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Traditionally the melodies played on the "panagyr" of
St.St.Constantine and Helena, are four. The first three of them
are qualified as "nestinar", and the whole cycle is called
"panagyrski". The names of the melodies are closely related
to the respective place and act in the ritual. Consequently the
duration of performance varies.
"The Skopos" ("On Leaving")
- is the most frequently played nestinar melody. It resounds on
the way to the holy places and back, during the ritual visit of
the houses on St. Helena's day and St.Athanasius' Day.
"In The Fire" - is played
while the dance on embers is performed. Sometimes it accompanies
the dance in St. Constantine's "konak". When the moment
for the nestinar's prophecy ensues, the nestinar gives a sign to
the musicians to stop playing.
"Around The Fire" - a "horo
dance" led by the "e'pitrope". In past and recent
times, the churchwarden ("e'pitrope"/"vikilin"/"teletarchops")
leads the "horo" dance at the holy springs ("ayasmas")
of St.St.Constantine and Helena. After the consecration ceremony
of sprinkling holy water, the "horo" is danced by all.
The melody is played round the embers after the dance; and from
the saint patron's "konak" to the center of the village.
"On Fight" and "On Offering"
- it is played during the offering ritual in the yard of the "konak",
and during the time of wrestling on the following day.
A few and more motifs, following a definite order, are repeated
and improvised in all four melodies. The duration of each of the
melodies corresponds to the particular act of the ritual. The performance
can be interrupted at any moment. There can be observed slight tone
variations in the bagpipe part in the different villages. They are
represented by in some tone changes, addition or skipping of group
short tones, or ornamental figures; but seldom there are fluctuations
in the length of the motifs.
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Facets
of the Complex 
