Orthodox Christmas traditions in different countries

Tengrinews.kz - Orthodox Christmas is one of the most significant Christian holidays, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. On the eve of Christmas, known as Christmas Eve, believers observe a strict fast, which ends with a festive evening service in church. On Christmas Day, people pray, gather with loved ones at the family table, share warmth and joy, and exchange gifts. The holiday is accompanied by traditions such as caroling, decorating homes and Christmas trees, and acts of charity as expressions of love and compassion. This article explores the unique traditions and celebrations in different countries.

Russia

In Russia, Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7 and is steeped in ancient traditions. Preparations begin on Christmas Eve, January 6, marking the end of a 40-day fast. Food is avoided until the first star appears in the evening sky, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem that heralded Christ's birth. A special dish called sochivo—a porridge made from wheat or rice with honey, nuts, and dried fruits—is traditionally served. Many attend an overnight service at churches, filled with prayers, hymns, and a solemn atmosphere. After the service, families enjoy festive feasts featuring meat dishes, pies, and traditional baked goods. In some regions, the tradition of caroling remains alive, with children and adults visiting homes to sing songs and share holiday greetings.

Ukraine

Christmas in Ukraine is primarily a family holiday. On Christmas Eve, January 6, the family gathers for a special dinner featuring 12 meatless dishes, symbolizing the apostles. A key dish is kutya—a sweet wheat porridge with honey, poppy seeds, and nuts. The meal is eaten in silence to honor the spiritual significance of the occasion. After dinner, caroling begins, with children and adults visiting homes with the "Star of Bethlehem," singing songs, and performing skits in a tradition known as vertep. On Christmas morning, January 7, families attend church and later enjoy a lavish meal with meat dishes, pies, and homemade spirits.

Greece

In Greece, Christmas is one of the most important holidays of the year, celebrated with deep respect for traditions. The main event is the midnight liturgy, which families attend together. A unique Greek tradition is the preparation of vasilopita, a sweet cake in which a coin is hidden. The person who finds the coin in their slice is said to be blessed with good fortune throughout the year. Instead of traditional Christmas trees, in some coastal regions, wooden boats are decorated, symbolizing protection and prosperity. After the service, families gather at home for a festive meal, which typically includes lamb or pork dishes and sweets like melomakarona (honey cookies).

Serbia and Montenegro

Serbs and Montenegrins begin their Christmas celebrations on January 6, with Badnjak (Christmas Eve). A key tradition is the cutting of an oak branch, which is brought home and burned in the fireplace—symbolizing the fire that warms the infant Christ. In the evening, families gather for a festive dinner with only fasting dishes, such as bread, fish, beans, and nuts. At dawn on January 7, solemn liturgies begin, and after the service, families return home to prepare a rich meal with meat dishes. It is customary to exchange symbolic gifts. Carols and songs are also widely performed in the streets.

Georgia

In Georgia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 and is associated with a colorful procession known as Alilo. People dressed in traditional costumes walk through the streets, singing hymns and giving gifts and sweets to children and the poor. On the eve of Christmas, evening services are held in churches, and traditional dishes such as gozinaki (a treat made of nuts and honey), phali, khachapuri, and meat are served. The holiday is accompanied by family gatherings, charity, and visits to relatives. Georgians also decorate their homes with garlands and Christmas trees, adding a modern touch to the celebration.

Ethiopia

Ethiopian Christians celebrate Christmas (Genna) on January 7. On the evening of January 6, a solemn service is held, during which everyone wears traditional white shawls (gabi). After the service, public festivities take place, including an ancient game resembling hockey, symbolizing the joy of Christ’s birth. The festive meal includes meat dishes such as injera (flatbreads with sauces) and doro wat (chicken in spicy sauce). This is a time for families to gather, and the poor are gifted with presents and treats.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, Christmas is a day focused on family. On Holy Evening (January 6), there must be at least seven fasting dishes on the table: beans, rice, nuts, pumpkin, and other simple foods. After the meal, crumbs are left on the table for the spirits of ancestors. On the morning of January 7, everyone goes to the liturgy, and then a festive feast with meat dishes, including traditional banitsa and sarmi (stuffed cabbage rolls), is prepared. Children are allowed to go door to door with decorated sticks, wishing people a merry Christmas and receiving sweets in return.

Romania and Moldova

In Romania and Moldova, Christmas is celebrated with lively traditions such as folk theatrical performances and caroling. Children go with a “Goat” (Capra)—a doll on a stick, performing skits and receiving treats. After the fast, the festive meal is abundant with meat dishes such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and pork sausages. Christmas trees are set up in homes and decorated with handmade ornaments. Folk dances and songs in traditional costumes are also popular, continuing late into the night.

In all these countries, Christmas is a time filled with faith, family warmth, and charity. Traditions are passed down through generations, preserving the richness of spiritual heritage.