Language

History of Nea Kessani

“So go to the folk songs, to the folk art and to the rustic and popular life to find your language and your soul, and with these tools, if you have drive within you and inspiration, you will create whatever you want—tradition, culture, truth, and philosophy.”

Ion Dragoumis, GREEK CIVILIZATION Athens 1927

Girls from Eastern Rumelia, on the right Kyriaki Fotiadou, on the left Kyratsaki Christoforou

Key features of the Thracian dialect and vocabulary as spoken in our village, Nea Kessani.

GRAMMAR

Definite article declension: masculine o, tou, to or ntou, e – oi, ap’ tsi, tsi, e. Feminine i, tsi, ti or nti, e – oi, ap’ tsi, tsi, e. Neuter to, tou, to, e – ta, ap’ ta, ta, e.
Noun declension: we avoid the plural genitive of nouns and use the preposition with the accusative instead. The genitive of neuters ending in -ma and -a is formed like: tou pramatiou, tou dematiou, tou chomatiou (though not always). The plural of neuters is often formed like: ta kerdhita, ta ethimata.
Distributive numerals: enas-enas or apo enas, dyo-dyo or apo dyo, treis-treis or apo treis, etc. Multiplicative: diplos, triplos or tridiplos, tetradiplos.
Comparatives: kalos, episis kalos, akoma kalos, akoma pio kaliteros.

Verb conjugation:

The stress of verbs in all persons usually stays in the same place as in the first-person singular, not shifting even when forms are stressed before the antepenultimate: egrapha, egrapha-te/i, egrapha-me/i, fylagoumai, fylagoumeste, etc.
Ancient contracted verbs are conjugated strictly, either in the first or second conjugation: agapo, agapas, agapa, agapami, agapati, agapani or agapo, agapeis, agapei, agapoumi, agapeite, agapouni
“Eimai” (to be) in the imperfect: im’na, is’na, intane, imastane/i, isastane/i, intane/i.
“Ginome” (to become): genoumai/i in present: genoumai/i, genisai/i, genitai/i, gen’maste, geneste, genn’tai or genontai. In aorist: gin’ka, gin’kes, gin’ke, gin’kame, gin’kate, gin’kan. In future: tha geno, tha gen’s, tha gen’, tha gen’me, tha gen’te, tha gen’ne
“Mazevou” (to collect) in future: tha maso.
Reduction of unstressed e, ai and o, ou to i and ou respectively: niro, pidi, anthroupous, gimozou, etc.
Reduction of masculine article “o” to “ou”: ou kosmous, ou babas; sometimes even to “i”: i Kotsous, i babas, etc.
Insertion of “i” in the cluster “sm”: thkozim (dikos mou), i paterazim (my father).
Insertion of “gi” between two vowels within a word or at word boundaries: thigios (Theos), trigia, igiallous (o allos).
Double consonants gk, mp, nt are pronounced nasally or as Latin r, b, d (e.g., kammpos, gkountinos).
They say: toth Theo, tok krias’ (kreas), de gksero, ton neipna, tin neida, de gkatalaveno.
With consonants k,g,ch and l,n before dropped vowels, a light “i” is added: Elenaki, fotiki, foichi, oi Ellini (=oi Ellines).
kt becomes cht, and likewise for xth, while fth becomes ft.
Change of suffix –pto to –fto or –vo: kopto – kofto, kaliptomai – kalyvoumai.
g can change to ch, and th to d (e.g., thygatera – dychatera).
th and n are often dropped from the start of “tha” and “na”: a pa’ na fero, a pago, a fygo.
The last syllable of “pago” is dropped when preceded by “na” or “tha” (tha pa’ na …).
s is not pronounced between two vowels: tha liosis – tha lioeis.
Stress in clusters io and ia moves to the second vowel: theios, theios; agiasma – agiasma or agiasma.
Coarticulation of two adjacent vowels/diphthongs (of suffix and initial syllable of the next word) into one syllable, with stress on the first vowel: poueisi? pouintane? esyisan? tiein’ afto?
In adverbs “kato” and “pano”, the final -ou is dropped when followed by “se”: kat’ stou gyalo, pan’ stou trapez’. Often before “kat’” and “pan’”, when nothing follows, “sa” is added: sapan’, sakat’. Likewise with edo, ekei, pera: sa’do, sa’kei, sapera and in the question “pou.”
“apo” drops the “a” before local adverbs: ’po mprosta, ’po logera, po pisou, etc. In the question “apo pou?” it becomes “pou pou?”
Frequent gender shifts: to stoma – o stomas, to tharros – i tharrita, o arravon – i arravona.
Unstressed final -i and other vowels drop when the following word starts with a vowel: tou spit’ afto, irt’ i ora, epsin’ o fournos. In some words (keino, ena, allo) the final vowel drops even if the article starts with t or nt: Kein’ nto chrono, nton all’ nto mina.
Vowels and diphthongs in the middle of a word are clipped if unstressed, even entire syllables: koimith’ke, s’kon’mai (sikonoumai), lous’ka (loustika).
Instead of “tha,” they say “tha ’la”: tha’ la pai avrio. Tha ’la fonaza, alla eiche kosmo, etc.
Verbs ending in -aino and -eno are transformed to -isko: pethnisko (pethaino), mnisko (meno).
Feminine forms of masculine personal or professional nouns: -essa when masculine is oxytone (giatros – giatressa), -aina when paroxytone (bakalis – bakalaina), and -ina when proparoxytone (dimarchos – dimarchina).
Neuter diminutives in -oudi (kourtsoudi) and -poulon instead of -aki (paidoplo, cheroplo).
Feminine diminutives in -ouda, e.g., Vasil’kouda.

