Christmas is a special time of year for many people around the world, and for those of the Serbian Orthodox faith, it is no different. The Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on Jan 7th each year, with traditions that have been passed down through generations. In Serbia, Christmas is celebrated in a unique way; the festivities are full of rich culture and beautiful customs that give the holiday a special feel. These traditions make Serbian Orthodox Christmas an event to be experienced at least once in a lifetime, much like the Slava celebrations for those who have not yet witnessed it.
The Julian calendar
The Julian calendar is the traditional calendar used by the Serbian Orthodox Church to calculate the date of Christmas and other religious holidays. Developed in ancient Rome, based on a solar cycle of 365.25 days, this calendar remains a part of modern-day life for many people. Despite its age, it is still widely used around the world in various religions and cultures.
In Serbia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th each year following the Julian Calendar – 13 days after the Gregorian Calendar that most countries use today. This can make them seem out of step with their Western counterparts. This difference dates back to 1582 when Pope Gregory XIII introduced reforms to bring about more accuracy in dating special occasions within Christianity such as Easter and Christmas. Though most Eastern European countries adopted this reform over time, Serbia kept with their traditional Julian calendar until 1919 when they officially switched to using the Gregorian system.
The biggest difference that sets Serbia’s celebration apart from others is its focus on religion and spiritual reflection rather than material goods or presents – something that can be lost in more commercialized celebrations elsewhere in the world.
Centuries of tradition
The Serbian Orthodox Church is steeped in centuries of tradition and, for many believers, the celebration of Christmas begins on January 7th. This is, as we have mentioned it above because the Serbian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar or Old Calendar and celebrates Christmas thirteen days later than churches that follow the Gregorian calendar. For those who respect this practice, January 7th marks a day of joyous celebration for their whole family.
As part of their traditional observance, families will often gather together in homes or churches to celebrate with special foods such as česnica (bread, often decorated with Orthodox symbols), a symbol of lasting good fortune. They may also attend midnight Mass at church which includes carols and a sermon by a priest followed by fellowship over food and drink (believe me, mullet wine or rakija is an absolute must on cold winter days).
Badnji Dan – Christmas Eve day
Badnji Day marks the start of a traditional holiday celebrated by Serbian Orthodox Christians around the world. On this day, January 6th, a branch of an oak tree, but oftentimes the whole tree, is cut and brought into the home – hence why it’s also referred to as “Badnjak” in Serbia. The significance of this activity dates back to when people believed that solid and resilient trees like oaks were able to protect them from evil forces. In addition, Badnji Day symbolizes fertility and new beginnings; it is seen as a time for family members to come together and renew their bonds after being apart for so long.
One of the most beloved Serbian Orthodox Christmas traditions is collecting a tree called the Badnjak. This happens on the day before Christmas when the youngest and oldest man in the family gathers early in the morning to go into the forest and collect an oak tree. This act has been part of Serbian tradition for centuries, with families gathering around a bonfire to burn the Badnjak as a sign of good luck for their upcoming year. The chosen tree is supposed to be cut down with three blows with an axe, hit from the east side of the tree. If the tree is not cut in three blows, it should be broken or twisted. Once this ritual is done, the host takes the tree home on his right shoulder and places it next to the entrance door. It will be brought inside later in the evening.
In some parts of the country, for example, parts of a burnt oak tree are hung from the branches of fruit trees. This ancient ritual has been practiced by generations of Orthodox Serbs and celebrates the fruitful power of the sacred tree. The burning oak symbolizes renewal and fertility – an essential part of the celebrations for many Serbians. It’s believed that when ashes from this fire are scattered over orchards and vineyards it brings good fortune to crops in the coming year.
Badnjak
The Badnjak is an essential symbol of this holiday season and its roots are deeply embedded in folklore. The practice comes from ancient Slavic pagan rituals that involved bringing home a young green branch during winter solstice for protection against evil spirits. Over time, it has become associated with bringing joy and prosperity into homes during this festive period.
The oak tree has long been a symbol of strength, stability, and protection in Serbia. It is a reminder of the faith and fortitude that sustained the Serbian people through centuries of hardship. This symbolism is especially strong at Christmas time when, according to tradition, the shepherds brought an oak tree to the cold cave where Christ was born. The same oak tree was later used as firewood by righteous Joseph to keep himself and Jesus warm during their stay in the cave. Taking it a step further for many the oak wood also represents the tree of the Cross of Christ.
In this way, the oak tree itself serves as an emissary of divine grace, a reminder that even during our darkest times God will be there with us if we hold fast to our faith. This sentiment takes on special significance during Christmas – a time for hope and joy but also a reflection on what it means to be blessed by God’s grace.
Badnje veče – Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is a special time of year for those who celebrate the Serbian Orthodox faith. Every year, families come together to observe this holy day with traditions that have been passed down through generations. On Christmas Eve, families prepare for the next day by gathering around the oak tree and bringing in straw as well as preparing the roast for the Christmas feast. This marks the beginning of a festive night filled with joy and celebration for all involved.
The oak tree and straw are symbols of Jesus’ birth and add to the special atmosphere of this sacred holiday. Once these items are brought into the home, it signifies that Christmas has officially begun. The family then gathers together in one place prayerfully awaiting midnight when they will break their fast and enjoy a meal consisting of traditional foods like roast pork or goose, cabbage rolls, sarma rolls, walnut bread, and nut-filled pastries.
A traditional Christmas Eve celebration includes bringing straw into the house and displaying it under the table. This is an ancient custom of honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. The hostess places various sweets, small gifts, and toys in the straw for each of her guests to enjoy. In some parts of the country, some still cherish the old ways and toss walnuts across the room that children joyfully collect.
The traditional dinner consists of fast baked beans, fresh or dried fish, and other fast dishes, and even ajvar, as many Christians began their fast on November 28th that will last till midnight on the 6th of January. During this period, believers abstain from meat and dairy products and do not eat eggs.
Christmas Day
On Christmas morning before dawn, Orthodox churches ring all of their bells in the church tower, while some fire guns announcing the arrival of Christmas and the joyous celebration of Christ’s birth. This is a traditional custom that has been practiced for centuries in Serbia as part of an ancient religious holiday. It is believed that the sound of bells ringing from the highest towers symbolizes God’s love reaching down to Earth while firing guns or pistols into the sky is an expression of hope for peace on earth and goodwill toward all people. The host and all the household members put on the most festive clothes and go to the church for matins and the Christmas liturgy.
On the early morning of Christmas Day, the Serbian Orthodox housewife kneads dough from which she bakes a traditional scone called česnica. This scone is special as it is baked with a gold, silver, or ordinary coin placed inside of it. Bakers believe that whoever finds this coin will have good luck and fortune for the coming year.
Česnica is an oval-shaped yeast bread filled with walnuts, sugar, and honey – making it both sweet and savory in flavor. As it bakes in the oven, its aroma fills up each corner of the house evoking feelings of joy and warmth amongst family members gathering to celebrate Christmas day.
The first visitor to one’s home on Christmas Day is known as the “položajnik”. This tradition dates back to the time of medieval Serbia, and it continues even today in some parts of Serbia and other Orthodox countries. The visit from the položajnik is an exciting event for the family, as people expect that his presence will bring good luck and fortune to them during the coming year. Položajnik symbolizes the wise men who arrived at the infant Christ’s shrine after following a star in the East.
Follow your shining star and discover Serbian traditions. We will arrange your transportation as well as accommodations, even in rural houses so you can enjoy the full Serbian hospitality.
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