Once a year, and always in springtime, our little village has a new supply of baskets delivered at its very threshold. In fact we hold off buying baskets throughout the year knowing that when the time comes we can order on the spot any quantity, shape and size of weaving. 
It is usually this same couple of gypsies who settled in Northern Greece and come to stay in our South-west corner for a couple of days taking requests, bargaining and selling out at the end.
The baskets are weaved from slender branches of willow tree which are used whole or split into 3 pieces…
At first a cross is made and around the cross the weaving begins…
the branches are passed by water so they regain their initial elasticity…
…and then “weave & smoke” pattern begins… 
and it all ends with some lough and more smoke…
P.S. Looking at these extra large baskets I recalled a Greek saying “When you hear of many cherries, hold a small basket.” but still left with those largest ones…
Fri, May 31, 2019Interior, Messinia, Traditions
