Christmas eve (Badnji dan) is celebrated today, December 24th, according to the Gregorian calendar.
While preparations for Christmas begin with Advent, Badnji dan, celebrated today, December 24th, includes various customs such as preparing the house, decorating the Christmas tree, and baking cookies.
Dinner on Badnji dan is traditionally a fast, although the Catholic Church no longer prescribes a strict fast today. Most commonly prepared: cod, various types of fish, bean salad, traditional Christmas bread, fritters, and other fasting cookies.
The Christmas tree, symbolizing eternity, the Holy Trinity, and temptations, is an indispensable part of the holiday, as are Christmas decorations such as stars, mistletoe, and holly.
The Catholic Church celebrates Holy Mass at midnight between Badnji dan and Christmas, where Christmas carols are sung, and after the Mass, the faithful congratulate each other and return home.
In Great Britain, on Badnji dan, children hang stockings on the fireplace for presents from Santa Claus, while in France they leave shoes for presents. In Italy, they sing Christmas carols for money, and on Christmas Eve, families dine together.
In Sweden, a Christmas buffet is set up on Christmas Eve, and presents are opened after dinner. While in Japan, although a small percentage believe in Christ, Christmas is spent doing good deeds.
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Source: Blic Žena, Photo: Shutterstock