Grandmother Afentia Detaki and Grandmother Droseri Boutara.

SYNTAX

In personal pronouns singular, the accusative “me” is used instead of the genitive “mou”: fere me (/mou), na se steilo, nton egrapsa (I wrote to him).
Change in verb “areso” syntax (instead of + genitive + accusative): ton arese (she liked him), tin arese (he liked her).
How blessings are expressed: Na edin’ o Theos…, na intane na….
How wishes or hypotheses are expressed: Na eicha barem (=at least) paradis.
How doubt is expressed: Takhates irte?
Use of particles “gia” and “ma”: nai gia! giati gia? Och’ ma. Ti fkians’ ma? and “gia” used instead of disjunctive “i” (or): sa’ do gia sa’ kei?

At Antonakis’ café in 1959. On the far right in the white jacket is Fotidis Giorgos, next in line is Zizikas Ilias, then Xanthopoulos Polychronis, Evangelos … , Kopsalidis Christos and Kartalis Adam. Among the children on the back left is Christoforou Lefteris and Yalamidis Giorgos. Further back is Vathrakeas Antonis.

GLOSSARY

a = will (future particle “tha”)

avaria = damage

avgataíno / avgatízo = increase, grow, multiply

avramiliá = cherry plum tree

ágano = the chaff from wheat grain

angelokóvomai = to be startled at the moment of death

agnatirtízo = I look, observe

agroikó = I understand

agói = transport, fare

aderfoupaíd’ = niece/nephew

athérstous = unharvested

aïliák’s-kou = unemployed

akapístroutous = without a bridle, (fig.) unruly

akránis = peer, someone of the same age (and “akrania” for feminine)

alárga = far away

alachantamoú = kind-hearted

alétir = plough

allis’viris’ = transaction, exchange

alliót’kous = different

alougókaro = horse-drawn carriage

al’tsiák’s = easily scared, cowardly

alóni = the threshing floor

amáka = donation

amanét’ = pawn, pledge

ampás = bulk, thick local fabric

ampatí = small door/gate (different from the main gate of the yard), leading to another neighborhood

ampntál’s = graceless, odd

anávra = spring (water source)

andeximiós-á = godchild

anexarázo = I chew the cud

anécheia = poverty

ániftous = unwashed

anoichtosýni = open area, countryside

andára = fog

andét’ = custom

antí = part of a loom (weaving component)

antikria = opposite, across

Andrianou = Adrianople (Edirne)

áxeis? = did you hear?

apokrievou = I abstain from meat (before Lent)

apól’ka = I let go, I dismissed

apómna = I lagged behind, I got tired

apópatos = toilet, outhouse

aposóno = I finish, I chatter

aralík’ = crack, crevice; (fig.) idle sitting

argiáni = drink made from diluted yogurt

aretlíkis = friend

arída = drill; (fig.) leg

arkoudízo = I crawl on all fours

armiá = salt, salted foods

arnaoúts = big-headed person

arpáchnou = I grab, I snatch

arsízis = shameless, insolent

arténoúmi = I eat non-fasting (non-Lenten) foods

artsial(i) = triangular iron used to scrape the wheels of the plough

artsiónoumi = I get angry

arý = sparse, diluted

archítera = earlier

asamároutous = unsaddled, without a saddle

astrichiá = roof eave, edge of the roof

atófious = whole, intact

átsalous = careless, inattentive

atyrán’stous = uneducated, uncultivated

avlakiá = row, furrow in a field

avtnoí = they (those people)

afalós = navel

áftra = aphtha (oral ulcer)

acharámstous = unjustly scattered or wasted

achamnós = mean, ill-natured, fussy

achmáks = silly, idle person

achóni = glutton, insatiable person

achoúr’ = stable, animal shed

Grandpa Detos in front of the ox, Grandpa Anastos behind, on the ox, Fotis Katsoukas from Avato.

