Today is Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve. How should this bright holiday be celebrated?
Prepare lean dishes for the table
Since the Nativity Fast ends only with the onset of the Nativity of Christ, then on Christmas Eve only lenten dishes are put on the festive table, and 12 pieces are obligatory - according to the number of the apostles. The main dishes on Christmas Eve are kutia (sochivo) and uzvar.
Cook it juicy
Sochivo (or kutia) is a traditional porridge made from wheat, barley or other cereals with the addition of nuts, raisins and honey. It is she who is first served on the table both on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. Kutia can be hungry, generous and rich, depending on the additives used, but on Christmas Eve they cook hungry kutya - since the fast is not over yet.
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Light candles in the house
The light in the window has always been considered a symbol of hospitality. When Mary and Joseph were not allowed to stay in the city of Bethlehem, they spent the night in a cave. Christians, lighting candles in their homes at Christmas, emphasize that their doors are open. Electric garlands originally performed exactly the same function, which is why they were performed in the form of candles.
Put on a new outfit
Wear a new or just a festive outfit for Christmas. It is believed to bring good luck in the new year. There is a superstition that black clothes should not be worn at Christmas - this is a sign of illness.
Meet the first star
The Bible says that after the birth of Jesus, a bright star shone in the sky. That is why Christians are looking forward to the rising of the first star on Christmas Eve.
In the Orthodox tradition, the bright holiday of the Nativity of Christ begins only after the end of the all-night vigil.
Look at the carols
Caroling is an old Russian pastime. Usually "kolada" starts after a gala dinner. Carollers sing, play performances in front of the owners of the house, and they, in turn, give the “mummers” a ritual treat or small money. Not giving charity to carols or not letting them into the house - unfortunately and failure.
And the carollers must get home before the end of the all-night service. Celebrating Christmas on the road is a bad example.
Attend the All-Night Service
Vigil is called so because the service begins in the evening and lasts until late at night (and sometimes until morning). It all depends on the speed of reading, singing, on the number of those who receive communion and on local traditions.
Visit and receive guests
Christmas is a hospitable holiday. If it is customary to celebrate Christmas Eve with your family, then on Christmas it is worth going to visit your family and friends.
Taste the Pie of the Magi
Traditionally, at Christmas, they bake "Pie of the Magi" - a pie with a coin or bean baked inside. The one who pulled out the coveted piece is considered lucky; next year he should be accompanied by luck and wealth.
Relax
Do not burden yourself with cleaning and work on the bright holiday of Christmas. Do this either in advance, or be patient until Baptism. On Christmas Day, the most hardworking hostess should rest.
Make a wish
Christmas is the time to make wishes. When you come home after the Vigil, make a wish and go to bed. And it will certainly come true.