An important tradition in my Greek household that has been passed down from my grandfather is the preparation of the lamb. My parents immigrated to the United States years ago and brought this tradition from my small village in Greece all the way to my suburban home in Brooklyn. Before my parents left their homeland, their parents made sure to teach them all of the significant history and culture that was passed on from our ancestors to preserve our heritage. Lamb meat is widely used in the preparation of Greek foods but most importantly on Easter.

The night before Easter, my father with the help of his brother begin the preparation of the lamb. They season it with a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano that is called “ladolemono”. The next day after morning liturgy they place the lamb on a large spit. The lamb takes approximately four hours to cook completely.

This day is very symbolic for my family and I because it’s the one day, since I was a little girl, that all my family members gather together to celebrate Easter. Even though many years have gone by this tradition is still alive in my family. The memories I have made, are memories that I would want to pass down to my future family to be able to carry on this tradition.