In Ancient Greece, seasonal rituals centered around the decoration of laurel or olive branches and entire trees were adorned with strands of ribbon, figs, vessels of wine, animal hair, honey, and olive oil. These branches were later decorated with “all good things”, including apples, nuts, and cookie or bread ornaments. These “Eiresioni/Eirosioni” branches were carried through the city by young men who went from house to house to sing songs about fertility, health, prosperity, and peace. The branches were left at the homes, where they retained a place of honor throughout the year. At year’s end, they were burned and replaced by a newly-decorated branch.

In Byzantium, the ancient custom of Eiresioni/Eirosioni was Christianized and became a way to thank God for all the goods he provided. In cities, local streets were cleaned and decorated with poles and garlands of rosemary, myrtle branches, and blossoms of the season. The custom of decorating a pole with rosemary still survives in the memory of Greek people when they sing the Kalanta for the New Year:

Αρχιμηνιά κι αρχιχρονιά ψηλή μου δενδρολιβανιά (transl. Beginning of the First Month, and beginning of the New Year, oh dear tall rosemary….).

Unlike in the Western tradition of Christmas, gifts are not exchanged on the 25th of December, nor is St. Nicholas involved in such a custom. Instead, gifts are exchanged on New Year’s Day, and in celebration of St. Basil (Bishop of Caesaria, Cappadocia, +379 CE) and in commemoration of his generosity and hospitality to the poor and orphan children. The exchange of gifts is also reminiscent of the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that were given to the infant Jesus by the biblical Magi of Persia, following His birth.

In Greek tradition, St. Basil is the one who brings gifts to children every January 1st (St. Basil’s Day; see icon on table).