One of the customs prevailing in the island of Crete is that of “shearing the sheep “, so as they will not suffer from the summer heat and be kept clean without germs .
The shearing in Crete is a kind of celebration and in it all ages take part, even children of primary school, thus maintaining the Cretan tradition. In the old days the farmers were anxious for the time of shearing, and wool was used to make their clothing and the women the dowry of their girls.
Since the Minoan era even as it appears on signs of Knossos, the shearing of sheep and wool production for weaving, played an important role in the local economy.
While shearing is a difficult process that requires many hands and good technique and although the shearing today is not as in the past, because the hair of sheep is no longer commercially used, it contributes to friendship and good relations among villagers that enjoy each other’s company in a celebratory mood.
photo:Flickr