vagisménos = bent over, hunched

vazgkestó = I give up, I quit trying

vakouf = church-owned property

valtísious = from the marsh

vánou = I put, I place

vantralízo = I babble, I chatter

varvátous = strong, (for an animal) not castrated

vargiós or variá = large hammer

vaskaíno = I cast the evil eye

váskama = the evil eye

vatsiniá = bramble bush

vergí = barrel hoop

vigklízo = I peek, I peep secretly

vidológos = screwdriver

vízita = visit

vínch’ = crane, loader

vitaliá = unleavened flatbread (lagana)

vítsa = thin twig or rod

volá = turn, occasion

vouzoúni = pus-filled pimple

vouíz’ = my head is buzzing

voulkiá = very fat man or woman

vouniá = cow dung

vradiás’ka = night fell while I was still out

vrakouzóna = belt for the baggy trousers (vraka)

Nikos Gamtsidis with his proverbial sense of humor between two friends.

gaïthourogklístra = narrow passage

gaíma = blood

yemenniá(ta) = men’s rustic shoes

gennímata = produce of the land, mainly cereals

gerlestízo = I tidy up, I put things in order

géftou = I taste (imperative: gépse = taste it)

yazík’ = what a pity, shame

yak = stack of mattresses
yalamás = lip sore, metaphorically a weak man

giántes (to) = bet, wager

yarmás = animal feed (crushed barley, oats, bran)

yar = ravine, gorge

yasmák’ = decorative cloth for the fireplace

yaták’ = bed, nest

yéla = come

yordáni = necklace, metaphorically double chin

yiouván’s = fool, simpleton

yiouki = built-in small cupboard

yioufkás = homemade noodle pasta (hilopites)

gazák’ = marble (toy)

galétsia = wooden clogs

gevézés or kevézés = chatterbox, babbler

giozlemés = large fried flatbread

giónoumi = I become stubborn, I oppose

gióla = small lake

gyoum’ = copper vessel

gouroultí = noise, clatter

gkirgkiliános = larynx

gontogámtzalo = short-sleeved shirt

gótsina = pigsty

górtsa = wild pears

gkountoúk’ = donkey

gkountoúl’ = thick piece of wood

gkourlónno = I widen my eyes

gkoutzoúkis = short, stubby

gratsoúna = opened gourd

glíoura = quickly

goúla = gluttony

gouliáris = glutton

goumídia = pillow stuffing

goúrna = water pit, stone washbasin at a fountain

goustéra = lizard

grammatkós = literate, educated

groun’ = pig

Top row: (first two from Selino), Papantoniou Athanasios, Kartalis Ioannis, Tsolakidis Georgios, Mazarakis Georgios, Argyriou Theodoros.
Next row: all from Selino except for Ttsamourtzis Dimitris and Daphos Ioannis.
Below from left: Kotsalas Fotis, Kateridis Konstantinos, Christoforou Georgios, director of the American School of Thessaloniki, Georgiadis, an agronomist from Xanthi, the next two from Selino, Filachtakis Giannis, Topakis Paraskevas, Balampanis Stavris.
Bottom row, from the village: Koutalios Kostas, third from the right.
Δ

da = will

dakrákia = hyacinths

damál’ = female calf

dáchlou = finger

dexím = godchild

déounta = regards, greetings

diázoumi = I’m in a hurry

diáforo = interest (financial)

dies = see (imperative)

dikél’ = two-pronged hoe

doxáka = long curved stick used to carry buckets on the shoulders

dosímata = tax

doukhrána or dokán’ or domána = farming tool used for gathering grass

doukranízo = I toss (wheat) in the air to separate it from chaff

dourák’na = peaches

dragát’s = rural guard

drimón’ = tool for cleaning legumes

dým’ton = double-threaded or double-woven fabric

dychatéra = daughter

Giorgos Tsolakidis (son of Spyros), Petsianis Paraskevas, Tsatralis Stavros, Apostolos Alexandridis and Giorgos Tsolakidis (son of Theodoros).

