Christmas!

Christmas in Orthodox Christian Church is celebrated on 7th of January. The first difference that it is with the Catolic one is that is two weeks later. This is becauуse the both Churches are using different calendars, so one has the old calendar and one has the new one.

The celebration starts with the fast of 40 days. Long time ago its beliеved that its sacrиfice to God. Now, i beliеve that its an universal rule that its helping the organism to clean from its toxins. However, only the most dedicated people do that, i did it only once, couple of years ago.

The third day before Christmas - 5th of January, is the aнnouncement day. In the neigborhoods people are gathering and they are making big fires, drink rakija(alcohol), and dance. Its the first day when they are announcing that Christ will be born.

On the next morning, if you live in Macedonia, you will be woken up by little kids that are going from door to door, and singing songs. They are representing the angels that are announcing that that night Christ will be born. The host is thanking them with presents, usually that's fruits, candy, nuts, coin money.

During that day at least one member of the family goes to the church. The priest is giving the people from the sacred tree, holy water, and blessing the person. Also its an opportunity to light up some candles, to pray, and to leave some money to the church.
When you get back home, you are burning parts of the sacred blessed tree, so the smoke can chase off the evil spirits that are in the home. You spray from the holy water around and on everyone in the family. with my family we are always making jokes and pranks out of this:) and you leave it on your door, decorate the table, the rooms, the Christmas tree etc etc.

The Christmas dish is very diverse, but without milk, milk products, meat, anything from animal. Only fish can be on the table, and vegetables. And the most important is the bread. There is a home made bread that you put a coin in it before baking it. On the dinner you separate the bread on pieces and each member gets a piece. Only the closest family is there.

The one who gets the coin, is considered to be the lucky one, and that will have successful year, filled with love, happiness, and health. Then the feast can start.

And from midnight is Christmas. That day the whole family gathers and baking a turkey. Lots of laughter, jokes, hanging around etc.

If you are around for Christmas next year, drop me a note, and visit me. The tradition is to open the doors for your friends and not to save on money or time. I bet you will eat so much, that you will need diet afterwards. I know i need it ;)