The crisp December air in Athens, just weeks before Christmas, carries a sense of almost exotic enchantment. Central streets, adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant displays from grand commercial stores like Attica City Link on Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue, shimmer with festive cheer. The melodies of street musicians playing familiar Christmas carols on saxophones and violins create an atmosphere reminiscent of a charming European city, starkly different from the often-grey Athenian autumn. During the holiday season, Athens, with its array of musical and cultural events organized by public and non-profit organizations-from the Red Cross hosting Olympic champion Katerina Thanou at Syntagma Square to ELIVIP’s pop-up library at Syntagma Metro station-transforms into a Mediterranean version of Vienna or Berlin, cities from which the tradition of Christmas decorating historically originates.
The Genesis of a Tradition: From Germany to Greece
The custom of decorating a Christmas tree indoors, which began in Germany in 1539, made its first appearance in Greece after the establishment of the modern Greek state and the arrival of King Otto. It is believed that the first Christmas tree in a Greek home was decorated in 1843, at the residence of diplomat Ioannis Paparrigopoulos on Kydathinaion Street in Plaka. This grand fir, over two meters tall, graced the home’s salon, adorned with candles and ornaments Paparrigopoulos had acquired from Russia during his travels as Russia’s Consul General in Greece and a law student in Moscow. On Christmas Eve of 1843, many visited the diplomat’s home to admire the tree and extend holiday wishes, including General Ioannis Makrygiannis, who was so taken aback by this foreign custom that he remarked to his host, “It’s beautiful, Mr. Giannis. May we be well next year. But I don’t let my trees grow inside the room! Only my weapons grow there.”
Ancient Echoes: The Eiresione and Modern Festivities
Festive decorations during the winter season were not an unfamiliar concept to the ancient Athenians. The ancient custom of the Eiresione, where an olive or laurel branch dedicated to Apollo was adorned with wool and the year’s first fruits (such as fruits and grains) and carried around by singing children, was essentially a precursor to the Christmas tree and caroling traditions. Perhaps, in modern times, this ancient custom, which symbolized abundance and offered wishes for the new year, returned to Greece via Germany, where it became associated with Saint Boniface in the 8th century and Martin Luther in the 16th century-the latter being credited with first decorating a fir tree with candles. Regardless of its historical journey, the meaning has remained constant, almost untouched by the profound transition from Dodecatheism to Christianity.
Athens Embraces the Festive Spirit
Today, the festive spirit in Athens is palpable. The city’s transformation is not merely aesthetic; it’s a vibrant cultural revival. The blend of historical significance and contemporary celebration creates a unique tapestry of holiday cheer. From the bustling shopping districts to the quiet, illuminated streets, Athens invites residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in its festive glow. The Christmas decorations, far from being just a modern import, resonate with a deep-seated tradition of celebrating abundance and hope, echoing through centuries of Athenian history.
As the Christmas season unfolds, Athens continues to charm with its unique blend of ancient heritage and modern festivity, reminding everyone that while customs may evolve, the spirit of celebration endures.
Source: https://www.athensvoice.gr/politismos/more-in-culture/937980/hristougenniatikoi-stolismoi-stin-athina-mia-sudomi-anadromi/amp/
