Christmas: traditions and customs. Folk signs, superstitions and customs for the Nativity of Christ Christmas Christian traditions and customs

Christmas has been celebrated as a separate holiday among Orthodox Christians since the 4th century. Of course, over the centuries, numerous traditions have appeared in different countries of the world to celebrate the great day of Jesus’ coming into this world. If you look a little more closely, you can clearly see that almost all cultural and historical eras are reflected in Christmas customs, like in a mirror. Each generation, starting from the traditions bequeathed by their ancestors, brought to the celebration of the Nativity of Christ something new, special, characteristic of the historical period in which it lived and the national customs of its own people.

The Hidden Meaning of Christmas Traditions and Customs

But, without a doubt, the main traditions of celebrating Christmas were formed in ancient times. Moreover, many of them are deeply rooted in paganism, in the times of worship of the Sun and the powerful forces of nature. Our ancestors (unlike us) always remembered that man is an integral spiritual component of nature. That is why the vast majority of Christmas traditions, customs, and rituals are directly related to natural phenomena and spiritual cleansing. The purer the soul, the less negative energy is “thrown out” into this world, the fewer natural disasters and catastrophes, the more harmonious a person exists with the nature around him.

The main traditions of Orthodox Christmas

Judging from this point of view, the tradition of observing Lent before the Nativity of Christ looks completely different. By limiting oneself in food for forty days, and especially on Christmas Eve, a person is cleansed both physically and mentally and is reborn, like Jesus, in order to continue his life on a new, higher quality level.

Also, other Christmas traditions take on a completely different meaning from this point of view. For example, in the old days there was a very strange custom for modern people. On Christmas Eve it was forbidden to wash or go to the bathhouse. Some historians argue that such a tradition was connected exclusively with the great hassle of preparing for the “water procedures”: chopping wood and heating a bathhouse really took a lot of time in the old days. In fact, water has the ability to “wash away” all accumulated information from a person and, accordingly, cleanse him of sins. Our ancestors faced a very difficult task - to cleanse themselves without this powerful auxiliary remedy, only through abstinence and prayer.

Having freed ourselves before Christmas from all the bad things that had accumulated over the year, it was necessary to “sow” the soul with new, energetically pure seeds of good luck and prosperity. This is precisely what another Christmas tradition, “sowing,” is connected with. Therefore, on the morning of January 7, they always carol, scattering grains of rice, wheat, and millet in the corners of the room. At the same time, the “sowers” ​​always wish the owners of the house happiness, prosperity and health.

Traditionally, a sumptuous table was set for Christmas. But this was connected not only with the love of our ancestors for delicious food. Beautiful dishes attracted good spirits, who that night spent a lot of energy fighting all evil spirits. Of course, they needed to eat well in order to protect the owners of the house from various adversities.

What not to do at Christmas?

Christmas also had its own prohibitions. Moreover, there is a whole list of things that should not be done on Christmas. For example, doing household chores, sewing and knitting. And the men had to forget about hunting for a while: on Christmas night, the souls of dead people inhabit the animals! Unmarried girls were not allowed to make fortunes at Christmas - all fortune-telling for the betrothed is best done during the 12 days of Christmastide, right up to Epiphany.

Christmas is one of the most important holidays for all Christians (after Easter), since on this day the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ. In Orthodoxy it is one of the so-called Lord's twelve holidays.

What date is Christmas

There are many signs and customs associated with Christmas - they were given special attention. It was believed that as Christmas went, so would the year.

As you know, the date differs among Catholics and Orthodox Christians due to the peculiarities of maintaining the calendar (which is why we also have the Old New Year holiday, which is not celebrated anywhere else in the world). Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. Greek Catholics also celebrate the Nativity of Christ together with the Orthodox.

Note that initially, from the end of the 2nd to the 4th century, Christmas was celebrated on January 6 - after the Baptism of the Savior, but later it was moved to December 25 due to the fact that it was on this day that the pagans in the Roman Empire celebrated the Birth of the Invincible Sun, that is, the day of winter solstice.

Christmas story

According to the Old Testament prophets, Christ was born in the city of Bethlehem in 5508 from the creation of the world.

The main and initial purpose of establishing a holiday is to remember and glorify the event of the appearance in the flesh of the Son of God. The Orthodox Church also established the solemn holiday of the Baptism of the Lord and called it the Epiphany, instilling the idea that on this day Christ did not become God for the first time, but only revealed Himself as God, presenting himself as One of the Trinity, the Son of God.

The holiday became a contrast to the rituals of the pagans. They also adopted the pagan custom of decorating trees. And also this holiday is accompanied by services and solemn chants. In the 4th century, Queen Helen, Equal to the Apostles, built a temple on the site of the Bethlehem cave, glorified by the birth of Christ.

Christmas Eve

The evening before Christmas or Christmas Eve (Holy Evening) has its own sacred meaning. On this day, one should observe a strict fast with complete abstinence from food until the first star, which symbolizes the Christmas star, which announced to the Magi about the birth of the baby Christ. On this day, first of all, it is customary for everyone to eat kutya, always at least a small spoon.

