October: The Gate of Wintertranslated

The month of October (Pyanosios for the ancient Greeks) was traditionally rich in festive events, as ancient populations, and especially in Attica, took care to secure divine protection for the agricultural labors, which begin at this time.

Archpriest Elias Lamias (President of the Synodal Sub-committee for Artistic Events and Musical Congregations of the Church of Greece, Professor of the Hellenic-French School "Saint Joseph"),

These festivals are characterized by widespread participation and aimed at the dissolution of divine blessings so that there may be great prosperity. In agricultural communities, this month always involved the foundations of a rich sodality on which their prosperity and progress were based. The sacrifices and hopes also concerned the craftsmanship of women, which was the center of the feast of the Thesmophoria.

October is also the month when the shepherds, guided by climatic conditions, begin to descend with their flocks from the alpine meadows of the mountains to the fields, to winter. As the ascent of people and animals into the open-air nature is so hopeful and joyous, so is the descent into winter both agonizing and painful.