If you have been anywhere near any fishing spots or ports in Malta, chances are you have come across the colourful Maltese traditional fishing boat, the luzzu.

You might have also noticed that the ‘luzzu’ always has a pair of eyes painted at the front of the boat.

But did you know the reason why?

The practice dates all the way back to the Phoenician times here in Malta. The eye is what is referred to as the Eye of Orisis or Horus. The Phoenicians believed that these gods protected them from evil.

Therefore, the eyes are painted on the luzzu to prevent fisherman from getting lost while at sea or facing any kind of harm.