A FLORAL CELEBRATION LIKE NO OTHER
There are many special days and traditions to be celebrated throughout the year but one is especially colourful! “Protomagia”(literally: the first day of May), is the annual Greek celebration of International Labour Day.
We will bring you closer to yet another unique tradition cherished around the Greek Islands through the eyes and memories of Kostas & Katerina of Olympus fields - a certified organic farm located on foothills of Mt. Olympus; their core activity revolves around flowers and their cultivation.
Protomagia is traditionally celebrated on May 1st and carries particular meaning:
“Greece, as a Mediterranean country enjoys sunlight for the most time of the year, thus it has developed a strong bond with nature. The festivities during this day include the making of wreaths from wildflowers. The whole experience has its roots in the early times as an expression of gratitude, peace, fortune, health and euphoria.”
The local’s childhood reminiscences speak loudly:
“We used to spend the 1st of May outdoors, picking wildflowers, forming bouquets and garlands wearing them as crown rings which later served as decorations on our front doors.”
“These flower garlands/wreaths symbolise the blooming of nature, the fertility of the land, the definite ending of winter and the coming of summer.”
It is a feast of appreciating the beautiful nature that surrounds us, and the gifts it provides us over and over again.
“Who doesn’t like flowers? The colours, shapes, aromas and flavours... A bunch of flowers can make someone happy, colour his life and uplift the mood like a ray of sunshine!”
We could not agree more! Colours are life and so are the flowers in all their forms. Fresh, dried, pressed or scattered over - they hold the power of brightening our days, and lately our meals too!
“In our everyday life, we have breakfast, small snacks, eat lunches, dine with friends, and enjoy romantic evenings with our beloved ones. These moments don’t have to be a routine, monotonous procedure. It is important to take advantage of the time that is for ourselves, and take a break to cherish precious jolly times. Edible flowers can serve that purpose very easily, with their vibrant colours, and numerous shapes. They can rapidly transform our dishes, cakes or drinks to a colourful painting!”
“The earth laughs in flowers.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you wish to celebrate in Greek style, why not create your own wreath at home? You can use daisies, dandelion, or any other flower that currently grows spontaneously, even in the most unpredictable places! There are various tutorials online, but we also encourage you to be creative and just play your very own flower game.
We hope you have enjoyed learning about another authentic Greek tradition, and that soon we all will be enjoying the blooming world freely again. Keep safe!
For more floral inspiration visit
olympusfields.gr // @olympusfields
Interview adapted by Veronika Krizova and Allegra Pomilio
Photos by @olympusfields