Grandma Corema

Grandma Corema

Grandma Corema (Jaia Corema) is a traditional character in the Balearic Islands, especially popular in Mallorca. The grandmother personifies Lent (‘Corema’ means ‘Lent’ in Catalan).

She is an old woman with a stern expression, wearing a long dress and a headscarf. She has seven legs, each representing one of the weeks of Lent. The fish in her hands symbolises Lenten food, as it is traditionally forbidden to eat meat during Lent, but fish may be eaten occasionally. Its image is a reminder of abstinence and modesty in eating during Lent.

In addition to fish, some illustrations show Grandma Korema holding a rope or basket, which also relates to the theme of fasting and work.

Children create Grandma Korema out of cardboard or draw on paper, and on Saturdays adults cut off her leg, sometimes accompanied by songs. Overall, the austere appearance and seven legs make Korema a kind of ‘counter’ for the time until Easter.

The tradition of preparing for Lent together with Grandma Korema has survived to this day. It is followed both in schools and in families, being accepted and passed on from generation to generation as part of the local culture.

Ekaterina Zaytseva