Hekate's Honey Cakes and a Poxy Saint

Or, Hekate's many faces

Please note that as a long read, not all of this post will show up in your inbox. Just click on the “read more” link at the bottom to see the whole post, or click here to view the full post in your browser.

Every year on the eve of 4th December, the scent of cinnamon and honey wafts through Greek neighbourhoods. The next morning, neighbours visit each other, exchanging bowls of varvāra; a pudding of sweet boiled wheat, mixed legumes, raisins, pomegranate seeds, various other dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The pudding is laced with sugar, cinnamon, and honey. The traditional recipe often contains 7, 9, or rarely 10 ingredients; numbers with a symbolic significance.

When it is ready, the children of the household eat first, then the adults, and the next morning neighbours share their batches with each other, ensuring all families with children receive enough portions for all.

The sharing of this ritual meal is accompanied by entreaties and offerings for the protection of the children’s h…