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Kallikantzaroi, A Cypriot Folktale

CHRISTMAS FOLK TALES

A Cypriot Folktale

So what are the “Kallikantzaroi? There are various descriptions of this mythical creature from Cypriot folk lore, but we will settle on this one. They are small invisible dark goblin like creatures that have a hankering for the Cypriot delicacy of honey puffs also known as loukoumades. 

MISCHIEF & MAYHEM

A Christmas Story

The creatures live deep inside the ground and only come to the surface at night during the 12-day period between Boxing Day on the 26th and Epiphany on January 6th. If they do not receive their favourite treats, they enter houses in search of them and cause mischief and mayhem. They spoil food and wreak havoc by breaking things. They will also play tricks on people and hide things.

HONEY PUFFS

Loukoumades

The creatures often receive peace offerings in the form of their favourite honey puffs to keep them at bay. The honey puffs are freshly prepared just before the sun goes down and left outside the front doors and windows of each house every night.

LEGENDS

Local legend 

According to local legend, anyone born during the time when the ‘Kallikantzaroi’ roam, form a connection to them. It is said that these people can sense the ‘Kallikantzaroi’ and grow restless when the creatures are nearby. They are also the only people that can see or talk to them. 

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