User:Europeanbreasmuseo/The Christmas Pie of Kalymnos

The traditional Kalymnos Christmas pie has a special design and decoration. The Kalymnian housewife dedicated it to her husband and his profession, that of a sailor or sponge-maker, from which she earned her living. The underside of the royal cake was shaped like the steering wheel of a ship. On the upper side it was shaped like birds, which 'held' coloured ribbons with their beaks. The birds symbolized the news, as they carried the messages. The ribbons, which were always coloured and never black, symbolised joy. The coin was obviously in the centre. With this bread - christmas pie the housewives wished that the news and messages coming from their husbands would be happy and that they would always return.