Every year, Greeks across the world become excited as they prepare to receive their traditional lambatha from their godmother or godfather.
These lambathes are typically a symbol of faith and simplicity, slender and crafted in beeswax or decorated with ribbon and pearls.
This year though, a new best-seller has emerged in Greece: pandemic-themed candles that resemble COVID-19 test kits, vaccination syringes and even red-coloured representations of the ball-and-spike shaped virus itself.
Speaking to AP News, Giorgos Souliotis, who runs an online Easter candle store and a seasonal goods store in Korydallos, Athens, says the best-selling candles are popular as they provide humour.
“This year, the COVID-test candle is definitely our best seller,” Mr Souliotis, who’s shop also sells candles that resemble ice cream cones and kebabs, said.
“People like to make light of something that has affected us all so badly. Last year, the top seller was a vaccination syringe-candle.”
Orthodox Christians in Greece celebrate Easter this Sunday with fewer restrictions in place since the start of the pandemic.
That still includes mask and vaccination mandates at churches and many other shared indoor areas, but stores and markets selling Easter goods are open.
Source: AP News.
