The Cretan Master Gift Box

The Cretan Master Gift Box

$ 115.00

Celebrate as the proud and hospitable people of Crete do, famous for their culture, innovative spirit and nutritional habits.

The Cretan Master Gift Box contains: 
  • Ceramic Jar “Pithos” Miniature 
  • Worry Beads - Komboloi  
  • Phaistos Disc Olive Wood Coasters 
  • Traditional Greek Spirit Raki 
  • Traditional Woven Rucksack “Vourgia” 
  • Cretan Scarf “Sariki” 
  • Handmade Lucky Eye Bracelet 

Ceramic Jar “Pithos” Miniature: In the Minoan era olive oil and honey were kept for long periods of time in gigantic ceramic vessels called pithoi. In those giant jars, olive oil was also transported for trade. Pithoi were painted with colourful sea and shore, flora and fauna images in blacks, reds, whites and blues.  Following the techniques and the tradition of their ancestors, modern people of Greece, especially in the villages, still express their creativity by making objects of excellent quality. 

Worry Beads - Komboloi: Komboloi derives from the Greek words kombos which means “knot” and leo which means “say” as in “in every knot I say a prayer“. Its origins date back in time, when monks used to make strands of beads by tying knots on a string at regular intervals in order to say their prayers. Worry beads depict the Greek easy-going mentality. One can hear komboloi’s flips and tricks in a busy kafeneion (café) downtown, where people play with their komboloi in different manners, thus letting go of their stress. The fact that the komboloi keeps your hands occupied has been promoted as an excellent way to quit smoking. Our worry beads come in a glass tube. 

Phaistos Disc Olive Wood Coasters: Following the techniques and the tradition of their ancestors, modern Cretans, especially in the villages, express their creativity by making objects of folk art of excellent quality. Here, the craftsman carves the hieroglyphics of the Disk of Phaistos on wood from the olive tree. Phaistos Disk was originally ceramic. It was found in the Minoan palace of Phaistos on the island of Crete, dating to the middle or end of the Minoan Bronze Age (2nd mill. BC). Covered on both sides with a spiral of 241 engraved symbols made by pressing hieroglyphic "seals" on a soft clay disk, its purpose and meaning have been challenged so many times making it one of the most famous mysteries of archaeology. The original disk is on display at the archaeological museum of Heraklion.  

Traditional Greek Spirit “Raki”: “Raki” or “tsikoudia” alcoholic shot is the classic welcome treat in Crete, but also a symbol of friendship and communication as the Cretans are using it to wish congratulations during their celebrations, welcome their guests but also discuss and resolve any problems with friends and colleagues. This gift box contains a 50ml round glass of raki with 38% alcohol.   

Traditional bag “Vourgia”: Vourgia was a backpack carried by shepherds in rural Crete. Now it is part of the Cretan costume and is also used to put keepsakes in traditional ceremonies. 

Cretan Scarf “Sariki”: The knitted black silk headscarf is called Saríki in the Cretan dialect. It is said that its long fringes attest to the number of years of Ottoman rule in Crete and also symbolize the mourning for the victims of the uprising against the Turks in Arkadi monastery in 1866.  The black Saríki emphasizes the masculinity and the pride of the wearer. In weddings, the white version of this headgear is expected to be worn on the shoulders of the groom, his close family male members as well as the koumbaroi (maid of honour and best man).  

Greek lucky eye bracelet: In Greece there is a belief that Matiasma will cause misfortune or injury. Matiasma means “evil eye” in Greek, and is often shortened to mati which means “eye”. The classic Greek “lucky eye” symbol charm aims to ward off the effects of the Matiasma. Blue charms shaped like eyes worn on a necklace or a bracelet “reflect” the evil. The lucky eye is the most commonly talked about ancient tradition in the Greek Isles. Celebrate Greek culture with a Greek lucky eye bracelet in the blue and white colours of the Greek flag.