In front of the Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade on Christmas Eve, the yule log was traditionally lit in the presence of a large number of believers.
As every year, a large number of citizens gathered in front of the Temple in Vračar, among whom are many parents with children who, together with the clergy, light the yule logs.
After the consecration of the yule log, a festive vigil followed, and in the Temple of Saint Sava and other larger churches, the Christmas celebration will begin with the serving of the midnight liturgy.
Christmas Eve, the night before the most joyful Christian holiday of Christmas, is traditionally observed throughout Serbia, as well as in the Republic of Srpska and Montenegro, where Orthodox believers also gather in front of churches and light yule logs.
Christmas Eve is the last night of the Christmas fast, and at the same time a family holiday and a day that represents great happiness, because on Christmas Eve the family gathered at a Lenten meal welcomes the day of Christ’s birth.
On Christmas Eve, liturgy is served in Orthodox temples, as well as an evening service with the lighting of the yule log.
The yule log is, as a rule, a young bitter oak or oak tree and as a symbol represents the tree that the shepherds brought and righteous Joseph kindled in the cold cave when Jesus was born. It also foreshadows the tree of the Cross of Christ.
Christmas Eve and Christmas are inseparable not only because they come one after another, but also because they complement each other with the understandings and customs that the people associate with them.
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Source: Euronews, Photo: F.S./ ATAImages