“Sourva” in Gonnoi village

The custom has Macedonian and Thracian roots and was brought to the small town by the great-great-grandfathers of today’s residents, many of whom originated from the Vlach villages and the Kupatsa villages of Grevena. In their “classic” version, the carolers sing:

“Sourva, sourva, sturdy body
sturdy body, sturdy livestock pen
like silver, like cornel wood
and may next year all be strong,
all be strong and kind-hearted.
Sourva, sourva for joy,
for raisins, for coins,
for walnuts, for almonds,
for a single carob pod”

The people of Gonnoi have inherited from their ancestors a more “mischievous” version:

“Sourva, sourva and Saint Basil,
Karavasilis’ children,
sitting on the little bed,
smoking a little cigarette,
a turtle with a shell,
goes to steal some corn,
and they broke its shell”

In earlier years, when more children lived in Gonnoi, various groups were formed by neighborhood, often competing with one another, while their “rounds” through the village streets took place on New Year’s Day itself, before dawn.

Today, “Sourva” takes place early in the evening on New Year’s Eve, organized by a large group that gathers at the offices of the Cultural Association. Children (as well as adults) wear thick woolen cloaks (“maliotes”), carry shepherd’s crooks, and fasten bells, cowbells, and metal clappers around their waists. These give the custom an apotropaic character, as the noise they create is believed to drive away not only the old year, but also evil spirits. They spill out into the streets of the town, knock on house doors, burst into shops, and rouse everyone with their bells, their shouts, and above all their smiles and infectious energy!
 

*The name derives from the sourvia (or sorvia), a small tree, whose decorated branches were used by the carolers to strike the doors of houses or the backs of passers-by. According to mythology, it was the favorite tree of fairies, witches, and malevolent spirits.