Most of us are familiar with the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree with lights and sparkly ornaments, but do you know that Greeks have a deep-rooted tradition of decorating a small boat –‘’karavaki’’ in Greek- for Christmas?
The roots and origins of the tradition
Since ancient times, Greeks have shared a profound relationship with the sea. Nestled in the Mediterranean and situated at the crossroads of three continents, Greece has relied on the sea for trade and sustenance for thousands of years. Even today, the Union of Greek Shipowners reports that Greek shipowners control approximately 21% of the global commercial fleet, underscoring the nation’s strong naval tradition.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, industrialization and technological advancements expanded global trade. Many Greeks, especially those on remote islands with limited agricultural resources, turned to seafaring as a way to provide for their families. With so many men away at sea, the maritime lifestyle became deeply intertwined with daily life and holiday traditions.
Children on the islands would craft toy boats as a symbol of hope for their loved ones’ safe return from long voyages. These small wooden vessels also served as offerings to Saint Nicholas, celebrated on December 6th as the patron saint of sailors, for protection during their journeys. When singing Christmas carols, children carried their boats with them to receive treats, blending festivity with the bittersweet reality of families waiting for seafarers to return.
The tradition’s roots may extend even further. In ancient Greece, Poseidon, the god of the sea, was honored during the winter month of Poseidon in the Athenian calendar, roughly corresponding to mid-November to mid-December. Festivals during this time often involved offerings to Poseidon to ensure safe voyages and successful fishing trips, reflecting the same themes of safety and gratitude.
The evolution of the Christmas tree tradition
The modern Christmas tree, by contrast, has its origins in northern Europe. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews used evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands to symbolize eternal life. Pagan Europeans also revered trees and later adopted the use of evergreens to celebrate New Year and ward off evil spirits.
In medieval Germany, “paradise trees” were used during the December 24th feast of Adam and Eve. These trees were decorated with apples, wafers (later cookies), and candles. Over time, this practice merged with the “Christmas pyramid,” a wooden structure adorned with figurines, evergreens, and candles. By the 16th century, these traditions evolved into the Christmas tree as we know it today.
The custom spread widely among German Lutherans in the 18th century and became entrenched in European culture by the 19th century. Prince Albert introduced the tradition to England, where it flourished during the Victorian era with decorations such as toys, ribbons, and paper chains. German settlers brought the Christmas tree to North America, where it gained widespread popularity in the 19th century. By the 20th century, it had also reached countries like China and Japan through Western missionaries.
Greece’s take on the tradition
The tree as a Christmas decoration was first introduced to Greece by Bavarian King Otto in the 1830s. Nearly a decade later, the first Christmas tree was displayed in a private home in Athens. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the tradition became popular in Greek households, and by the late 20th century, it had become a staple.
In the 1970s, there was an effort by the Greek government to revive the ‘’karavaki’’ tradition, but it struggled to gain widespread appeal in a world increasingly captivated by the global Christmas tree trend. However, in recent decades, many public squares in Greece have embraced the ‘’karavaki’’, decorating boats alongside Christmas trees or even using boats exclusively.
In some Greek homes, especially on the islands, the tradition of decorating the ‘’karavaki’’ endures. Small, hand-carved boats adorned with twinkling lights sit proudly on tables or windowsills, a beautiful nod to Greece’s seafaring spirit and a reminder of the loved ones who once relied on the sea to provide for their families.
A blend of tradition and modernity
While the Christmas tree has firmly taken root in Greek culture, the ‘’karavaki’’ remains a poignant symbol of the country’s maritime heritage. As Greeks continue to celebrate Christmas with a blend of local customs and global influences, the decorated boat serves as a touching reminder of the nation’s connection to the sea and the traditions that make its holiday celebrations unique.
