COVID-themed candles are best-sellers in Greece for Orthodox Easter

·

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.

Giorgos Souliotis, owner of an online Easter candle store and a seasonal goods store, poses with a candle that resemble a COVID-19 test kit in Athens, Greece, on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Photo: AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis.

“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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

St Nectarios Burwood marks 50th anniversary with touching ceremony

Local parishioners celebrated the 50th anniversary since St Nectarios Church in Burwood was formally handed over from The Methodists.

PAOK expands global footprint with Australian visit

PAOK Football Club has initiated a new chapter in Australia as part of its strategy to expand its global presence.

Celebrating the feast day of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ

On August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, is seen as one of the most significant days in the Orthodox calendar.