Date :
Friday, December 15, 2023
Catholicism is the second-largest religious denomination in Belarus in terms of the number of believers.
The main Catholic holidays are celebrated in our country no less grandly than the Orthodox ones. Among these holidays is Christmas. Like in the entire Catholic world, in Belarus, it is celebrated on December 25th. This day is an official public holiday. The traditions of celebrating Christmas in our country largely coincide with European ones, but there are also unique Belarusian features.
Catholic Christmas Traditions in Belarus
Advent.
Preparation for Christmas among Belarusian Catholics begins four weeks before the holiday. This period is known as Advent. It is believed that during Advent, special attention should be paid to purifying the soul, doing good deeds, being merciful, and helping those in need. During this period, it is not allowed to swear, gossip, or quarrel with loved ones.
Church Services.
On Christmas Eve, which Belarusian Catholics call Vigilia, festive church services are held in all Catholic churches of the country. After the service, believers return home and sit down for a festive meal. In Belarusian churches, three liturgies are served on Christmas - a night, morning, and day service.
Christmas Table.
On Christmas Eve, December 24th, it is customary for Belarusians to gather the whole family around the table. Believers began the feast with the appearance of the first star in the sky. Traditionally, 12 fasting dishes were served on Vigilia - made from mushrooms, fish, and vegetables. Before dinner, they broke unleavened bread - a plain white loaf symbolizing love and reconciliation, shared with all family members. Then the head of the family would read excerpts from the Gospel and prayers. The feast began with kutia - a sweet grain porridge with the addition of honey, nuts, dried fruits, and poppy seeds. The next day, December 25th, meat dishes predominated on the table.
Christmas Attributes.
The celebration of Christmas among Catholics is accompanied by traditional attributes:
- Christmas tree – before the holiday, a tree is set up and decorated in homes, with the top adorned with a star symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
- Advent wreath – a wreath made from fir branches and various decorations, traditionally hung on the entrance door or placed on the dining table.
- Candles – a symbol of light and kindness. They are lit in churches and Catholic homes, placed on windows and on the festive table.
- Nativity scene – an improvised cave where Jesus was born, including toy cribs with a baby, figures of Mary and Joseph, magi, shepherds, and domestic animals that surrounded the newborn Savior. Nativity scenes are set up at the entrances to churches.
- A bundle of hay, symbolizing the cradle of baby Jesus. Hay was placed on the Christmas table under the tablecloth.
- Gifts – Catholics exchange gifts on Christmas. This custom is associated with the gifts the Magi brought to baby Jesus.
Koliady.
During the Christmas days, carolers dressed in animal costumes would go around Belarusian homes. They performed skits, sang ritual songs - carols, and wished the homeowners happiness, health, and prosperity. In return, the hosts treated the carolers with apples, nuts, sausages, and sweets.
These traditions are carefully preserved by Belarusian Catholics to this day. Some of them are observed more strictly, others less so. Christmas in Belarus continues to be a bright holiday that warms hearts, strengthens faith, and unites families around common spiritual values.