Orthodox Christmas Traditions

Greetings Coopers students! As our first issue is releasing in the holiday season there is no better time than now to explore how different cultures celebrate the biggest global holiday : Christmas. With over 2.3 billion Christians in the world that celebrate this holy holiday in over 160 countries, there are many fascinating ways that cultures have created new traditions and diversified festivities. I hope you enjoy reading this article and potentially become inspired to incorporate some of these practices into your annual celebrations!

”For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord “ - Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Iraq: Chaldean Christians. The Christians of Iraq are one of the oldest Christian communities in the world , with a presence since at least the 2nd century so it is only right they have put their own spin on Christmas celebrations. Every year, a bonfire of dried thorned branches is lit after children complete a recitation of the nativity story, which is read by candlelight from the Book of Psalms. The candles are then used to light the thorns and if they burn completely turning to ash, the year ahead will be filled with good fortune. After the flame has died, each person in the family jumps over the ashes three times and makes a wish. When it comes to gifts, the children receive a new outfit instead of presents.

India: Protestant Christians. In India, Christians decorate banana or mango trees instead of the traditional evergreen tree. Sometimes leaves and branches of the fruit trees are also used as decoration around the home as it is difficult to find a western style Christmas tree. In Southern India, they often put small oil burning lamps on the flat roofs of their homes .This symbolises to the community that Jesus is the light of the world.

Bulgaria: Orthodox Christians. On Christmas Eve, many Bulgarians and Orthodox Christians eat a vegan meal as it marks the end of the December fast. After midnight, non vegan dishes can be eaten. The table should also have an odd number of various foods and an odd number of people sitting around it. Traditionally, the table is left with all the food until the morning of Christmas Day as there is an old tale that our ancestors might like to eat something during the night! A key Bulgarian Christmas dish is a special round loaf of bread usually decorated with a cross called a “pitka”. The bread has a coin baked into it and the oldest person hands the pieces around the table and if you happen to receive the coin in your bread you are meant to have good luck in the coming year. Interestingly, the first piece is ripped of for Jesus and remains uneaten while another piece of bread is saved for the health of the house. Another tradition is that straw is put under the tablecloth to help farmers have good crops during the year.

Slovakia: Roman Catholic Christians. Although carp is a popular Christmas Eve dinner, Slovaks have put their own twist on how to prepare their festive meal. It is said that traditionalists let the fish live in the bathtub for a couple of days before preparing and eating it. This stems from a legend that scales good fortune for the coming year. Another interesting practice is placing garlic cloves in the 4 corners of the table ,underneath the tablecloth. This is done by the hostess to ward off evil spirits which are thought to be particularly active during Christmas time.

Greece: Orthodox Christians. In the seafaring country of Greece, decorating Christmas trees and boats (called Karavaki) was first recorded to be done by King Otto in 1833. Traditionally the boats were decorated to celebrate the seamen returning from voyages; however this pairing is now simultaneously linked to Christmas celebrations. Today, major cities such as Thessaloniki construct boats from thousands of lights and families own miniature boats for indoor decoration, keeping this tradition alive. Additionally, another tradition is the annual pomegranate smashing done on the first day of the year by the man of the household. The pomegranate (rodi in Greek) is blessed in the church and thrown as a symbol of luck and fertility in this culture. According to Greek tradition, the more seeds that spread all over the floor, the more good fortune and prosperity will be brought upon the household!

Mexico: Roman Catholic Christians. In central America, Mexicans celebrate Christmas with pinatas that can be found in any market ranging in colours and sizes. They typically have seven points (representing the seven deadly sins) that get broken during the festive season by children aiming at the pinata blind-folded until it releases candy and fruits. This represents the triumph of good over evil.

By: Teodora Borisova