eídia = I saw

émasa = I gathered

emén = just now

epaúrio = the next day

zavá = upside down, askew

zavlakónoumi = I feel dizzy

zakínia = fishing tools

zamakónou = I corner (someone)

zamouróno = I curl up

zandarmás = gendarme

zapónou = I seize, I take forcefully

zar-zar = (expression to ward off envy)

zarzavát’ = vegetables

zgóur = year-old goat

zempereki (to) = latch (door clasp)

zéfgles = rods on the yoke of a cart

zéfla = the curved part of a yoke placed on the animal’s neck

ziázomai = I weigh myself

zífsei = (it) went out

znár’ = sash, belt

zoúd’ = small, wild animal

zoukóno = I sting, I jab

zoúlia = jealousy

zountím’ = energetic child

zoúra = frailty, whining

zourlamás = sprain, overexertion

zourlantízo = I force, press, strain

From left: Pagonakis Theodoros, an unknown man, Zizikas Ilias, Christoforou Christoforos, Alexandridis Apostolos, Tsolakidis Nikos. The boy to the right of the tree is Zizikas Thanasis, and in front are Ekmektsis Antonis and Kampakis Thanasis.

íntani = was

ígema = charm, spell

írti = came

Thamázoumi = I ponder | thamás’ka = I was caught off guard

thár’sa = I thought

thérmi = fever

thimouniá = pile of sheaves

thkózim’, thkiám’, thkom’ = mine (masc., fem., neut.)

thouró = I see

thrypsídia = crumbs

ivlougiméni = chickenpox

igó = I

ílem = no matter what

ináti = stubbornness

isnáf(i) (to) = profession | ípsouma = elevation

ka = not at all

kabúni = melon

ka(g)indízo = I slip

kan kamia = any (none)

kazík’ = stake, (metaphorically) misfortune

kathársio = castor oil

kakávi (to) = small copper pot | kakavoúnis = fool

kalangáthi = painful finger inflammation

kalampalíki = baggage, mess of many things

kallínes = bridesmaids

kalúpi = the mold used to stack tobacco leaves

kalpazán’s = lazy

kalpáki = men’s hat

kálps = lazy

kaloskerízo = I taste the season’s first fruit, etc.

kámouma = feat, achievement

kambáthi(ko) = not hard

kampandaís = tough guy

kamónoumi = I pretend

kánou zevgári = I plow

kaplandízo = to quilt with sheet, to cover

kardára = wooden milking bucket

karíki (to) = furrow in the field for sowing or watering

karikóno = I mend clothes | karkatzéli = goblin

karlantízo = I calculate

karsí = opposite

kartáli = eagle

kasavéti = care, concern | kasampás = town, borough

kasampalís = urban, cosmopolitan person

kásia = cream (offered in memory of the dead)

kaskaríka = prank, practical joke

kát’ = fold, pleat

katapódi = behind, following someone < katapoudiázo

katík’ = strained yogurt

katlaváki = somersault

katsamáki = corn flour porridge

kátsiasi = withered

kats’viliá = sloppiness

katsívelous = gypsy

katsipodiá = misfortune

katsipodiázo = I feel unwell

katsirntó/ízo = I fall accidentally (aor. katsirntís’ka = I fell)

katsoula = hood

katói = basement

kezápi = nitric acid

kelemés = uprooted vineyard, uncultivated field

kenónou = I serve

kerpíts’ = adobe brick, very dry (adj.)

kiári = profit

kiïndízo = I decide with difficulty, or I grind meat

kióris = blind person

kilími = wool or cotton home-woven rug

kirkinezi = kestrel (small hawk)

kiougk’(i) = clay pipe

kioutroum = clumsy (due to fatness)

klápa = plank joining two boards

klasína = coarse straw

klimatsída = vine shoot

klymniá = the four upright posts of a cart

kolái = ease, facility

kón’da = louse egg (nit)

kópanous = wooden club for beating thick clothes during washing

kóptsa = button

kórdouma = stretching, (fig.) pride

kór’za = bedbug

kórfous = chest

kósa = sickle

kóts’ = ankle bone

kouzás = unopened cotton boll

kouïti = wind-sheltered spot

koukóna = refined lady

kouliá = buttocks

koumási = henhouse, also used derogatorily

koumpík’ = a pile-on game where kids fall on top of one another

koumsál’ = sandy soil

koumóutsi/koumóutsa = dry bread chunk

kountourntízo = I am very lively, hyperactive

koupána = the wooden basin

koupoukas = rude, illiterate, dirt poor

kourkoút’ = a dish made from flour

kourmpáni = sacrifice

kouroultnízomai = I get boastful

kouroutzís = rural guard

kourfoulógh’ma = cutting the tops of vineyard shoots

kousás = large sickle for cutting clover

kousévou (or kousáo) = I run

koúspos = corner

krénou = I speak, I answer

kriás (to) = meat

kroúo = I knock, I hit

k’tsós = lame

kyratsoúda = sister-in-law

lagína = jug

lagoúmi = sewer

laimariá = neck strap of an animal

lalangkíta (i) or lalákia (ta) = fried pastries

lampougyál’ = glass part of the oil lamp

lanára = tool for combing animal wool

lardí = pork fat

lafiát’s = green-yellow snake, 1.5m long

lafriá = foolish woman

leichoudi = infant

leichoúsa = woman who just gave birth

leipsó = incomplete

lemóntouzou = citric acid (sour salt)

