“Τα Μωμογέρια” (Momogeria) - Pontic Greeks’ Traditional Folk Theatre
“Τα Μωμογέρια” (Momogeria) - Pontic Greeks’ Traditional Folk Theatre

Summary/Abstract: The goal of the paper is the recording and database set up on the folklore heritage of the Pontic Greeks living in Ajara with the purpose to study the Pontic Greeks lifestyle, worldview, and culture through the study of the collected empiric material. It is also important to throw light to the points of similarity and difference with the Georgian folklore. “Kalanda Speech” was also adopted in the repertoire of other holidays, but according to the habit, it was performed mostly at New Year, Christmas, Christening. Kalanda (κάλαντα) was a chant message related to the particular Orthodox Christian holidays, which was performed by a team of the volunteers, mainly children. In various other parts of Greece and Ponto as well, after migration to Ajara, this tradition was continued. Those who heard the Kalanda chants would give to the singers coins or sweets, to get blessing of the family from them and get them visit the family next year. The New Year Kalanda text demonstrates how much the Pontic Greeks, migrated in Ajara appreciated health and long, joyful life. They also paid attention to the importance of peace in the family and the state; therefore, we hear an address to the listener, to be grateful for all that they experienced in the passed year. The tradition of New Year and Christmas Kalanda chant is also associated with the “Τὰ Μομογέρια” - a custom which is necessary to pay attention to the so called “Momogeria custom”. The tradition of Momogeria was very popular in Ajara, and it is best described as Kalanda chant and begging for gifts or money by a group of masked and dressed in special disguising clothing, which could involve both old and young people. The Pontic Greeks who migrated in Ajara found the natural environment quite severe for their everyday life; however, they overcame it with dignity and got adapted to the local area. This tradition was kept by the Pontic Greeks in villages who lived in Greece after migration from Trabzon “Τραπεζούντα” in 1923. In December 2016 UNESCO enlisted it in the world heritage list.

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