Everyday life in the village

The day started early in Agios Ioannis. By the time we were up people had been busy making breakfast, fetching water, tending to their garden plots or taking care of the animals. The floors and the front porch had to be swept and water heated for washing. Often someone would stop by our house on their way to the cistern or the sheepfold. In the afternoon the kids would be hanging around looking at our books, the typewriter or at us for hours. We went for walks exploring the area, mapped the village and took pictures. In the evening we visited or stayed home working on our notes.

Agriculture

Olives were the most important crop in Agios Ioannis. In addition there were vineyards, vegetables and other annual crops.

Animals

Most people had goats, sheep and chickens, and some had bees, pigs and rabbits.

Family and kinship

The nuclear family was the most important social group in Agios Ioannis. However, the small number of inhabitants in the village compelled households to cooperate in their daily work.

The household

Housework was the responsibility of the woman though the lack of manpower had led to lesser restrictions on the traditional sexual division of labour.

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