Echoes of the Past: Unearthing the Rich Heritage of Laconian Villages

"Everyday lives, one translation at a time."

- Carol Petrakos Petranek, Spartan Roots Blog

While history often tells of great leaders, there are other pages of vibrant stories of ordinary lives, stories that weave the fabric of communities and cultures together, most often forgotten.

In the ancient villages of Xirokampi, Palaiopanagia, and Anogia in Laconia, Greece, a publication has been quietly documenting local history since 1966. This publication, known as The Faris (Η Φαρις), is far more than a periodic local newsletter; it serves as a cherished repository of the people, history, folklore, archaeology, and culture of these picturesque villages.

Now, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Carol Petrakos Petranek, a descendant from the United States, these invaluable insights into the past are being carefully translated and shared with a broader audience. Through her blog "Spartan Roots," Petrakos Petranek honours the spirit of The Faris by bringing its narratives to the English-speaking world. It's an endeavour fuelled by a deep sense of respect for her ancestors and admiration for the traditions and experiences encapsulated within these pages.

Each article within this series is more than just a historical account; it is a window into the collective memory of generations past. From tales of barter economies to the practices of local childbirth customs, from the advent of essential utilities like light, water, and telephone to the nuances of family life and community dynamics, these articles offer a panoramic view of life not only in the Faris region but also of broader Laconia through the ages.

So, click on the links provided, and embark on a captivating voyage through time, as we unravel the mysteries and marvels of Laconian heritage preserved within the pages of The Faris Newsletter.

The translated articles on Kostakos Petranek's Spartan Roots are below. Click on titles to access.

1. Three Old Stories of Barter Economy
2. Summer, harvest, war, and “slab casting”
3. The Smells of Parcels from America
4. The Field Guard
5. “Light-Water-Telephone in Xirokampi; Part Three: Telephone)
6. “Light-Water-Telephone in Xirokampi; Part Two: Water
7. “Light-Water-Telephone” in Xirokampi; Part One: Light
8. The Shoemakers of Xirokampi
9. Solomos Family of Laconia
10. The First Cart in Kaminia
11. Local Childbirth and Puerperium Customs
12. Marriages at the Beginning of the Last Century
13. Women’s Costumes of the Old Times
14. The Endings in -akis and -akos of the Surnames of our Region