Traditions and rituals for Christmas

Since, like most holidays, Christmas adopted the traditions of paganism, we also find elements of the pre-Christian era among the traditions. In the old days, it was customary to sprinkle the table with hay and keep it there until the Generous Evening - this symbolized a good harvest. Later it came to symbolize that Jesus was born in a stable.

Lay a tablecloth on top, and in the center of the table place a dish with kutya and other dishes, of which there should be 12 according to the number of apostles. The food was plentiful, with meat dishes: pancakes, pies, pickles and dried berries, fried sausage, etc.

At midnight, everyone exchanged gifts, congratulated each other and made wishes. Christmas fortune-telling was common among girls. It was believed that at Christmas the sky opens to the earth, and the heavenly forces fulfill all their plans. All wishes made for Christmas must be good.

At Christmas it is customary to light more candles, lights, a fireplace - if you have one. Candles bring warmth and wealth into your home. If you have pets, then at Christmas you need to feed them abundantly - then the whole year will be satisfying and successful financially.

One special candle must be lit for deceased relatives - then they will help you attract good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

Christmas is a great time for shopping, big and small. Buying something good for Christmas is a great omen and a sign that the purchase will serve you faithfully.

From Christmas until Epiphany, throughout all the days of Christmastide, certain prohibitions apply, which are determined by centuries-old ideas about the holiday as a stop of time, a certain temporary pause, during which one cannot engage in productive labor and everything that is associated with birth, beginning, development. Therefore, a significant part of the prohibitions concerns crafts related to spinning, sewing, knitting, weaving, braiding, that is, everything related to thread (rope). The thread is a symbol of life and destiny.

On Christmas, you can't do any cleaning or housekeeping chores. This day is created for peace and joy. It’s even better if you don’t clean up until January 14th (the next day of the old New Year). All garbage collected on January 14 should be taken outside and scattered to the wind, or burned. According to signs, after this no evil spirits will bother you for a whole year.

You can't swear on a holy day. He who swears takes away the hope of salvation from his ancestors.

There is a widespread belief associated with the arrival of the first guest. If you are inviting guests over for Christmas, see who enters your home first. If a woman enters first, then the women of your family will be sick all year.

Christmas rules also applied to clothing: on Christmas, another tradition has long been followed: to wear only new clothes. Not clean, washed, but new, not yet worn. And don't sit at the Christmas table dressed in black. Our ancestors believed that such people would face failure in business in the new year.

It is not recommended to guess at Christmas - in order to ask the higher powers what awaits you in the future, there will still be a lot of time: it is best to do this on the so-called Christmastide - from January 8 to Epiphany, it is not for nothing that fortune telling at this time is called that - Christmastide.

You can't drink water on Christmas, so remove all mineral water from the table. There is coffee, tea and other great drinks. To be honest, this sign is a little strange, but it’s better not to drink water than to suffer for an unknown reason all year.

On January 7, people go to visit relatives and sing carols. On the morning of January 7, the whole family or several representatives go to church for holiday prayer, and returning from church, people joyfully greet: “Christ is born!” They are answered - “Praise him!” Starting from the evening of January 6, Christoslavs (carolers) walked with the “Star of Bethlehem.” A large star made of gilded paper was attached to a stick, decorated with a lantern, paper garlands, sometimes an icon of the Nativity, the Savior or the Mother of God, then with this star singing Christmas carols went around the surrounding houses.

In some places, they baked animal figures from wheat dough for the holiday - cows, sheep, goats, cockerels, hens and shepherd men.

In some regions, the table is decorated with didukh, a specially shaped sheaf of wheat or oats: with four legs and a large number of knots, symbolizing prosperity for the next year.

The Seven Blessings of Christmas

The number seven is considered sacred. There is a belief that whoever does seven blessings on Orthodox Christmas will live happily all year and even has the right to ask the angels for the fulfillment of their most cherished desire. On this day, it is customary to give seven alms for the sake of happiness in the coming year. Usually these are 7 identical coins, which must be given to someone who arouses sincere sympathy in the soul, accompanying the alms with a silent prayer. You can also give seven useful gifts. As a rule, these were towels, and when giving them, the giver must say the words: “I give towels, I will die well, I will correct evil with good, I will guide my kind (my family) to happiness.”

Ritual

At Christmas, many different rituals have long been performed, but in order not to be accused of obscurantism at all, do the nicest ones that are not tied to magic. For example, starting from January 7, for forty (!) days (this period is called peace - our ancestors believed that during this time angels help people in all matters), every morning, when you wake up, make a new wish - imagine how much good will come into your life!

Signs and superstitions

At Christmas, folk signs and superstitions acquire special power, as if nature itself and every object are trying to tell us something: how to live, what to fear. Here are just a few of them.

A sign of prosperity. If you lose any item at Christmas, this means that you may face losses next year. But if you find a thing and even some kind of jewelry, then money is already rushing to you in full sail!