lés’ = dead animal carcass, filth

lígda = pork grease

lingkrízoumi = I flirt

limpízomai = I crave

lioungoúrs = naive, large man

lichnízou – líchnisma = I winnow, separate wheat from chaff

loúra = all around

louks = strong gasoline lamp

loupoudíts = pickpocket, schemer

lokmádes = honey puffs

loulénoumi = I go mad

Stefanos Alexiadis

magiasíli = hemorrhoids

mag’larás = chubby-cheeked

mazóno = I gather, aor. émasa, fut. tha másso

mathé = of course, indeed

makarás = pulley

makariá = feast for the dead

mamalínga = cornbread

mamoud’ = insect

maniόnomai = I get angry

maxoúl’ = agricultural yield

máxous = on purpose

mar = perhaps

margiá = old ewe

margóno = I go numb, I pine away

mar’kétai = (it) chews the cud

markoúts’ = rubber hose

marmágkalos = large spider

martzélia = coins on headscarf

masalévou = I chat

masál’ = anecdote, phrase

maslát’ = joke, story

masiá = fire iron

masoúri = spool

mastrapás = large copper cup with handle

matsalízo = I chew

matoghiália = eyeglasses

machanás = blame, excuse

meïntáni = open area, small square

meraklandízo = I’m seized with longing

merás = forest, pasture

mesála = tablecloth

miladérfia = siblings by marriage or through fostering, not biological

milína = pie, bougatsa

mikíkia = type of small donut

misiakós = shared, joint

misíri = turkey

miskínis-a-iko = dirty, unkempt

mitária = loom parts

momítses = village girls from Bulgaria

monókero = small wooden cross with miraculous powers, soaked in water overnight and drunk for healing

mouldouvána = graceless, awkward woman

mounachousiá = loneliness

moúrtzos = one with a dirty face

mourós, mouroúna = idiot, fool

mousloúk’ = small washbasin

moútla = gaps between roof beams

mouchán’ = blacksmith’s tool

bagiá = (adv.) quite

baïr’ = uphill, hill | bakaloum = let’s see

bambatzán’s = gallant man

bambáts’kous = large-bodied

bámpou = grandmother

bandák’ = mud, mire

baráz’ = scolding

bárem = at least

bahtsés = vegetable garden | bahtseván’s = gardener

biz = group game

bibliá = roasted chickpeas

binás = house ceiling interior

blastróno = I massage, I rub

bligoúri = food made from cracked wheat

bol’ = vaccine – bóliasma = vaccination

bompóli = pod contents of green beans, fava beans etc.

bostán-kourkoulouki = scarecrow

bougáz’ = cold draft or stomach, metaphorically big appetite

bougás = bull

bouzátos = clean, white

bouzchanás = refrigerator, also metaphorically cold-hearted person

boukloúki = trash, manure

boulítsa = dish shelf above the fireplace

boumpó = (for infants) sweet treat

boumpoúna = large flaming fire

bounákis = someone acting childishly

bounaklantízo = to act senile, lose one’s mind

boúrla = string, bundle

bourndízo = to twist, rotate, castrate

bouchtízo = I get fed up

bouchtsiás = bundle, sack

broumtízo = I fall forward

Kopsalidis Giorgos, Kartalis Dimitris, Kopsalidis Kostas and Evangelos, Blioumis Themistoklis.

nalét’s-iko = contrary person

nevató = “nevató” embroidery

neiriás’kes = you had a wet dream

néntzoura = arrogance, boastfulness

niskáda = hunger

nívoumi = I wash myself

nisáfi = enough, that’s enough, mercy

nonstatskák’ = small bedroom

nourá = tail

ntávanous = big horsefly

ntavrantízo = I raise, I build strength

ntayantízo/ntó = I endure, I rely on

ndagouni = idiot

ntalakiázo = I swell with water

ntál’ = branch

ntaliáni = fish farm

ntalntízo = I dive in, I plunge, I dare

ntám’ = stable, barn

ntamkás = stain, scar

ntamouzlík’ = breeding male animal

ntamouzloúk’ = reproduction

ntingkíz’ (to) = axle

ntilimpásis = madman

ntímpintous = absolutely nothing

ndlav’ = fire iron (for coals)

