The Minoan Rhapsody

The Festival

It was dawn and the streets, corridors and alleys of Knossos were buzzing with vendors and people eager to shop, eat and drink. Nearly every other household was transformed into a place of business. Families proudly sold the best they had to offer: black pig fillet with carob, lentils with coriander and honey, Tsikoudia or Soumada. Others offered textiles, jewelry, pottery or leather goods, all of the finest quality. Women and men alike enjoyed their hair and skin be pampered with oils and creams. Children danced around a woman playing the lyre, the small bronze bells sewn on her skirt jingling along with her. Adults sang to the beat of a sistrum and the tune of a double flute. It was the day the bull leapers would run and tumble over Knossos Palace, and there was nothing but anticipation in the crowd.

King Minos and Pasiphae walked among the Keiftu, holding hands. They smiled and waved to the few who would acknowledge them. Even fewer exchanged words with them.

"Three days you say," Pasiphae said. "I've never seen such massive indulgence. Today's crowd is larger than yesterdays. It is barely the crack of dawn and people are behaving as if it was past dusk."

"Tradition calls for longer festivals."

"How long do the festivals usually last?"

"Nine to ten days."

"That's not going to make a lot of people happy."

Minos kissed her hand. "We shouldn't be celebrating at all as we have a lot to do still. They should not complain as three days is better than nothing. You and I are setting the example by not hosting any visitors for our wedding."

Pasiphae raised an eyebrow. "From what I hear the festival is more than a celebration. A lot of families depend on the sales from these days."

"I don't worry about coin. We have more than enough for everyone, should they need it. Anyone can just ask and get as much wealth as they need without having to pay it back."

"That is very generous indeed."

They stopped by Mano's kapeleia.

"What would you have?" King Minos asked.

"Surprise me," she answered as Mano approached them.

"Barley beer. Two," the King told Mano who was quick to turn around.

"Minos, have you wondered? What happens to people's self-worth if you provide for all their needs without them earning anything?"

"I don't understand," he wrinkled his forehead.

"If people do not have to work for a living, if they do not contribute to the collective wellbeing, then how will they feel about themselves?" Mano approached her with two ceramic cups filled with beer.

"People will do their jobs because they want to, not because they have to." He accepted the beer from Mano and asked him, "Mano, why do you still manage this kapeleia?"

"Well my King, it won't be for long. I plan to give it away."

"Oh. What will you do then?"

"There is a beach front villa near Myrtos. I'm just going to soak my toes in the sea and watch every sunset with a drink in my hand."

Pasiphae looked at Minos with a grin on her face. "You see?"

"He will be happier," Minos replied while taking a sip of his beer.

"I think if people feel useful, they are happy." She thanked Mano as he left them. "Sloth can cloud judgement."

"Nonsense, I give the Keiftu the opportunity for them to dedicate their lives to those things they love to do the most," he replied.