The Christmas Ship
Did you know that in some areas in Greece, in addition to decorated trees, you will also see decorated ships? The custom is particularly popular in the islands and is probably connected to the life of sailors. The decorated boat at Christmas time symbolized the anticipation of the return of the father or son who was absent from the family.
The children used to make the boats themselves, with whatever materials they could find: wood, paper or rags. Often the children who went to sing carols carried a miniature boat, which was decorated with colored papers and ropes and was filled with sweets and Christmas sweets from the neighbors.
Today,the decorated boat, they say, symbolizes man’s new journey in life, after the birth of Jesus. Let’s hope, therefore, that the boats that will be decorated this year will take us on a beautiful journey!