A sign for good luck. If you accidentally spilled tea or coffee at the Christmas table (this does not apply to alcohol), then this is good news and great success for all your endeavors.

On Christmas Eve (January 7 to 19), look at nature. If the sky is most often strewn with stars, or it snows often, or there is a lot of frost on the trees, the year will be rich, satisfying, and profitable. If it snows on Christmas Day itself, this is a very good omen and promises a successful year.

If there is a new moon in the sky on Christmas Day, the year will be extremely unsuccessful financially.

The most monetary sign of Christmas is also a tradition. A coin is baked into the pie - and whoever gets a piece with a coin will have great financial luck in the New Year.

May the coin end up in your piece of Christmas pie!

Prayers for Christmas

Glorification of the Nativity of Christ

We magnify Thee,
Life-giving Christ,
for our sake now born in the flesh
from Beznevestnyya
and the Most Pure Virgin Mary.

Troparion to the Nativity of Christ

Your Nativity, Christ our God,
the rise of the world and the light of reason:
in it he serves the stars,
I follow a star
I bow to you to the Sun of Truth,
and I lead you from the heights of the East:
Lord, glory to You.

Kontakion, tone 3

The Virgin is giving birth today to the Most Essential,
and the earth brings a den to the Unapproachable;
Angels and shepherds praise,
the wolves travel with the star;
For our sake, the Young Child, the Eternal God, was born.

Troparion for the Forefeast

Get ready, Bethlehem,
open yourself to everyone, O Eden,
show off, Euphratho,
like the tree of life in the den of prosperity from the Virgin:
paradise for Onoya's womb appeared in thought,
there is a Divine Garden in it,
It’s worse than poison, we’ll live,
We will not die like Adam.
Christ is born before the fallen to restore the image.

Forefeast (Evening Eve), tone 4:

Having sometimes written with Elder Joseph,
as from the seed of David, Miriam was in Bethlehem,
womb-bearing seedless Birth.
It's Christmas time,
and there is no place for any dwelling,
but, like a red chamber, the den appeared to the Queen.
Christ is born before the fallen to resurrect the image.

For many years now, a huge number of people from different countries have been waiting for this holiday as one of the most dear and beloved. The holiday of the Nativity of Christ is a bright and quiet joy, it is the date of the beginning of a new era for humanity. Even our calendar has been counting down the third millennium from this moment.

Such an important event happened, as we know, quietly and inconspicuously: Mary and Joseph, having come to the census in Bethlehem, did not find room in the hotel and stayed in a cave for livestock (den), where the Baby Jesus was born at night.

The first to come to the cave after this were not kings or priests, but simple shepherds, to whom, according to the testimony of the evangelists, angels told about the great joy. And a bright star lit up in the sky - it is still one of the main symbols of Christmas for all of us.

After some time, this star brought three wise men (magi) from the East to Bethlehem. History has even preserved their names: Gaspar, Belshazzar and Melchior. With the help of calculations and ancient prophecies, they learned that the Savior of the world was about to be born, and brought Him their gifts: gold, as a symbol of royal power (28 plates with ornaments have been preserved), fragrant myrrh and incense (about 70 beads have reached us) ). To this day, these gifts are kept in the monastery on Mount Athos.

"When Christmas began to be celebrated annually is now unknown for certain. But since the 4th century, its date (which differs in the Western and Eastern church calendars) remains unchanged, and the festive word composed then by Gregory the Theologian is still heard annually on Christmas night in churches: “Christ is born - praise!

Now Christmas is an official, but at the same time a very homely and beloved holiday in many countries around the world.

Traditions of Christmas celebration

It is to the holiday of Christmas that we owe many wonderful traditions. The most famous symbol of the holiday is, of course, the decorated Christmas tree! At first it was tree branches woven into a wreath (many people probably know about mistletoe branches in England) and decorated with apples and flowers. They say that already in the 8th century in Europe it was the Christmas tree that was decorated for Christmas, decorating it with delicacies (sweets, nuts, fruits), bells and candles.

"Many decorations at first had a symbolic meaning. And now the star crowning the Christmas tree reminds us of the Star of Bethlehem, which showed the way to the Magi.

Special lungs appeared later. And in recent centuries, elegant spruce trees, which used to be a Christmas decoration for houses, “came out” in city squares.

Another Christmas tradition that has become comprehensive is to give gifts to all relatives and friends, originating from the gifts that the Magi brought. For those who are far from us on this day, wonderful Christmas cards have existed for one and a half hundred years, not only paper ones (often made by hand), but now also virtual ones.

Sometimes Christmas gnomes or Pere Noel, Father Frost or Santa Claus “help” give gifts in different countries, but I think it’s nice and simple to mutually exchange gifts and cards.

It has become an interesting tradition to celebrate the Nativity of Christ, both at home and near or inside churches. In past centuries, the nativity scene was a type of puppet theater through which children showed scenes related to Christmas events. Now it is a motionless composition depicting a cave with the Holy Family, sheep, shepherds, sometimes wise men, a star - in a word, participants in those events.

