In Crete, sheep shearing occurs twice a year, particularly among Cretan farmers who own sheep. This practice is necessary due to the high temperatures on the island, which can be unbearable for the animals. Therefore, the sheep are sheared once in April and June.Today, sheep shearing is done in the same way as in the past, with the only difference being that the wool doesn't fetch anything in the market, and farmers dispose of it.
Why The process of 'shearing' is necessary?
Shearing, or the process of cutting the wool off sheep, is essential for the health and well-being of the sheep. First, it removes the dense, winter wool before spring and summer, helping the animals better manage their body temperature and avoid overheating. This is particularly crucial during warmer months, as thick wool can cause heat stress in sheep. Second, shearing helps prevent irritation and problems caused by parasites and other skin issues, as thick wool can retain moisture and host insect infestations. Lastly, shearing improves the overall cleanliness of the animals, preventing the accumulation of dirt and other residues in the wool, keeping the sheep healthier and more comfortable.
Shearing Process
Preparation: Before shearing, the sheep need to be clean and dry. Often, the sheep are gathered in an enclosed space and their access to food is restricted for a few hours before the shearing to ensure they are calm and easier to handle.
Shearing: The farmer or a professional shearer uses special shearing clippers to remove the wool. This process must be performed carefully to avoid injuring the sheep's skin.
Wool Processing: At many farms, after shearing, the wool is cleaned and sorted based on quality. This step is crucial for wool production, as higher quality wool is used in the manufacture of woolen textiles.
Environmental Management: Since the sheep are less protected after shearing, it is important to ensure that their environment is safe and clean. This helps prevent diseases and injuries that could be caused by the environment.
Shearing is a critical process that ensures not only the comfort and health of the sheep but also the quality and sustainability of wool production.
During the shearing process, the care and welfare of the sheep are of primary importance. The farmer or specialized shearer undertaking this task are familiar and trained to perform the shearing in a way that does not harm the animals.
This biannual event presents a valuable opportunity for Cretan farmers to come together and assist each other, especially since many of them own a large number of sheep on their farms. After the shearing, participants gather to enjoy local traditional food and drink, such as homemade wine or Tsikoudia (Raki), the traditional drink of Crete. Sometimes, they also invite musicians to play traditional Cretan music using instruments like the violin or the Cretan Lyre, further enriching the communal experience.The shearing of sheep may not offer commercial profit to farmers today, but it significantly contributes to camaraderie and friendship among villagers. The culmination of camaraderie is the feast at the end of the exhausting process, which has remained unchanged for centuries. All males in Crete shear sheep, even elementary school boys.
Sheep Shearing in Crete: Nurturing Tradition and Community Bonds
These relationships, which do not revolve around the expectation of economic exchanges, are common in Crete and bind people together.
Sheep “Koura” also in Arevitis Farm.
At Arevitis Farm, we also follow this long standing tradition of sheep shearing, a practice deeply ingrained in Cretan agriculture. Much like our fellow farmers across Crete, we recognize the necessity of shearing sheep twice a year due to the island's high temperatures, which can prove really challenging for the animals. Therefore, we ensure that our sheep are sheared in our farm once in April and again in June.Is one of the most traditional action from our activities in Arevitis Farm.
Visit Arevitis Farm today and embrace the experience of Cretan nature.
