What dishes are traditionally served at the Christmas table?

On this day, believers attend festive services and then gather at a generous table to share the joy of Christmas with loved ones.

The central element of the celebration is, of course, the Christmas table. Tradition prescribes the presence of twelve fasting dishes, which symbolize the twelve apostles of Christ, the twelve months of the year and express gratitude for the past year and hope for the future. Our ancestors covered the Christmas table with a white tablecloth, under which they put hay or straw, symbolizing the manger where Jesus was born. And only after the appearance of the first star in the sky, signifying the birth of the Savior, the family could begin the meal, ending the Christmas Fast.

So, what Christmas dishes were on Belarusian table?

Kutya. This is probably the most important dish on the Christmas table. Each region of Belarus has its own recipe: somewhere they added dried fruits, somewhere — nuts, poppy seeds or sesame. Each ingredient has its own symbolic meaning: wheat symbolizes eternal life, poppy seeds — prosperity, honey — health and the sweet life, nuts — strength and wealth. Kutya was left on the table overnight so that the souls of deceased ancestors could join the meal.

Fasting borscht. Christmas borscht, being a symbol of the firmness of faith, victory over evil spirits, amazes with its rich taste. The secret is in the use of various vegetables: beets, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, beans. Fragrant herbs and spices are added for aroma. In some regions of Belarus, dried pears or apples are added to the borscht, which gives it a sweetish note.

Vareniki with various fillings. Fasting vareniki are another traditional Christmas dish. The filling can be very diverse: cabbage, potatoes, mushrooms, dried fruits.

Pancakes. These don't necessarily have to be thin, wheat ones. Thin and fluffy potato and rye pancakes and fritters can be served.

Cabbage rolls or stewed cabbage with mushrooms. By the way, cabbage leaves are a symbol of procreation, peace and divine protection.

Vzvar. Aromatic compote of dried fruits is a wonderful drink for the Christmas table. Ancestors believed that solar energy is preserved in this treat.

Fish. Mostly it was carp, perch or pike perch. Fish is prepared in various ways: baked, fried, stewed, stuffed with aromatic herbs. Fish occupies an important place on the Christmas table and symbolizes purity and salvation.

Baking. White pastry is a symbol of prosperity and joy. Pies with various fillings were always present on the Christmas table. For example, one of the traditional dishes is rye pie with fish. Freshly caught fish for it was first boiled in cucumber brine.

Lamanci. These thin, crispy flatbreads made from fasting paste were served with honey and poppy seeds or with jam.

Baked apples. Apples were baked whole in the oven with the addition of filling - raisins, honey or nuts. Our ancestors believed that the apple retains the warmth of summer and helps protect against diseases.

In addition to the dishes listed above, other fasting dishes may also be present on the Christmas table: porridge, casseroles, pies with mushrooms or cabbage, various pickles and fermented foods.

It is important to note that twelve dishes are not a strict canon, but rather a symbolic number. In each family, the set of dishes may vary depending on regional traditions and family preferences. However, the general atmosphere of the holiday, the warmth of the family hearth and faith in the miracle of Christmas remain unchanged. And the Christmas carols that sound on this bright day fill the hearts with joy and hope.