We all associate the Christmas season with sweets, glamorous decorations, gifts, and festive tables. But these would be nothing without the presence of our loved ones and there is no better way to bring us all closer than the presence of a decorated Christmas tree. But how did Greeks feel this “warmth” in the old days since fir is a relatively historically recent custom? What did we decorate in our country before the fir tree?
Aristotle’s quotes that will change your way of thinking
Christmas customs: What does the Christmas boat symbolize?
It is appropriate to say that this custom did not “enter” people’s homes at some point unlike the tree, but it was already there. The decorated fir tree may be a sign of warmth and renewal for households, but it does not compare to the history that the Christmas ship carries.
What does it symbolize and where do they still decorate it?
The Christmas boat was a symbol of the man’s welcome during the festive season, after his stormy journey at sea. Apart from the Greek tradition and the strong involvement of our country with shipping, the Christmas ship symbolized the new life of people from the birth of Christ onwards. Children in the Cyclades islands built ships out of paper and wood and after decorating them they went out singing in the neighborhood collecting candies and other kinds of delicacies from the people. Does it remind you of anything?
Litochoro means mountain, sea, “honest” accommodation and good taverns for food
From the boat to the Christmas tree
Although in recent years it has been replaced by the tree, some choose to honor the Greek tradition. In particular, there are still some smaller societies, such as the islands that prefer the decoration of the boat instead of the fir. Maybe they want to keep its bittersweet symbolism for a while longer…
Travel to Greece – Google News – Subscribe for free
Christmas travel with children: Trips that you will remember forever!
Little Kook: a fairy-tale nook in the city centre
Elatochori: Winter holidays in its unique nature
Follow ExploringGreece.tv on Instagram and Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions
A Christmas boat, also known as a Christmas ship, is a wooden boat decorated with lights and ornaments that represents an important Greek holiday tradition. It symbolizes the welcome of seafaring men returning home after their journeys at sea and the birth of Christ bringing new life. Unlike the Christmas tree, this custom has deep historical roots in Greek culture, particularly among maritime communities.
The Christmas boat tradition predates the Christmas tree in Greek households. The decorated fir tree custom only arrived in Greece from Germany in 1834, making it a relatively recent addition to Greek celebrations. The Christmas boat was already an established tradition, particularly decorated starting on December 6 in honor of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors.
Children in the Cyclades islands built ships out of paper and wood, decorated them, and then went out singing in their neighborhoods. They collected candies and other delicacies from people as they celebrated, similar to modern caroling traditions. This practice connected the Christmas boat tradition to community celebration and child participation.
While the Christmas tree has largely replaced the Christmas boat in modern Greek homes, some smaller communities and island societies still honor this Greek tradition. The Cyclades islands and other maritime regions continue to prefer decorating boats instead of fir trees, choosing to preserve the bittersweet symbolism of this authentic Greek custom.
The Christmas boat symbolizes the safe return of sailors and seafaring husbands after stormy journeys at sea, as well as the new life brought by the birth of Christ. Beyond its maritime connection, it represents warmth, renewal, and family reunion during the festive season. The boat tradition carries deeper historical and cultural significance for Greeks compared to the imported Christmas tree custom.
