In the world, perhaps, there is no other great celebration like the Christmas holiday, which has such a rich set of different rituals, traditions and features. The Nativity of Christ is the most important and greatest Christian holiday that mankind celebrates for over 20 centuries. He gives a spiritual beginning, the expectation of something wonderful and extraordinary. Therefore, the holiday is considered home, calm and at the same time solemn. It is celebrated for several days in a row with a variety of rituals. But the most important tradition is Christmas dinner on January 6th on Christmas Eve with the appearance of the first star.
It so happened that Christmas is celebrated in different countries on different dates. Orthodox on January 7, Catholics, Protestants and Lutherans on December 25. The discrepancy is explained as follows. The Ukrainian, Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Belarusian and Georgian churches remained on the Julian calendar, and did not switch to the Gregorian.
Orthodox traditions at Christmas
The Orthodox tradition presupposes observing a strict 40-day fast before Christmas. Moreover, on the last day of fasting, the tradition prohibits breakfast and lunch; only children are allowed to have a little snack at lunchtime.
Believers eat fast food for 40 days. This lasts until the first "Bethlehem" star rises on January 7th. This canon extends even during Christmas Eve - the Christmas festive table on the night of January 6-7. It is believed that at this time the forces of good and evil are fighting for the soul of a person, and depending on whose side wins, he fulfills desires. Therefore, on Christmas Eve, people put on kind animal masks, went from house to house with songs and carols, wishing well and prosperity. Thus, they tried not to anger evil spirits, but to attract good ones. This custom is an echo of pagan beliefs, but in some villages, it is still preserved. However, traditionally, only men and boys were caroling.
The symbol of Christmas is, of course, a tree with a star at the top. They also decorate the apartment with a Christmas wreath, decorative candles and Christmas cards. The tradition has survived to this day to ring the bells during songs, which symbolizes the greeting of the coming of Christ.
On Christmas Eve, the family must be at home, it is strictly forbidden to swear, quarrel and argue. In large families, it was agreed in advance about who would celebrate at home, choosing, as a rule, a rich dwelling or the house of the head of the "elder" of the clan. It is necessary to invite only close and dear people to the table. To prepare the table for Christmas Eve, children are involved, in particular the older daughters, help the mother. Since women all day on January 6 prepare festive Lenten dishes, which should have been at least 12. The dishes symbolize the 12 apostles and 12 months of the year. At the same time, before cooking, you need to confess, cleanse your soul and heart, make peace and forgive your enemies.
The most important ritual dish is placed in the center of the table - Christmas kutya, which is tasted first. Also, Slavic women bake fresh bread and pies. The number of pies is prepared equal to the number of people gathered at the table. In this case, a coin is placed in one of them. Pirmet says that whoever gets it will carry it all year round.
Men at this time organized the festive table itself. They brought in stalks of straw and laid them under the tablecloth. With songs, they put dishes on the table, which were tied crosswise with red threads, which symbolized the birth of the son of God in the manger. In the old days, it was believed that the little Christ was born that night, for this reason one should not make noise, so as not to disturb the baby.
In addition, the ceremonies require a didukh, who must stand in the house in the most honorable place. This is a festive sheaf made from wheat, oats, or rye. "Breadfruit" represents the deceased spirits of all descendants, who, according to belief, come to the house of their relatives on this day.
Traditional set of 12 dishes for Christmas
Different regions have their own traditions and their own set of 12 Christmas dishes. Putting everything together, you can make an approximate average menu that is suitable for any table. At the same time, it should be noted that it is imperative to taste every dish so as not to be hungry next year. At the same time, you cannot eat the entire gala dinner, otherwise the house will remain empty.
- Kutia
- Uzvar
- Beetroot salad with prunes
- Sauerkraut and pickles salad
- Vinaigrette with herring
- Dumplings with potatoes or cabbage
- Millet porridge with mushrooms
- Mushroom soup or lean borsch
- Stewed cabbage with mushrooms
- Fried fish
- Cabbage rolls with rice and stewed carrots
- Boiled potatoes with butter and garlic
And some more customs:
- The traditional color of the celebration is white, therefore tablecloths, napkins, curtains, tableware are selected only in snow-white shades.
- Unmarried girls and single guys cannot sit on the corner of the festive table, otherwise they will be left without a married couple.
- Food is washed down only with uzvar, not water.
- It is impossible to get up from the feast and leave the house until the meal is over. Otherwise, let in evil spirits.
- After dinner, children bring food from the festive table to their godfathers, grandparents.
Remember that Christmas is the main church holiday. These days it is worth visiting a church, thinking about life, about business, remembering what has been done and what has yet to be done, talking with loved ones and not swearing. Then you will join the welcoming atmosphere that soars everywhere with the Birth of Christ, and life will be full of good deeds.
For more information on the traditions of celebrating Christmas, see this video:
