Whilst walking the streets of our village today I found along the roadside a 'goose neck gourd'. Very light in weight, it must have blown with the recent strong winds from outside someone's home. I have seen several of these hanging to dry or resting outside countryside cottages; signs of the harvest.
Gourds can be found in every corner of the earth and they date back to 13,000BC. They were one of the earliest crops ever to be imported. and exported. The word nerokolokytha is Greek for 'gourd' and 'flask' which also translates literally to 'water pumpkin' in English.
In ancient Greece gourds were first used by travelers to transport honey, milk, water, wine and medicine. It was called the 'donor of life', since it kept them alive by providing health and longevity during their travels.
Village folk would use dried gourds as containers for wine, water, olives and medicine. They would make them into utensils, cups, bottles, scoops, ladles, fish floats, whistles, rattles, pipes and bird houses.
During Halloween in Greece men would also hang them from their bodies with bells as a symbol of sexuality and fertility. This can still be seen in traditional folklore dances.
Parents use to put them near the children's beds as a symbol of health. Parents believe that fairies would use them to trap their children's nightmares.
Nowadays gourds are mainly used for decorative purposes and can be seen in homes and tavernas, designed into lighting or musical instruments or vases etc.
I will be planting a variety of seeds this year in the hope that the beautiful white flowers will bloom to become unique shaped gourds, which I will give new life to by painting and giving as precious gifts.
To harvest and dry ornamental gourds, follow the link below.
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-dry-or-cure-gourds-1403445
On our travels from Lefkada to Ioannina by car, on the road between Kanali and Louros you will pass several large market stalls selling a variety of gourds, fruit and vegetables, melon (karpuzi), pumpkins, herbs and honey.
One stall holder has a welcoming decorative display to attract customers. You will find many gourds crafted and painted - ready made traditional gifts.
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