How Christmas is celebrated in different countries

French people were one of the first to make special glass Christmas tree balls (replacing apples). And now the spruce certainly decorates every French house on Christmas and New Year's days, and next to it stand... shoes or boots, where gifts for children mysteriously end up. After attending the festive mass, there is a family dinner with the obligatory goose, and, of course, a traditional log-shaped cake.

In Finland Before Christmas, in addition to the usual one, the tree outside is decorated for the birds. Place crumbs and seeds in a feeder or under a tree.

In Sweden the tree is decorated with flowers and - buns! The Swedes celebrate Christmas exclusively in the family circle, and on the eve in some areas you can see a procession of residents with lit candles heading to the temple for the festive service.

In Serbia(where Christmas, as in Russia, is celebrated on January 7) the celebration, along with preparation for it, continues for more than a month! There it is a holiday, first of all, for children and parents, dedicated to family and home. On Christmas Eve, the father of the family, according to tradition, must cut down an oak branch, “badnyak,” for the hearth.

In Germany many observe the pre-Christmas fast, Advent, from the beginning of which preparations for Christmas begin: an Advent wreath is hung, and every week another candle is lit on it; gifts are purchased for all friends and family; finally, a Christmas tree is bought and decorated (the traditional colors of its decoration are red and green).

At the festive table, where the family gathers after the Christmas service, there are usually many different dishes, but always turkey and traditional cake-pie.

In England Since the beginning of December, there has been a festive tree in the main square of London, and for a whole month the British have been decorating houses, doors, windows, the space in front of the house... Children in England also write notes asking for gifts and throw them... into a lit fireplace.

"The festive menu here, as it should be in England, is very traditional: turkey, pudding, cookies with congratulation notes baked inside, baked chestnuts and potatoes. And the obligatory “program” of the celebration here includes congratulations from the Queen herself!

Christmas holiday in Russia

For more than a thousand years of history of Christianity in Rus', of course, Christmas has become one of the most important holidays for us, with its own customs.

The holiday is preceded by a forty-day Nativity fast, which is more strict in the last days. On the eve of Christmas, on Christmas Eve, the fast is the strictest - they eat only juice from wheat or rice with honey. And on the night of Christmas, a festive service is held in all churches, after which the holiday continues in families.

Unlike the celebration of Easter, there are no specific traditional dishes in Rus' - everything that will please the family is put on the table. During Christmas, every owner tries to provide a tasty treat to any guest.

Each country has its own popular Christmas songs. We have a lot of such songs - more precisely, in Russia they sing, glorifying the Nativity of Christ, both Ukrainian and Belarusian Christmas songs.

“Sometimes, as in past centuries, children sing around houses, carrying a bright star; the owners present them with treats.

In the 19th century, Christmas began to be celebrated not only in churches and homes, but also more widely: Christmas balls and receptions began to take place, the custom arose of decorating the Christmas tree with gifts, apples and putting gifts under it - this was the fashion of Alexandra Fedorovna.

The Soviet government, fighting against religion, tried not only to ban this holiday, but even to erase the memory of it. The tree, which was initially prohibited, however, returned to homes in the post-war years, already as an “officially permitted” New Year’s tree, and the star on it changed from golden to “Kremlin” - red five-pointed.

However, in many Russian homes throughout the past century, people wished each other a Merry Christmas, gave gifts, and even held holidays, primarily for children. And in the surviving churches, solemn festive services were invariably performed.

"Officially, the Christmas holiday returned to Russia in 1990.

And now the custom of widespread Christmas celebration has been preserved. This holiday is in many ways “for children,” and all Sunday schools have interesting Christmas trees, concerts, matinees or performances. Celebrations and games are organized for children and adults.

Throughout the Christmas season (until January 18), Christians go to each other with congratulations and festive praise. And first of all, they visit those who are lonely and not having a good time: they come to the sick, to homes and hospitals, to orphanages, nursing homes, and even (if possible) donate gifts to prisons. After all, the Nativity of Christ reminds us that light, love and goodness live in every soul.

We wish you and all your loved ones happiness, love, peace and tranquility this holiday season! But initially, Christmas is precisely the Birth of the New Year, the turn to spring. And this turn occurs on the twentieth of December. This is a very important and very joyful moment in the life of all nature and all people.
Orthodoxy has deprived us of this holiday, which is the same for all people living in the northern hemisphere.

Christmas 2020 is one of the brightest and most beautiful days of the year. Perhaps no other holiday has such a rich and mysterious history. And, perhaps, no other holiday unites representatives of different religions and nationalities so strongly. In 2020, the Great Church Holiday falls on Sunday, January 7th.

The origins of the Nativity of Christ are hidden in an even more ancient holiday, Epiphany, which was dedicated to the birth of the baby Jesus. The Day of Epiphany began to be celebrated in the second century in Egypt. By the 4th century, the tradition had spread to eastern countries, and a century later it came to the West. It is curious that the Day of Epiphany was dedicated to three events in the life of Jesus: his birth, the appearance of the wise men before him with gifts, and his baptism in the Jordan River.

