In Greek Christmas tradition, the small boat-shaped decoration displayed during the holiday season is called a karavaki.
The karavaki reflects Greece’s long maritime history. Traditionally, children decorated small boats and carried them while singing kalanda, or Christmas carols, from house to house. Families also displayed decorated boats in homes, particularly in coastal and island communities.
The custom predates the widespread adoption of the Christmas tree in Greece. Today, both trees and boats may appear in Greek Christmas decorations, while large illuminated boats are sometimes installed in public squares. The word karavaki means “little boat” in Greek.
A karavaki is not a Christmas food or a type of carol. Kourabiedes are almond biscuits, vasilopita is New Year’s cake, and kalanda are the songs traditionally sung by children during the festive season.