How they grind pepper

A song that originated in the Byzantine era when monks bought peppercorns in monasteries. The grinding of peppercorns was done with large mills that required special strength, and it is said that this process was done by punished monks (“the devil’s monks,” as the lyrics say). The singer in each verse mentions a different part of the body with which the dancers must “grind” the pepper....

There is also a version that says that thieves during the Ottoman period sought refuge in a monastery. The abbot disguised them as monks. When the Turks arrived and asked about the thieves, the abbot replied that he had no idea. The disguised ones were sitting down and grinding pepper. From time to time, the abbot ordered them to rub the pepper with a different part of their body and, as he told the Turks, he did so because the monks were being punished. The abbot chose this method to entertain the Turks and distract them. He knew well that under the robes, the thieves hid their weapons and were ready for any eventuality. That is why the verse says: “Come, rise up, young men, with swords and with halberds”.