ntolamás = short women’s jacket

ntontourmá = ice cream

ntouvaléta = winter sleeping cap

ntougkourtzioúm’ = small haystack (14–17 sheaves)

ntoúz’ka = ahead, straight ahead

ntoúz’kous = straightforward, frank

ntoukána = threshing tool

ntoúmous = cat

ntoúmbla = gold coin

ntourntouvák’ = forced laborer

ntravalízo = I ramble, chatter

ntrouvána = cone-shaped churn for making butter

ntrouvanízo = I churn milk into butter

nyfoustól’(i) (to) = wedding procession

nychopoúria = fingernails

Little schoolgirls at their teacher Petsani Domna’s house. Children from left to right: Tsatrali Maria, Chalkopoiou Fotoula and Zafeiroula, Yalamidou Steriani, Tsatrali Soula, Michailidou Zafeiroula, Stavrakara Dafni, Alexiadou Alexandra, Karakatsani Vaggelitsa, Malaki Xanthí, Michailidou Tasoula, Topaki Kalouda, Flatsara Paraskevi.

xagiázo = I tidy up the house

xadeiázo = I unload, I free up time

xaino = I card sheep wool for combing

xarízo = I clean the stable

xekapartízo = I snatch away

xeponó = I stop loving (especially relatives)

xerádi = small dry stick, fig. very skinny person

xivoutánisma = weeding

xíkis = featherbrained

xiklounarízo = I prune

xipatónou = I destroy, uproot

xipázomai = I get conceited, amazed

xiskalízo = I dig into, recall

xylokérata = carob pods

xistrí = metal comb for animals

xfounia = socks, woolen stockings

óli, óli, óli = cry of pain | óloum = my child

ortalíki = region, outskirts, crowd

oúou = scolding (and other meanings)

oúlna = everyone

oundás = chamber, room

ourló = raw egg

ourmán’ = forest

ourníth’ = chicken

ochlandízo/ntó = I sigh

Photo from cotton picking again at the estates of Mehmet Ali. Among those present: Karakatsanis Nikolaos, Tsatrali Vasiliki, Pagonaki Panagiota, Karamousalidou Giannoula, Tsamourtzi Soultana, Kampaki Zafeiriou, Michailidou Evangelia, Bampatzani Athanasia, Ouzounidou Fotoula.

pagiénou / paénou = I go

paidomán’ = many children

palántza = scale

panathýri = window

panakoplýts = dishcloth

pappoúdes = popcorn

parapórti = middle door, back door

parasól’ = umbrella

paraférnou = I resemble

parachónou = I cover with soil

parlantízoúmi = I realize, understand

parmákia = wooden railings

partsál’ = rag

pastál’ = bundle of tobacco leaves < pastaliázo

patéka = path

patlákia = popcorn

patlánia = large wooden containers for salting

patófkiarou = a type of shovel

patsiás = head, nape

perpatópita = a pie made when a baby starts walking, blessed in church to help the child walk properly

peskés’ = gift

petméz’ = boiled grape must, also boiled fruits in grape must

pthár’ = large earthenware jar

piás’ki = got caught

pidoudi/pidarel’ = small child

pidimós = exhaustion

pinakoutí = a kind of wooden tray with small compartments used for placing bread dough

pirilavénou = I take on, assume

pismanévou = I change my mind

pismánis = repentant

pitskár’se = came out of the mold

pítskou = small child

p’láda = hen that hasn’t laid eggs yet

p’laló = I run

planízo = I smooth wood

platégia = square

pliáts’kou = looting

podopánia = cloth shoes

porpódi = woolen wrap for the leg before wearing traditional shoes

pósta = resources

potour’ / poutouri / poutouli / boutouri = wide trousers for elders (Eastern Rumelia)

poudounár’ = legging

pouloúk’ = iron plow for deep plowing

pourdouklónoumi = I stumble

pourpatisiá / perpatisiá = step

pourtiáka = large door

prámata = domestic animals (buffaloes, oxen, cows, etc.)

prouvoudó = I send off

proungízo/proungó = I startle, I shoo away loudly

pyrustiá = metal tripod for cooking

Dimosthenis Daphos with his wife and son.

