Clean Monday

What is Clean Monday?

Clean Monday is a special day for many people who follow Eastern Christianity. It is the first day of a time called Great Lent. This is a quiet and thoughtful season that leads up to Easter. The day is also called Pure Monday or Green Monday.

When Does It Happen?

Clean Monday is a moveable feast. This means it moves to different dates each year. It always falls on the sixth Monday before Palm Sunday. Because it depends on the date of Easter, it can land on different days in different places. In some years, it might be close to another holiday called Ash Wednesday, but it is not the same.

How Do People Celebrate?

On Clean Monday, many people enjoy special foods. They do not eat meat, eggs, or dairy products. Instead, they eat tasty dishes like fish and shellfish. In Greece and Cyprus, it is a public holiday. Families often go outside, fly colorful kites, and share a special flat bread called “lagana.” It is a happy way to welcome both spring and a time for reflection.