The Nativity of Christ began to be celebrated as a separate holiday only at the end of the 5th century.

According to the Gregorian calendar, Christmas falls on December 25th. It is on this day that the holiday is celebrated by representatives of the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches. The Orthodox Church still does not recognize the Gregorian calendar, so the Nativity of Christ is celebrated according to the New Julian calendar, two weeks later, on the night of January 6-7.

The traditions and customs of Christmas in every family are passed down from generation to generation. Since ancient times, it has been customary for any Orthodox family to celebrate Christmas, the greatest Orthodox holiday, every year on January 7th. Traditions and customs of celebrating Christmas in different countries can differ significantly from each other, therefore everyone’s preparation for the holiday is completely different.

How was Christmas celebrated in the old days and how is it celebrated today in Russia? What traditions and rituals are held on the night before Christmas and what to prepare for the festive table?

History of the Nativity of Christ

The Christian Church remembered the events of Christmas on January 6, the day of Epiphany - there were mentions of this from the end of the 2nd to the 4th centuries. And in the middle of the 4th century, Clement of Alexandria noted the emergence of Christmas as a separate holiday, when it began to be celebrated on December 25.

It should be noted that once upon a time, on December 25, the cult of the Invincible Sun was widely celebrated in the Roman Empire. And it is believed that the Orthodox Church, by introducing the holiday of Christmas, tried to displace the pagan holiday.

The birth of Jesus Christ is directly described by the evangelists Luke and Matthew. It says that Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem because of the census taking place in the Roman Empire. It was in Bethlehem that Mary gave birth to her Firstborn, wrapped her Son in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.

First, shepherds came to worship Jesus, to whom an angel appeared and told about the miraculous event of the birth of the son of God.

The Magi (wise men) came with gifts to worship the baby when they saw a wonderful star in the sky announcing the birth of Jesus.

When is Christmas celebrated in Russia?

December 25 is the established date for the celebration of Christmas by the Roman Catholic Church, as well as many other Protestant churches that follow the Gregorian calendar.

On December 25, according to the New Julian calendar (it will coincide with the Gregorian calendar until March 2800), Antioch, Constantinople (with the exception of Athos), Cyprus, Alexandria, Romanian, Bulgarian and Greek churches will celebrate Christmas.

On January 6, Christmas is celebrated in the Armenian Church - on the same day as the Epiphany. Therefore, the holiday goes under the name of Epiphany.

On January 7 according to the modern Gregorian calendar (December 25 according to the “old style” of the Julian calendar), Christmas is celebrated by the Jerusalem, Russian, Georgian, Serbian Orthodox churches, Eastern Catholic, Ancient Eastern churches, as well as Mount Athos.

Folk traditions of Christmas

In the old days, the place for celebrating Christmas was usually designated at the home of some hospitable family. At the same time, the hostess, some time before the Christmas holiday, had to personally go around to all friends and relatives and voice an invitation to spend the holy holiday in her house.

The invitation speech should be prepared in advance and quite respectful, because those who heard its words will voice it to the next generation.

The next day, a specially selected elderly lady went to invite young girls to the holiday. In the houses she was greeted with all sorts of exclamations and given respectful attention. When inviting girls, the woman called everyone by name and indicated the address where they would be expected, and the mistress of the house into which this woman entered should offer her a glass of wine.

The guy who was chosen for a certain girl was from that day called her “betrothed” and became closer to her than other young people.

After the couples have been chosen, the boys and girls must unquestioningly carry out everything that the mistress of the house tells them. Sometimes their parents could carry out tasks for young people, so no one went unnoticed at the holiday.

The very first evening of the holiday was devoted to receiving the girls. They were supposed to arrive on Christmas Eve, after dark, at the house to which they were invited. It was customary to arrive in the evening on a sleigh, in the company of their mothers.

It is advisable to take a dowry with you in case of successful matchmaking on Christmas evening. The girls' sleigh can be followed by relatives, friends and acquaintances.

Having arrived at the desired house, no one was in a hurry to enter. The custom is to wait until the hosts come out with greetings to meet the guests. Only after this could everyone enter the house where women’s gatherings began.

All the invited girls called each other girlfriends, even if they didn’t know each other at all. The celebration of the Nativity of Christ begins the day after the gatherings, then everyone else is invited.

Christmas carols and children's songs

Rituals for Christmas in modern Russia

These rather interesting and funny Christmas traditions and customs remain in the distant past, in the times of our great-grandmothers. A little later, the celebration of Christmas was famous for carols and chants. Many celebrants sought to change beyond recognition, dressed up in costumes and walked around all the courtyards, where they sang special Christmas carols, ditties and amused the owners of the houses.

For this they were thanked with traditional Christmas treats from the festive table and were always offered to drink wine. Many of our parents probably remember these traditions; in some villages you can still sometimes find carolers on Christmas Day.

Today, the celebration of the bright holiday of Christmas is no longer as fun and in compliance with any traditions as before. There are, of course, some conventions, however, not everyone follows them. For example, on this day it is necessary to observe the Nativity fast until the first star.

