Christmas Day in Estonia
Christmas Day is a holiday in Estonia.
When is Christmas Day in Estonia
Christmas Day is celebrated on 25, December, 2023 in Estonia.
About Christmas Day in Estonia
Christmas Day, known as “Jõulupüha” in Estonia, is a widely celebrated holiday in the country. It is observed on December 25th each year and holds great significance for Estonians, as it marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
During the Christmas season, Estonia is transformed into a winter wonderland, with streets and houses adorned with beautiful decorations and lights. Many towns and cities also set up Christmas markets, where people can buy handmade crafts, traditional food, and warm beverages.
One of the most cherished traditions in Estonia is the Christmas Eve meal, known as “Jõululaud.” Families gather around a festive table, which is usually filled with various traditional dishes. These may include roasted pork, blood sausage, sauerkraut, potatoes, gingerbread cookies, and marzipan. The meal is accompanied by singing Christmas carols and exchanging gifts.
In Estonian folklore, Christmas is also associated with various customs and beliefs. For example, it is believed that on Christmas Eve, animals can speak in human voices, and finding a piece of bread under the tablecloth during the meal is considered good luck for the year ahead.
Attending church services is also a significant part of Christmas Day in Estonia. Many people visit their local churches to participate in festive masses and concerts. The melodious sound of Christmas carols fills the air, creating a joyful and spiritual atmosphere.
In recent years, the influence of Western traditions, such as Santa Claus and gift-giving, has also become more prevalent in Estonia. Children eagerly await the arrival of “Jõuluvana,” the Estonian version of Santa Claus, who brings them gifts on Christmas Eve.
Overall, Christmas Day in Estonia is a time for family, traditions, and spreading joy and goodwill. It is a holiday that brings people together, allowing them to celebrate the festive season and create lasting memories.
History of Christmas Day in Estonia
The history of Christmas Day holiday in Estonia dates back to the Christianization of the country in the 13th century. Prior to that, Estonia was primarily a pagan society that celebrated various winter solstice festivals.
After the arrival of Christianity, Christmas gradually became an important religious holiday in Estonia. The earliest written records mentioning Christmas in Estonia date back to the 16th century. However, the celebration of Christmas was not widespread or officially recognized until the 19th century.
During the 19th century, Estonia experienced a national awakening, and there was a growing interest in preserving and promoting Estonian culture and traditions. Christmas, being one of the most important holidays, played a significant role in this cultural revival.
In the late 19th century, the German influence in Estonia was strong, and many Christmas traditions were borrowed from German customs. Christmas trees, for example, became popular in Estonia during this time. Families started decorating trees with candles, ornaments, and homemade crafts.
However, with the rise of Estonian nationalism in the early 20th century, there was a renewed interest in developing and promoting unique Estonian Christmas traditions. Folklore and customs from rural areas were revived and incorporated into the celebrations.
During the Soviet era, from 1940 to 1991, Christmas celebrations were suppressed, and the focus shifted towards the celebration of New Year’s Eve. The Soviet regime discouraged religious practices, and Christmas was considered a religious holiday. Instead, the secular celebration of New Year’s Eve became the main holiday during this period.
After Estonia regained independence in 1991, Christmas regained its significance as a national holiday. It became a time for families to gather, exchange gifts, and celebrate together. Traditional Estonian Christmas foods, such as blood sausage (verivorst), sauerkraut (hapukapsas), and gingerbread (piparkoogid), became popular again.
Today, Christmas in Estonia is a festive and joyous holiday. It is celebrated with various customs and traditions, including attending church services, decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and enjoying special meals with family and friends. The holiday season typically begins with Advent and culminates on Christmas Day, followed by the celebration of Boxing Day on December 26th.
How is Christmas Day celebrated in Estonia
In Estonia, Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th and is a public holiday. Here are some common traditions and customs observed during this festive day:
-
Religious Observances: Many Estonians attend church services on Christmas Day to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The services often include singing traditional Christmas carols and listening to sermons.
-
Family Gatherings: Christmas Day is primarily a time for families to come together and celebrate. Relatives and loved ones gather for a festive meal, exchange gifts, and spend quality time together. It is common for family members who live far away to travel back home for this occasion.
-
Traditional Food: A typical Estonian Christmas Day meal often includes roasted pork, blood sausages, sauerkraut, potatoes, and various holiday desserts. Gingerbread cookies, marzipan, and mulled wine are also popular treats during this time.
-
Candle Lighting: Many Estonians light candles on Christmas Day to create a cozy and warm atmosphere. Candles are placed on windowsills or in the center of the dining table to symbolize the light of Christ and bring a sense of peace and tranquility.
-
Visiting Cemeteries: Some families visit cemeteries on Christmas Day to remember and honor their deceased loved ones. They often light candles and leave flowers or wreaths on the graves as a sign of remembrance and respect.
-
Outdoor Activities: Depending on the weather, some Estonians enjoy outdoor activities on Christmas Day. These may include ice skating, skiing, or taking a walk in the snow-covered countryside.
-
Christmas Markets: In the weeks leading up to Christmas, various Christmas markets are set up in towns and cities across Estonia. These markets offer a wide range of traditional crafts, food, and beverages, creating a festive atmosphere for locals and tourists alike.
Overall, Christmas Day in Estonia is a time for family, reflection, and celebration. It combines religious observances with traditional customs and delicious food, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere throughout the country.
Dates
Christmas Day will be celebrated in Estonia on 2023-12-25, 2024-12-25, 2025-12-25, 2026-12-25, 2027-12-25 in the comming years.
