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momogeroi is a custom/ritual in (geographical location) …

Name and etymology

Momogeroi (Μωμόγεροι in Greek) comes from the words Mimos (=mime) and Geros (=old man), referring to the mimics performed by the persons disguised as old men. According to  a slightly different explanation, it could also come from Μώμος, meaning, in Greek, denigration.

Origin

The rite of the Momogeroi has its roots back in pagan times; in the Pontus region, however, it was vested with a Christian character and started being celebrated during the 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany day (6th of January).

Description

The central figure is Kiti Gotsas. It is performed by a group of men, some of which are dressed in animal skins (representing wolves and goats), whereas others are dressed in old warriors’ costumes, bearing swords, and disguised as old men. This group goes around in the village or the neighborhood and enters the houses’ yards. There are three main persons: Kiti Gotsas, the bride and the “negro”. The bride makes out with the young and handsome “negro”, but Kiti Gotsas wants to abduct her. The bride symbolizes regeneration and spring, Kiti Gotsas is the winter which goes away and the negro is the summer. Thus, the rite has a strong symbolic character, reminding of the change of periods of the year.

Variations

In Drama Momogeroi are also popular: the escort of Kiti Gotsas there is more populous and consists of the bride, the groom, the pregnant woman, the warrior and the camel/ A similar rite exists in Western Macedonia region, in Kozani, under the name “Rogatsaria”.

History

Spreading

The ritual of Momogeroi originates from the region of Pontus, in Northern Asia Minor. Nowadays it is being performed in the regions of Thrace, particularly in Komotini, where many Orthodox Christians from Pontus region settled after 1922, when they were expelled from Asia Minor. Nowadays the Momogeroi are celebrated in many regions of Northern Greece where descendants of Pontic families are settled. Every year more re-enactments of this customary rite appear in Greek cities, as far south as Volos, Thessaly.

In popular culture

In present times, the ritual of Momogeroi is resuscitated due to the efforts of Pontic cultural associations, groups for the study of folk traditions and the initiative of municipalities. In 2009 the ritual was resuscitated also in Pontus region, Turkey, due to the collaboration of Greek associations with the municipality of Matsouka and the regional authority of Trabzon.

Impact

In 2016 the Committee for the preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage accepted the proposal of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture to inscribe the rite of Momogeroi to the World Heritage List for Intangible Cultural Heritage. The ritual has been judged emblematic of traditional, age-old customs; the Hellenic Association for the Study and Preservation of Cultural Heritage bears the distinctive name “The Momogeroi”.

Documentation

(significant efforts to document)

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