#karavaki

[elladastinkardiamou]

''Karavaki,'' The Old Greek Tradition of Decorating Boats -- Not Trees -- at Christmas

Christmas is linked all around the world to the ancient tradition of decorating a Christmas tree with countless ornaments and beautiful lights. However, an old traditional custom in Greece’s islands and coastal regions dictates that people should decorate a boat rather than an evergreen tree at Christmastime.

Despite that nowadays almost every Greek city and household does decorate a Christmas tree, there are still a number of public spaces in Greece where one can see a Christmas boat right next to a tree.

The tradition of the ”Karavaki,” which is Greek for ”small boat,” is deeply rooted in the folkways of a country with a symbiotic relationship with the sea.

In fact, it is safe to say that on many Greek islands, the Christmassy-decorated boats still remain the most popular symbol of this beautiful holiday season.

[tsixiraki]

[elladastinkardiamou]

Why Greeks Traditionally Decorate a Boat Instead of a Christmas Tree

The most traditional symbol you will find in Greece during the holidays is a small boat decorated with lights, usually placed in the main square of a town and close to the more international Christmas tree.

To karavaki, or small boat is rooted in the traditions of a country with a symbiotic relationship with the sea. In fact on the many Greek islands the Christmas boats remain the most popular ornament of the holiday season.

[elladastinkardiamou]

Traditional symbol behind Christmas boats in Greece

During the Festive Season all around Greece you will find Christmas boats (karavakia) decorated with lights and ornaments, which are very traditional and symbolic.

The Karavaki symbolises sailing towards the new life that follows the birth of Jesus Christ and with Greece being so connected to the sea, decorating a boat during Christmas also serves as a token of gratitude to the marines and sailors who have devoted their lives to the sea for their country.

[elladastinkardiamou]

Christmas boat tradition returns to Greece

Video from 2013, but the karavaki tradition is still much alive.    

[princepqul]

After all, it’s merely a human holiday. And, frankly, the bright lights tampered with his night vision. Whatever—humans can celebrate whatever they want, as long as he isn’t dragged into this all.

hi (hides) i know i KNOW IM REALLY LATE but at LEAST ITS OUT?? ok i have a future plan under the cut + in the notes of the fic, HOWEVER here u go !!! im sorry if its a bit poor, but tomorrow should be better!!

READ HERE!!

future plans!! im going to try and play catch up for the next couple of days, however, if i cannot get it all done, i will simply skip what i missed and continue on with 1 a day. sorry if it comes to that!! i just got a bit overwhelmed/stuck recently, but im back on track!! :D

[ltwilliammowett]

Karavaki - Christmas Boats

Greece has always been a seafaring nation, especially when you look at the islands.  The sailors worked hard and were at sea for long periods of time, while the women waited on the Greek islands for the return of their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons. The return of loved ones was a cause for celebration, and the women decorated small wooden boats that were placed in front of the door with a small lantern next to it. This was a special way of saying "welcome home" and that since medieval times.

A Karavaki (small boat) next to Christmas trees (x)

The decorating of boats spread throughout much of the country and became a custom during the holidays during the 17th and 18th centuries. The wooden boats were decorated with lights and ornaments and were placed near a door or fireplace with the bow of the Christmas boat facing inwards. This symbolised the successful journey to the mainland. Sometimes coins or gold objects were placed in the boat, symbolising the wealth of a household. Children also went door to door with these wooden boats, happily singing Greek Christmas carols. While they sang, neighbours would put small treats like sweets or candies in the boats.

[elladastinkardiamou]

Christmas is linked all around the world to the ancient tradition of decorating trees with countless ornaments and beautiful lights. However, an old traditional custom in Greece’s islands and coastal regions dictates that people should decorate a boat rather than an evergreen tree at Christmastime.

Despite that nowadays almost every Greek city and household does decorate a Christmas tree, there are still a number of public spaces in Greece where one can see a Christmas boat right next to a tree.

The tradition of the ”Karavaki,” which is Greek for ”small boat,” is deeply rooted in the folkways of a country with a symbiotic relationship with the sea.