The Greeks have long had a relationship with the sea, and one of the most fascinating things that they did was to paint eyes on their boats. This was not just for aesthetic reasons but also to ward off evil spirits and ensure safe sailing on choppy waters.
The practice of painting eyes on boats or other objects goes back to ancient times. It is based on the belief that eyes have a protective power or the power to ward off evil. Eyeballs were often painted on Greek vases and sculptures for the same reason. The Greeks called this eye symbol the “apotropaic eye” which means “to ward off evil”.
The eye painting mostly appeared on the prows or bows of the ships, as this was the part of the boat that would meet the waves first. While the eyes themselves could be quite elaborate, the basic concept was simple, with the paintings depicting the eyes of a face, complete with eyebrows and often a nose too.
The idea behind this art form was simple. They believed that by painting eyes on the boat, it would allow the vessel to “see” the way ahead, giving it a more accurate feeling when it came to navigating through difficult waters. It is also believed that the painted eyes acted as a form of visual intimidation, warning any potential enemies that the ship’s crew was aware of their presence and would not be easily defeated.
In other cultures, we see similar practices of eye-painting, such as in Egypt, where the eye of Horus was believed to protect the pharaohs, or in India where the dot on the forehead is believed to offer a similar form of protection.
In addition to the practical benefits, the painting of eyes on boats had an aesthetic significance as well. Boats painted with eyes looked more impressive on the waves, gaining a reputation of being “alive” and “vibrant.”
The Greeks painted eyes on their boats as a means of warding off evil spirits, intimidation tactics against potential enemies, and to ensure safe sailing. This stylistic choice also gave the boats an impressive appearance on the waves, helping to extend its reputation as a seaworthy vessel. While the practical benefits may no longer be relevant in modern boating, the tradition is still kept alive in Greek culture, and it is a unique cultural practice that remains fascinating to this day.