Tales from Crete | 81

First of all, I would like to wish everyone a very good month (Kalo mina) as it is called in Greek and then I would like to wish, both for the readers who see this story and everyone else, that the Corona virus which apparently does not seem like it will give let go, even though it seems to be going in the right direction in several places in the world, will soon be a chapter that we can look back on and probably all learn a little bit from.

When it will all open up and we can get to Greece safely again is yet to be seen and until we know for sure, we must arm ourselves with patience, even if it can seem oh so boring. But even in that situation you can actually learn a little about the Greek mentality and culture. The Greeks are particularly good at turning something immediately insoluble muck into something more positive. One of the things the Greeks have done since ancient times is to use music and dance. Well, should that make you happier, you might ask? - and the answer is quite simply YES.

The ancient Greeks considered music a literal gift from the gods and the invention of various instruments was attributed to specific gods. Hermes' lyre, pan syrinx (panpipes) and Athena aulos (flute).

In Greek mythology, the Muses personified the various elements of music (expressed in the broad Greek sense) and are said to have entertained the gods on Olympus with divine music, dance and song. Other mythical figures, were strongly associated with music, and the wine Dionysos, of which we actually have one in stock of the same port. ) Amphion and Thamyres were both famous for their skills in playing the kithara (guitar), while Orpheus was celebrated as a magnificent singer and lyre player. In the Greek world, music is not only music but also an expression that includes dance, lyrics and poetry. A wide variety of instruments were used to perform music that was played on all sorts of occasions, such as religious ceremonies, festivals, private drinking parties (symposia), weddings, funerals, and during athletic and military activities. Music was also an important element in education and Greek drama performances in theaters such as plays and pageants.

In both Greece and everywhere else, the music can do something very special. Music stimulates emotions and creates what psychology calls arousal: it makes one receptive to sensory impressions, sharpens attention and increases preparedness. Music can generally affect both atmosphere and mood. All of this something that takes place completely unconsciously, but is very noticeable, and this is exactly what the Greeks are really good at capturing and using in everyday life, and the dance enhances emotions and sensory impressions but also provides good exercise.

So, all in all, it might be an idea to put on some Greek or other music this weekend and dance around the living room a bit or maybe even make a post on social media where you dance around to the music you like and who do you happier. Then you might also get into a mood that makes the whole thing much easier.

Enjoy