Koukkoumas!
On the second of May is the festival of the removal of the relics of St Athanaisos and there is a festival at his church in Chorio. This day has from the distant past been devoted to Koukkoumas, a fortune telling ceremony for would be brides to discover the names of their future husbands. This old custom takes place in the courtyard of Agios Thanassis church. Today the Symi Women’s Institute organises the ceremony accompanied by traditional dancing and musical instruments.
‘All around the tray are the partridges in their plumage, happy and beautifully dressed,
On the second of May, the Koukkoumas, I will find out my fortune and welcome will be he whom I will love and marry
So wake up, wake up Koukkoumas, because sleep weighs down and destroys you,
The Koukkoumas has passed through our neighbourhood and taken our youth and young queens,
Agios Thanassis, my Lord, come down from your throne so that you can see the joyfulness which is taking place in your courtyard.Agios Thanassis, my Lord, of the marble foundations, we are creating love beside you.'
‘All around the tray are the partridges in their plumage, happy and beautifully dressed,
On the second of May, the Koukkoumas, I will find out my fortune and welcome will be he whom I will love and marry
So wake up, wake up Koukkoumas, because sleep weighs down and destroys you,
The Koukkoumas has passed through our neighbourhood and taken our youth and young queens,
Agios Thanassis, my Lord, come down from your throne so that you can see the joyfulness which is taking place in your courtyard.Agios Thanassis, my Lord, of the marble foundations, we are creating love beside you.'
From May Traditions and Customs by Irini Semerzaki (May edition of the Symi Visitor newspaper)
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