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It is traditional in Greece to decorate a small wooden boat at Christmas. It dates back to ancient seafaring days, so they say .
Greeks are seafarers, traders and fishermen and men were often away for long periods of time. When they returned the women celebrated by decorating small wooden boats. So the Greek Maritime site says. Don't forget feasting, says me.
In the 19th century Europeans began decorating Christmas trees and slowly the tradition of decorating boats returned here in Greece. Saint Nikolas is the patron saint of sailors, and so they say, it became the custom to decorate small boats on 6th December on his Fiesta and leave the decorations up till 6 January.
This boat lights up our big window.
It has been there for a couple of weeks. Traditional decorations go up first
And our second boat lighting up the back wall
I like the idea of the decorated boats. That top one must look so cheerful on a dark night.
ReplyDeleteThey both twinkle happyly brightening up the darkness. Especially when we have a power cut as we did last night
DeleteWhat a nice tradition, they look lovely.
ReplyDeleteI prefer them to Xmas trees. Not nearly as messy lol
DeleteI love all Christmas decorations. They always look so colorful and happy to me. The boats look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been hunting for a wooden boat to decorate. Hopefully I’ll find one this coming year ready for next Christmas
ReplyDelete