rakoúda = raki (alcohol)

rachatlís = lazy person

rentés = grater

retséli = sweet preserve

roukónoumai = I squeeze myself in

rogovýzi = breast pump

savourdízo = I throw, hurl

sayiák’ = boiled wool

sazáni = carp fish

sázia = moss

saïmpís = owner

saïta = loom part

salamoura = brine

saliágkas = snail

samóladou = sesame oil

santratzána = manly woman, assertive woman

sapTízo = I change route

sára = epilepsy

sarmás = dish with liver, membrane, and rice

saskín’s = fool, simpleton

sastízo = I am confused

satír = large meat knife

satsáki = wooden tile protector at roof edge

sáts’ = square tin tray

sapsális = disorderly person | svárna = type of farming tool

serbéz’s = lively, trustworthy person

sersém’s = fool, simpleton | simadiakós = physically marked person

siápka = cap

síta = sieve

siakát’-siapán’ = downward-upward

sialvára = wide trousers worn by grandfathers

siasirntízo = I get confused, disoriented

simít’ = soft bagel

siní = shallow baking tray

sintízo = I am exhausted, I’ve had enough

skaniázo = I feel sorrow | skantzilíthra = spark

skafíd’ = wooden kneading tub

skíza = split tree trunk

sou = no matter what

soupiera = soup bowl | sourát’ = face, grim expression | sourva = cornel branch

sourntízo = I go on too long

sourtára = sheep trail | sourtoúkis = wanderer

soufrás = low table (people sat cross-legged to eat from one dish)

spathólado = oil infused with St. John’s wort, with healing properties

spírtou = alcohol (ethanol)

spouriá = plot of one stremma

stalízo = when sheep rest in the shade – “stalling”

stimóni = the vertical threads of woven fabric

stoumbéts’ = white lead (used in paint making)

stré(x)ou = I agree

strousídia = bedding, carpets

stylíar’ = wooden handle of tools

sýntavlistro = iron rod to stir coal in oven

syntychéno = I converse

sfoungia = cleaning rag

tagkíla = foul smell from swamp

takát(i) = strength

tamachkiár’s = greedy person

tampiét’ = flaw

tanízo = I stretch

tachiá = early morning

tezéki = compact soil lump

teknefézis = sickly person

terlíkia = woolen or fabric slippers

tzaklík’ = decorative cloth for the fireplace

tzamála = St. Demetrios celebration custom, camel | tzamandál’ = vest

tzatzala = rags

tzerzeloudia = apricots

tivikél’s = weird, tall and awkward

timarévo = I tidy up

tligadiázo = I wind yarn on a distaff

tóka = clinking of glasses in a toast

tokás = buckle

tóp’ = ball

topoúz’ = club

torvás = fabric pouch for trahanas, noodles etc.

toúzla = salt flat

touloum’ = cheese skin bag

touloumba = water pump

toúnts’ = steel ball bearing, simpleton

topáts’ = lump

toúrla = pile

trivól’ = thorny weed

trichiá = rope

trichoul’ = wagon wheel

trouviá = stone used to grind salt

trypogázi (Eastern Rumelia) or azouri (Eastern Thrace) = pillow embroidery

tsagkarónou = I climb, grab, catch

tsakát’ = skull

tsakmakízo = I spark

tsákna = twigs

tsakní = brittle branch

tsalkantízo = I stir liquid

tsapálak’ = carnival game in Eastern Rumelia

tsárkou = pig house

tsatmás = light construction wall

tsátska = small cup

tsékia = wool-stuffed mattresses

tsérga = wagon canopy

tséfli = shell

tsiakmák’ = lighter

tsialím’ = dexterity, trick

tsiám’ = tree species

tsiarpoúkous = abrupt | tsiatál’ = fork

tsiatlantízo = I break

tsiatmás = timber-framed wall filled with mudbrick

tsiví = wood chip, thorn

tsigarída / tsigaríthra = pork fat bits left after frying

tsigarízo = I sauté

tsikíts’ = small hammer

tsiknónou = I burn something that smokes heavily

tsilík’-tsoumák = children’s stick game

tsinés = impudence, chatter

tsiourmpás = watery soup

tsirvoulia = traditional shoes

tsiropoúl’ = sparrow

tsobaníka = shepherd’s staff

tsorbatzís = wealthy notable

tsótra = wooden wine or ouzo vessel used to invite villagers to weddings

tsoúkna = traditional skirt | tsourápia = women’s footwear

Standing: Papantoniou Athanasios, Albanidis Kostas, Papantoniou Giorgos. Seated: Eleftheriou Gaitanis, Mantzaris Kostas, Mazarakis Kostas, Mitrelis Giannis.

