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The Limassol village named after its red soil

04/02/2019
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Had the location of this village not been the middle of the forest, one would immediately connect its name to the palm tree. However, with an altitude of1000+ meters and surrounded by pine trees and mountain flora, Fini owes its name to many different and interesting tales, all of which make up a part of its history and traditions. 

One version attributes the name of Fini village to the surname of a Frankish feudal lord, Juan de Feniu or Finiu (though it is not certain that the village was indeed a feudal one), in reference to the region's medieval history. Another version connects the name Fini with the verb 'feno,' (which means reveal), as this village is actually difficult to find, unless it is pointed out by someone who knows its location. 

Historian and writer Andros Pavlides, however, believes that the most plausible theory is that the origin of the name comes from the color of the ground in the area. Specifically, the ancient word “finos” means he who has a “reddish” complexion. And because red is also the color of blood, there is an Ancient Greek word that also means "finios," which translates to "bloodthirsty." This is also the name given to one of Cyprus' most well-known and poisonous snakes, called “fina”.

The village is also known for its longstanding tradition in pottery, which is made by residents using local clay with the distinct, red color of the soil, thus reinforcing this version of the story. After all, there are still to this day locations around the village that refer to its red soil, such as Kokkini (Red) and Kokkinokambos (Red Valley).