped tea light holder to perhaps put outside ……. we shall see.
A new Christmas tradition would be a great idea.
ReplyDeleteIn Mexico, they put a cross by the side of the road, or maybe a small stone building.
The Day of the Dead is a big tradition where people remember their dead loved ones. They put an altar in the house, with things their departed loved ones liked. This can include bread of the dead, marigolds, candles, tequila and skulls made of sugar or chocolate. In some places their decorate the graves, and spend all night there.
A thoughtful and touching post today. JantheFan x
ReplyDeleteA most beautiful way to remember loved ones who are no longer with us.....moving and loveliest way to honour our dear ones I have ever seen.....mianne
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