Also, believers on this holiday attend church, read prayers, light candles and help the disadvantaged. Also, before the holiday, it is considered obligatory to clean up the house, take a good bath in the bathhouse and certainly prepare a lot of Christmas treats, the main one of which should be a pork meat dish.

You need to buy meat in large quantities to prepare jellied meat, roast meat, fry a pig and stuff a pig's head. Food is not removed from the festive table at Christmas, but is left to treat the souls of deceased parents. The prepared Christmas kutia, if it was left after the feast, must be distributed to the poor so that they, too, honor the holy holiday.

There is always drinking on Christmas Day. Noisy celebrations, festivities and merry dancing, Christmas carols are not limited to one evening and stretch over several carefree days. At this time, children enjoy winter fun, ride downhill and on a sleigh, build snowmen and take walks.

What to cook for Christmas 2020

Festive meat stewed in wine

This is an excellent dish, suitable for all holidays. It is very tasty, soft and aromatic. Spices for holiday meat can be used at your discretion and taste. This recipe for tender veal in wine will help you diversify your Christmas table.

Required Products:

• 1 kg. veal
• 2 heads of garlic
• 8 tablespoons spicy tomato sauce
• 750 ml. dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
• vegetable oil
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 sprig of marjoram

How to cook tender veal in wine in a frying pan:

Cut the veal into equal, small pieces. Rinse and dry. Heat a frying pan, add oil and fry the meat until golden brown. To ensure that the veal is roasted well, place the veal in the pan in small portions.

Peel the garlic and cut in half. Add to meat. Also add bread crumbs, sauce, thyme and marjoram to the contents. Mix everything well and pour in dry wine, cover the contents and simmer for 90 minutes.

After 60 min. you need to taste the dish and correct any errors. And continue to simmer until the end. Serve veal stew hot on the Christmas table with mashed potatoes.

Christmas duck with orange sauce

In order to prepare a culinary masterpiece - tender and soft duck with oranges, you will need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. But believe me, it's worth it. To cook a bird like duck you need to know some secrets.

Subtleties and secrets of cooking duck: You can remove excess fat from duck meat by first boiling the duck in boiling water.
To keep duck meat soft, tender and juicy, do not add fat during cooking. It is better to marinate the duck with spices and then bake it.
To ensure that the duck has an unusually pleasant taste, it should be served with sauce. Read the recipe for delicate orange sauce with kiwi and spices below.

To prepare a delicious Christmas dish you will need the following ingredients:

• Duck (a small bird carcass, weighing no more than one and a half kilograms)
• 50 g flour;
• 4 eggs;
• 30 g hard cheese;
• orange, kiwi, one each;
• thyme;
• coriander;
• nutmeg;
• water – 50 ml;
• salt, sugar - to taste;
• Basil greens - to taste.

How to cook duck with orange sauce:

The recipe for preparing delicious juicy and soft duck is very simple. First you need to prepare the duck. To do this, boil water in a saucepan. Place the well-cleaned bird carcass in the pan for two minutes. Afterwards, take it out, cool and dry.

In a separate container, combine the pepper mixture and salt. Rub the duck well with the spices and leave to marinate for half an hour. As soon as the duck is marinated, bake it at medium temperature for one hour.

Once the hour is up, start making batter. To do this, mix eggs, grated cheese and flour in a separate container. Using a whisk, mix well and add salt. Coat the duck well with this mixture and reduce the heat to low. Bake the duck for 30-45 minutes, depending on the type of duck.

While the Christmas duck is cooking in the oven, start preparing the sweet and sour sauce. To do this, finely chop the basil.

Puree the fruit pulp and juice in a blender. Put it on fire. Season with salt and sugar. Once the spices have dissolved, remove from the heat and let cool.

Using the tip of a knife, add the thyme, coriander and nutmeg to the sauce. Add basil and stir well. Serve hot Christmas duck along with aromatic sauce to your holiday table.

Festive shrimp with rice in sweet and spicy sauce

A simple and tasty salad that is easy to prepare will decorate your holiday table. Surprise your Christmas guests with a delicious restaurant dish prepared at home.

To prepare you will need the following ingredients.

• Large shrimp – 450 g;
• Ginger-garlic sauce – 2 spoons;
• Chili sauce - two spoons;
• Soy sauce - half a glass;
• Corn starch - one spoon;
• Peanut butter - to taste;
• Eggs – 3 pieces;
• Celery – 1 stalk;
• Sesame oil - two tablespoons;
• White rice – 4 cups (pre-cooked)
• Green peas and soybeans - half a cup each;
• Fresh pineapple – 200 grams;
• Bean sprouts - one cup;
• Green onions - a few feathers.

How to cook holiday shrimp:

Large shrimp must first be boiled and then peeled. Place the prepared shrimp in a deep bowl and mix with soy sauce. Add chili and ginger sauces to the ingredients. Season with a little cornstarch.

