The Greek Christmas Boat: A Maritime Tradition

Traditional symbol behind Christmas boats in Greece

Throughout the festive season in Greece, a charming tradition illuminates the streets and squares: the Christmas boat, or “karavaki.” These decorated miniature boats, adorned with lights and ornaments, hold deep symbolic meaning for the Greek people.

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The karavaki represents a voyage toward the new life brought by the birth of Jesus Christ. Given Greece’s strong maritime heritage, decorating a boat also serves as a tribute to the country’s mariners and sailors who dedicate their lives to the sea.

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Historically, sailors spent long periods at sea, leaving families, particularly on the islands, to anxiously await their return. The safe arrival of loved ones was a cause for great celebration, and families would decorate wooden boats as a heartfelt “welcome home.”

This tradition spread throughout Greece, becoming a beloved Christmas custom. These decorated karavakia, often placed near a door or fireplace with the bow pointing inwards to symbolize a successful journey to shore, were sometimes filled with coins or gold, representing household prosperity.

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Children would also carry these miniature boats from door to door, singing traditional Greek Christmas carols. Neighbours would place small gifts, such as sweets or candies, inside the boats as a goodwill gesture.

Today, these beautifully illuminated Christmas boats can be seen lighting up the night in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as in town squares and on islands across Greece, continuing this cherished and symbolic tradition.

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