FizzyLizzy

If you live in a predominantly Catholic country, like say…Poland, you get the day off of work! I was unaware of this religious holiday until I spent a summer in Greece, where the Assumption of the Virgin is also observed. Our expedition had good ties to the village we were staying in and we were fortunate enough to be invited to participate in their celebration on August 15th. In Greece, this holiday is probably most comparable to Thanksgiving in the U.S. in that everyone tries to get home to spend the holiday with their family. It was my impression that in Greece the holiday is often referred to as the Panagia—Panagia meaning “all holy” and another name for the Virgin Mary. My next Greek cat is going to be named Panagiotis (pronounced pah-nah-YOH-teece)--one of the coolest Greek names ever.