Mix everything and send, cool for fifteen minutes. Prepare the egg pancakes. To do this, beat eggs with a spoon of water and soy sauce.

Coat the pan with peanut butter and cook the pancakes over low heat until done. One pancake takes no more than 45 seconds of your time. After the pancakes are ready, they need to be cut into strips.

To cook rice, prepare a cast iron pan in advance. Coat the bottom of the container with peanut butter and place the cooled and marinated shrimp in it. Cook the seafood over the heat for three minutes and immediately remove from the heat.

Coat a container with peanut butter. First chop the onion and celery (as finely as possible). Add vegetables and ginger-garlic sauce to the container. Simmer in a frying pan for no more than three minutes and immediately add rice.

Stir the dish for about two minutes, and then add the peas, bean sprouts and pre-chopped pineapple. Simmer the dish over the fire until the rice is completely cooked. Festive shrimp in sweet and spicy sauce are ready!

Place the cooked rice in the middle of a large dish. Pour soy and garlic sauce over it. Place egg pancakes and shrimp around the edges of the festive dish. Decorate the dish with onion feathers.

Christmas kutia made from wheat cereal

Recipe for holiday kutia with raisins and dried fruits.

Christmas kutia made from rice

Recipe for delicious kutya with nuts, dried apricots and prunes.

Christmas kutia made from wheat

A delicious recipe for Christmas kutia with honey, raisins, walnuts and poppy seeds.

No matter how Christmas traditions and customs become obsolete over time, however, this holiday remains pure and bright in our time. Modern people, of course, do not sing carols, rarely attend church and do not gather their betrothed in their home, but nevertheless, on Christmas, many families get together with all their relatives and have a good festive dinner.

Today, Christmas is one of the few Orthodox holidays that everyone is pleased and joyful to celebrate in the warm circle of their family, regardless of customs and traditions.

Historical roots of the holiday of the Nativity of Christ. Religious tradition and modern monuments. Features of Orthodox worship and established folk traditions and customs.

The Nativity of Christ is a religious holiday beloved by the people, which is reflected in folk customs, beautiful worship, turns to God and speaks of the nearness of salvation. The Orthodox Church calls on everyone to be imbued with the fulfillment of the great plan of the Incarnation. Historically, the discovery of this holiday is closely connected with the period of the formation of Christianity. Deep spiritual religious texts and music were created by prominent religious figures and Christian devotees. The spiritual experience of our people is captured in traditions that are still alive today.

Christmas is one of the most wonderful and beloved church holidays among the people. In order to overcome the barrier that arose after the Fall between people and the Lord, and separated humanity from the joys of eternal bliss, Jesus Christ was sent to earth, who appeared in the guise of a man. He gave hope to every sinner and showed the way to the Kingdom of God. Therefore, the holiday of the Nativity of Christ kindles a flame of faith and bright love in the hearts of believers, giving hope for eternal life and a meeting with the Creator.

history of the holiday

According to legend, when the hour of the Savior’s birth came, the Jews were under Roman rule. Emperor Augustus (Octavius) issued a decree on conducting a national census, for which every Jew had to return to the city where his family originated. The Most Holy Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth, but were originally from Bethlehem, since they came from the branch of David.

One day an angel came in a dream to the pure and immaculate Virgin Mary and said: “You will be destined to give birth to the son of God from the Holy Spirit and his name will be Jesus Christ.” They went to Nazareth, but it turned out that pregnant Mary and Joseph had nowhere to stay. The place was found just outside the city, in a cattle cave. Here, without pain and suffering, Mary was born as the Infant of God. When the newborn Savior was swaddled and placed in a manger, the cave was filled with heavenly radiance. A star, called the Bethlehem star, lit up brightly in the sky. She became a sign of the birth of the Son of God for the Magi.

Advice. Go to confession in Church! When you repent, all your sins will be forgiven.

An angel of God announced to the shepherds guarding the flocks near Bethlehem about a great event, and they were the first to worship Christ and tell everyone about his birth.

Prophecies about the birth of the Messiah were recorded in the texts of the Bible. Therefore, the Magi followed the Star of Bethlehem with rich gifts that were presented to the Savior. These offerings are deeply symbolic and personify: gold - the power of the King, incense - a tribute to the Divine nature. In other words, the legend says that God led simple shepherds to faith through the heart, and through the mind - learned scribes and pagan magicians.

A tragic event is associated with the appearance of the Magi: the massacre of infants. The Jewish King Herod feared the appearance of a prophet because he was afraid of losing his throne. He ordered the scribes on the way back to tell where Mary and the baby were. However, Joseph had a vision in a dream that he needed to return home by a different route, bypassing Jerusalem. In anger, Herod ordered to kill all the newborn babies who lived in Bethlehem. The angel managed to lead the Holy Family to Egypt before this massacre occurred, which took the lives of several thousand innocent children.

Subsequently, over the cave in which Jesus Christ was born, Empress Helena built the Basilica of the Nativity. This temple is currently considered one of the main shrines of the Christian world.

When is Christmas celebrated?