yfádi = the horizontal threads of fabric on a loom

faïntás = benefit

fakióli = women’s headscarf

fési = red headcover (Eastern Thrace)

filí = slice of fruit

fkiár’ = shovel

fkiasíd’ = type of facial cream

fourgál’ = broom

frourlantízo = I throw someone down forcefully – frourlántsma

fournízo = I put bread into the oven

ftouristikós = sufficient

chaván’ = reservoir

chávra = Jewish synagogue

chagiáti = spring living room

chaïváni = animal, chicken (fig.) fool

chaïnis = lazy person

chaïri = progress, prosperity

chaïrlís = beneficial, well-meaning

chakímpampa = dowry in money | chaláli = pleasant offering | chambér’ = news

chantoum’s = eunuch

chará = wedding

charámi = unpleasant offering

chárts = lime plaster

chasés = cotton fabric

chasíl’ (the) = field sown with grain specifically for animal grazing

chás’ko = clean, white, pure

cháchas = foolishly cheerful person

chigianétis = disorganized person

chiliázo = I reach a thousand

chliár’ = spoon

chliára = large ladle, talkative woman

chliarouthík’ = spoon holder

chougiázo = I yell – shouting

chouzóur’ = rest – I lounge

choúi = flaw

choumaténios = made of clay

chousmét’ = housework, small domestic chore

chtázo = I look

chtimatár’s = landowner

chtikiázo = I get tuberculosis, become emaciated

chtikió = tuberculosis

psichouda = bread crumb

psichouchárt’ = paper listing names of deceased family members to be commemorated by the priest in church

Olele = exclamation of pain

Photo of the “Diagoras” village football team, 1960. Standing from left: Mazarakis Konstantinos, Kotsalas Nikos, Kampakis Thanasis, Tsilingiris Vasilis, Amaxilatis Vasilis, Eleftheriou Gaitanis, Tsatralis Stavros, Soulas Menelis, Fotidis Fotis, Argyriou Thodoros. Seated: Tsolakidis Nikos, Alexandridis Apostolos, Balampanis Evangelos, Peirounidis Evangelos, Kopsalidis Christos.

BAPTISMAL NAMES, NICKNAMES

Apart from the usual Christian and Hebrew names we have, there are also less common names among the inhabitants of Nea Kessani. These are traditional names that arose for various reasons. Some mean beautiful and fragrant flowers or plants, others refer to precious materials, some are ancient Greek names, names of famous cities, and some simply express something positive. One reason for adopting such names is that during Ottoman rule, Christian names were often banned. Thus, names like the following were passed down from generation to generation: Margarita, Triantafyllia, Loulouda, Zouboulia, Nerantzoula, Moschokarfi, Malamatenia, Chrysanthi, Chryssoula, Chryssopoulos, Argyri, Syrmatenia, Zafierenia, Krystallō, Danae, Charikleia, Aglaia, Electra, Morpho, Akrivi, Panoria, Grammatiki, Haido, Xanthē, Stalachti, Afentia, Afentoulis, Gaitanis, Peristeris, and others.

Almost all villagers have a nickname. In fact, some family surnames originate from the nicknames of their ancestors. Some of the nicknames include:

Bandantoum: because one day he threw a big rock into the water, and the sound it made was like that.

Lipon: because he used the word “lipon” (so…) excessively.

Sirbezis = proud person

Patekas: because when telling hunting stories, he always said “pateka,” which means path.

Gouris: because one ancestor had an aunt named Argyro, but as a child he called her “Gkōrilō”, and it stuck.

Japan’s: because as a child, he would ask his mother to make him a zipouni (vest), but he couldn’t pronounce it clearly and said “tzapoun’”, and it stuck.

Also: “Sasakas”, “Hamzas”, “Mastichas”, “Pistolás”, “Gkl’kas”, “Poutsios”, “Ntoumos”, “Ntélios”, “Patsis”, “Psýllous”, “Marmagkalous”, “Bratsas”, “Pontiki”, “Kyroulios”, “Boumbou”, “Gkoutzoukō”, etc.

Self-deprecating and very amusing, these nicknames show the villagers’ great sense of humor and unpretentious character. Clearly, nicknames were mostly a male privilege. For women, being given a nickname was usually considered an insult, as they did not participate in the male gatherings and banter where most nicknames were formed. Only women with a very distinct (usually negative) characteristic would acquire such a name. Women who were especially talkative, assertive, or authoritarian would be nicknamed with the suffix “-ara” added to their name (e.g., Aggelikára, Despoinára, etc.). Another unique feature of the nicknames is that they were hereditary. Nowadays, however, the custom of giving nicknames is fading.

A large group from Nea Kessani on an excursion to the Acropolis in 1938, dressed in authentic traditional costumes from the homeland. Among them we identified: Mousikaki Melodia, Daphou Sofia, Myrtzani Smaragdi, Stavrakara Giannoula, Mazaraki Sofia, Vathrakea Eleni, Drakos Christos, Galimaridis Savvas.