Folk Stories - Kyra Sarakosti - Lady Lent

Some traditions are so charming that I love keeping them.

One of Greece’s most delightful yet lesser-known customs is the tradition of Kyra Sarakosti (Κυρά Σαρακοστή) or Lady Lent. This peculiar figure, deeply tied to the Greek Orthodox fasting period before Easter, serves as both a symbolic and practical way to mark the passage of lent.

Unlike other festive traditions, Kyra Sarakosti is not just a decoration, she is a visual calendar!

Kyra Sarakosti can be made from various materials—paper, fabric, or even clay—but the most traditional version is baked from simple bread dough.

I made mine using the recipe in the video below which has a lot of salt. The salt will ensure that its preserved, but it is definitely non-edible!

What makes Kyra Sarakosti truly stand out, however, is her unique appearance. She has seven legs, each representing one of the seven weeks leading up to Easter. Each Saturday, one leg is removed as a countdown to Easter Sunday.

Beyond her unusual legs, she carries deeper symbolic meaning. She has no mouth, a sign of fasting and abstinence. Her hands are folded in prayer, and a cross on her forehead serves as a reminder of faith.

This year, I had so much fun making Kyra Sarakosti for the first time with my daughter. She is still very young to understand its meaning, but it nevertheless was a great activity for us to share. There’s something magical about bringing traditions like this to life—not just because of the history behind them, but because of the memories it creates.

Have you ever made your own Kyra Sarakosti?

If not, maybe this year is the perfect time to start!

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