The Nativity of Christ belongs to the great twelve church holidays, on which the whole world of God, visible and invisible, rejoices.

Early Christianity did not have the holiday of Christmas on its calendar. It developed under the conditions of Old Testament Judaism, within which it was believed that the birth of a person should be mourned. The tradition of celebration gained the right to exist only after the establishment of Christianity. Moreover, at first the Church celebrated the Epiphany, which symbolized both the birth and baptism of the Savior. Later they calculated the exact date of His birth, based on the evidence of the Gospel, and established it as December 25. In the Orthodox tradition it was adopted in 379.

In the 20th century, Russia switched to the Gregorian calendar following the countries of Europe. However, the Orthodox Church did not accept the innovation and is still guided by the Julian calendar. This led to the date of the Orthodox Christmas holiday being moved to January 7th. It is preceded by the Nativity Fast, which ends on Christmas Eve (evening of January 6).

Church service in honor of the Nativity of Christ

The celebration of the Nativity of Christ is structured similarly to the Easter service. Starts at 23-00 and lasts until early morning. The service is conducted in Church Slavonic, which most fully reflects the theological depth of Byzantine religious texts in the translation of Cyril and Methodius. On the eve of Christmas, the Royal (Great) Hours are read and the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, which is combined with the Vespers Service.

Litiya is the introductory part of the service; during it, the prophecies of the Old Testament are read that Bethlehem will be the place where the prophet will be born, predictions about the coming of Christ and his appearance. The all-night service in honor of the Nativity of Christ opens with the joyful singing of the hymn “God is with us.” The choirs sing the kontakion of the holiday and the troparion. In addition to the joyful stichera, prayers are offered for embittered souls, perishing in sorrow, in need of mercy and divine help.

They read the festive litanies and bless the wine, bread, and grains of wheat, and then distribute them to the parishioners; the priest uses the oil to anoint the flock.

At midnight, Christmas Matins begins with the singing of the Six Psalms with the words “Glory to God in the highest...”. Thus, the Church shows that although our soul is a field of struggle between light and darkness, Christ has already come - the true Light who will defeat evil. It reveals the theme of the incarnation of God. Reading the Gospel texts from Matthew testifies to the Nativity of Christ. They glorify Him in hymns and stichera.

This is followed by the Christmas Liturgy, which begins with glorifying psalms and hymns of praise. Instead of the Trisagion, they sing the baptismal hymn from the Epistle to the Galatians. The apostolic reading is taken from the same epistle.

Everyone is recommended to go to confession and receive communion on this holiday.

On January 8, the celebration of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary takes place. At this solemn service, worshipers bring as a gift to Christ their sincere, ardent love for the Virgin Mary, who gave joy to the world. For without Her good will there could not have been the Immaculate Conception and the appearance of the Savior.

Celebrating the Nativity of Christ in folk traditions

It is customary to do good deeds and help those in need. In pre-Petrine Russia there was a custom of pardoning repentant criminals and distributing alms on Christmas Day. Rich families secretly donated funds to shelters and hospitals for the poor to save their souls.

The tradition of setting up and decorating a Christmas tree for Christmas came to us from Europe much later. Spruce is an evergreen tree, symbolizing eternal life, the eternity of being with God, personifying the tree of life. And the toys and gifts with which it is customary to decorate it are a symbol of the holy gifts.

Nativity Fast and festive table

The celebration of the Nativity of Christ is preceded by the Nativity Fast, during which certain preparatory days are especially revered. On St. Andrew's Day (which falls on December 13) and December 19 - St. Nicholas's Day, verses are sung announcing the coming birth of the Lord, and prayers are offered to the saints and the Lord. Fasting is called to deliver the soul from evil and anger, to tame lusts, to purify thoughts and turn them to the heavenly world, so that the soul may receive the grace of the Lord.

During fasting, believers observe the following regime:

– on Mondays, Fridays and Wednesdays only dry food is allowed;

– on Thursdays and Tuesdays it is allowed to eat hot foods with the addition of vegetable oil;

With the appearance of the first star in the sky on Christmas Eve, January 6, the whole family gathers at the Lenten table. There are twelve dishes on the table (according to the number of apostles). After reading the prayer, they eat kutya - a dish of boiled wheat (or rice) and uzvar (dried fruit compote).

Then they start eating. Godchildren “wear it” to their godparents, but more often they spend Christmas Eve with their family. During Soviet times, traditions were partially lost, but to this day many (even unchurched) families celebrate Christmas.

On the morning of January 7, Orthodox Christians set a fast table: they prepare flour and meat dishes, baked goose or duck, turkey, fish, and invite guests to eat with them. It is customary to give gifts to family and friends and spend this day in an atmosphere of love and joy.

The Nativity of Christ has been celebrated for many centuries. The teachings of Christ defeated ancient philosophizing and destroyed heresies. This holiday testifies that God’s providence is for every person. For the sake of humanity, the Lord sent the Son into the world and doomed Him to suffer for the salvation of all Christians. This is a call to correct the sinful nature of each of us through sincere repentance, confession and prayer.