Everything you need to know about Psihosavato (Saturday of Souls)

·

Psihosavato, also known as the Saturday of Souls, is a day that members of the Greek Orthodox community gather to pray for the dead, remembering that it was on the Great and Holy Saturday when Christ lay dead in his Tomb.

As Greeks come together and pray, they also celebrate the day with traditions that have been passed down through centuries.

One of the most popular traditions is that of eating koliva. This is a delicious dessert that consists of wheat, raisins, cinnamon, nuts, pomegranate, and powdered sugar. This dish is handed out after a memorial service, and if there are any leftovers, they’re given to friends and family. This custom is thought to have originated in Ancient Greece, because the Ancient Greeks used to offer the dead a similar dish of wheat and nuts.

Another popular element of Psihosavato is the memorial service, in which a special memorial prayer is made to pray for the deceased’s forgiveness. This is also a time where many family members attend the tomb or burial site of a loved one, commemorating their death.

Psihosavato traditions can sometimes differ between different regions of Greece. In Crete, Soul Saturday is a day when people don’t cut down trees. This is because they believe there are souls sitting on the branches, and cutting the trees down would disturb them.

To help celebrate Psihosavato, here is a koliva recipe you can make at home!

Ingredients

  • 500 g Olympian Hard Wheat
  • 200 g Walnuts
  • 200 g Grated Walnuts
  • 200 g Almonds, blanched
  • 1 Pomegranate (optional)
  • 250 g Sultanas
  • 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

  • In a bowl, add the hard wheat, cover with cold water and soak overnight.
  • The following day, drain, transfer to a pot and cover with cold water.
  • Boil over medium heat for about 60 minutes, until the wheat softens.
  • When ready, drain.
  • Spread a large, clean towel on a working surface and spread the wheat over it. Cover with another towel and let it dry overnight.  It should have no moisture at all. 
  • Coarsely chop the walnuts.  
  • Coarsely chop the almonds.
  • Finely grind the other walnuts in a blender.
  • If you’re using pomegranate, cut in half, remove the white membrane and remove the seeds.
  • In a large bowl, add all of the toasted ingredients, the pomegranate seeds and the remaining ingredients.
  • Mix well with a wooden spoon and serve.

Recipe by: Olympian Foods

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Speak Greek in March’ campaign sees GCM students visit Melbourne Zoo

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) City’s school unit successfully organised an educational excursion to the Melbourne Zoo.

Teen star Sam Konstas earns first Cricket Australia contract

Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old opener from New South Wales, has been awarded his first Cricket Australia contract for the 2025–26 season.

Brisbane taverna owner John Theoharis disqualified from driving after licence breach

John Theoharis, co-owner of Brisbane’s popular Lefkas Taverna, has been fined $300 and disqualified from driving for three months.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in talks to buy the Sydney Kings

NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is in talks to buy a stake in the Sydney Kings — with plans to rename the team the ‘Spartan Kings.’

Paros submerged, Syros pelted by hail as storms sweep the Cyclades

Severe weather swept across several Cycladic islands on Monday, March 31 with Paros and Syros among the hardest hit.

You May Also Like

Inquiry into death of severely ill toddler Noah Souvatzis continues

A severely ill toddler who died of meningitis was released from a remote Victorian hospital in worse condition than when he arrived.

NSW Labor calls for additional COVID-19 testing in south west Sydney

Labor has called for additional COVID-19 testing in south west Sydney, after the NSW Government opened a single pop-up clinic in Crossroads Hotel's carpark.

21-year-old striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos joins Newcastle Jets

Former Young Socceroos striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has been announced as the latest addition to Newcastle Jets' strike force.