1 - 2 of 2 Posts

voula_slat

Active member
One of the most interesting Greek Christmas traditions to me is the one where people decorate boats. So, I started to research the history. Here's a bit of what I discovered:

The roots of the tradition of decorating boats in Greece for Christmas can be traced back to the country's longstanding ties with the sea. In Ancient Greece, people would often looked to the sea for both sustenance and inspiration, and it was not uncommon for ships to be adorned with religious symbols and decorations.

It also has ties to early Christianity in Greece. According to Greek Orthodox beliefs, Saint Nicolas (aka Santa Claus) was a sailor, and he is the patron saint of sailors. Decorating boats is often seen as a way to honor him.

Over time, this practice became associated with the Christmas season, and the boats began to be decorated specifically for the holiday.

People also make paper boats to decorate. Some call these the "yule boat" or karavaki. One of the most famous examples of this practice is the Yule boat, or karavaki.

The earliest known evidence of decorating boats for Christmas in Greece dates back to the 19th century. During this time, sailors would deck out their boats with lights and tiny boats. These tiny boats were often placed inside the larger boat, symbolizing protection from harm while at sea.

Does anyone have anything to add?
 
One of the most interesting Greek Christmas traditions to me is the one where people decorate boats. So, I started to research the history. Here's a bit of what I discovered:

The roots of the tradition of decorating boats in Greece for Christmas can be traced back to the country's longstanding ties with the sea. In Ancient Greece, people would often looked to the sea for both sustenance and inspiration, and it was not uncommon for ships to be adorned with religious symbols and decorations.

It also has ties to early Christianity in Greece. According to Greek Orthodox beliefs, Saint Nicolas (aka Santa Claus) was a sailor, and he is the patron saint of sailors. Decorating boats is often seen as a way to honor him.

Over time, this practice became associated with the Christmas season, and the boats began to be decorated specifically for the holiday.

People also make paper boats to decorate. Some call these the "yule boat" or karavaki. One of the most famous examples of this practice is the Yule boat, or karavaki.

The earliest known evidence of decorating boats for Christmas in Greece dates back to the 19th century. During this time, sailors would deck out their boats with lights and tiny boats. These tiny boats were often placed inside the larger boat, symbolizing protection from harm while at sea.

Does anyone have anything to add?
I love getting creative with my decorative boats! I just use any old paper that I have and make a ton of boats, and then decorate them to look festive. Does anyone else do this?
 

Crash Course to Learning Greek Philosophy?

I’ve recently become really interested in Greek philosophy, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by where to start. There are so many philosophers, schools of thought, and ancient texts that I’m not sure how to structure my learning.

I’d love to get a crash course-style approach—something that gives me a solid foundation before diving deeper. Should I start with Plato and Aristotle, or go even earlier with the Pre-Socratics? Are there any beginner-friendly books, online courses, or videos that give a clear overview of key ideas?

Also, how much of the original texts should I read, or are there good modern summaries that explain them in a more accessible way?

If anyone has a structured learning path or recommendations for someone just starting out, I’d really appreciate it! Looking forward to your insights.

Athens Golden Age - Pericles

I'm diving into the fascinating period of the Athens Golden Age, particularly under the leadership of Pericles. I'm curious to hear your thoughts and insights on this remarkable era. Here are a few specific points I'm interested in:
  1. Political Achievements: How did Pericles' leadership and democratic reforms shape Athens during this time? What were the key political changes?
  2. Cultural Flourish: The Golden Age is known for its incredible cultural achievements. Which artists, philosophers, and playwrights do you think had the most significant impact?
  3. Architectural Marvels: The construction of the Parthenon and other architectural feats are iconic. How did these projects influence Greek architecture and society?
  4. Military and Economic Power: What were the key factors behind Athens' military and economic strength during this period?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, recommended readings, or any additional insights on this transformative era in Greek history.

Olympic Games in Greece History and Historical Sites?

I’m planning a trip to Greece and want to explore the country’s rich Olympic history and important historical sites. Before I go, I’d love to learn more about how the ancient Olympic Games shaped Greek culture and which locations are a must-visit.

Of course, Olympia is on my list, but I’m curious—are there other sites tied to the Games or ancient athletics that I should check out? Also, what’s the best way to experience Olympia? Any tips for visiting the ruins and the museum?

Beyond the Olympics, I’d love recommendations on other key historical sites that provide insight into Greece’s past. Athens and Delphi are on my list—anything else that’s a must-see for history lovers?

If you’ve been, I’d love to hear about your experiences and any books or resources you recommend before my trip!

Formation of the Greek City-States (Polis)

I've been reading up on Ancient Greece and am fascinated by the formation of the city-states, or polis. It's intriguing how these independent communities, each with their own government, culture, and identity, developed in close proximity to each other. I'm curious about the factors that led to their formation and would love to hear from anyone with insights or expertise on this topic.

What were the key social, political, or geographical influences that contributed to the rise of these city-states? How did the mountainous terrain of Greece affect their development? I've read that trade and colonization also played significant roles—how did these aspects influence the growth and governance of the polis?

Do you have some info for me off the top of your head, or even a book or two that I can read!

Kingdoms in Ancient Greece?

My niece has a school project about Ancient Greece, and she asked me an interesting question: were there kingdoms in Ancient Greece? I always associate Greece with city-states like Athens and Sparta, but I’m wondering if there were any actual kingdoms during that time.

Did Ancient Greece ever have kings ruling over larger territories, or was it mostly independent city-states? I’ve heard of Mycenae and the Minoans—were they considered kingdoms? And how do they compare to the more famous city-states of the Classical period?

If anyone has insights or resources that could help me explain this to her in a simple way, I’d really appreciate it. She's 11 years old and she chose this topic herself.
Share and discuss Greek history!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top