Round the World in 30 Days

Photo of the Day – Luzzu Boats, Malta

Malta is an island nation so it’s no surprise that it has a long and distinguished maritime history. One of the most common symbols of the island are the brightly-colored fishing boats, called luzzu, that are ubiquitous in every harbor. The boats are derived from Phoenician vessels and are painted in vibrant hues of blue, red, yellow and green – they look a bit like a floating box of crayons. The most distinguishing feature of the luzzu are the eyes painted on each side of the bow known as the “Eyes of Osiris.” Osiris was the god of fertility and of the dead. Maltese fishermen believe that the eyes of Osiris ward off evil spirits and keep them safe from the dangers of the sea. Every year in the spring before the fishermen put their boats in the water for summer they paint the eyes afresh to give them maximum protection.