The second day of Christmas is dedicated to the Feast of the Virgin Mary, and the third day of the most joyous Christian holiday is St. Stephen’s Day. On the second day of Christmas, people visit friends, godparents, and welcome guests.
Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas for three full days, and each has its own name. According to the traditional calendar, during these three days, the house is not cleaned, especially not with a broom.
The first day of the most joyous holiday for Orthodox Christians is Christmas, the second is God’s Day, dedicated to the Theotokos, and the third is St. Stephen’s Day.
The second day of Christmas in the Serbian Orthodox Church is dedicated to the Feast of the Most Holy Theotokos, and in folk beliefs to the gathering of good deeds and reconciliation.
It is also called God’s Day or Middle Day, and is celebrated solemnly, in the spirit of solidarity, mercy, and friendship. Godparents, friends, and neighbors are visited, and guests are welcomed.
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They say that if someone happens to be at your doorstep, you should never turn them away, but welcome them in the best possible way.
In Vojvodina, according to tradition, horses, both black and white, are braided.
The custom of carolers still persists in some places. A group of masked young men visit houses, sing carolers’ songs, wishing the household health and progress. In some places, young people in the settlement, courtyard, or at crossroads dance in a circle, while others race on decorated horses, “chasing” Christmas.
Brides go to their parental home where they stay for a few days.
On the third day of Christmas, the Holy Archdeacon and first martyr Stephen is celebrated, whom many families celebrate as their patron saint’s day.
The celebration lasts until Little Christmas, or January 14th. Fasting is not observed until Epiphany. When meeting, Orthodox Christians greet each other with the traditional Christmas greeting, shake hands, and kiss.
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Source: RTS, Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons