Christmas Eve in Estonia
Christmas Eve is a holiday in Estonia.
When is Christmas Eve in Estonia
Christmas Eve is celebrated on 24, December, 2023 in Estonia.
About Christmas Eve in Estonia
Christmas Eve, known as Jõululaupäev in Estonian, is a significant holiday in Estonia and is celebrated on the evening of December 24th. It is a time when families come together to enjoy a festive meal, exchange gifts, and participate in various traditions.
One of the most important traditions on Christmas Eve is the preparation and decoration of the Christmas tree. It is a common practice for families to gather in the afternoon to decorate the tree with ornaments, lights, and tinsel. The tree is usually placed in the main living area of the house and serves as a focal point for the celebrations.
In the evening, families gather around the Christmas tree to exchange gifts. It is customary for children to recite poems or sing songs before receiving their presents. The gifts are placed under the tree and are opened after the traditional Christmas meal.
The Christmas meal in Estonia typically consists of various traditional dishes. One of the most popular is roast pork, served with sauerkraut, blood sausage, potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Other traditional foods include gingerbread cookies, black pudding, and mulled wine.
After the meal, families often attend a midnight church service, known as jõulujumalateenistus, to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The service is filled with hymns, prayers, and readings from the Bible. It is a time for reflection and spiritual connection.
In addition to these traditions, some Estonians also believe in the presence of mystical creatures during Christmas Eve. For example, it is said that spirits and elves visit homes, bringing good fortune and blessings to the inhabitants. It is common to leave food and drink out for these mythical beings as a gesture of hospitality.
Overall, Christmas Eve in Estonia is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, enjoy a festive meal, and celebrate the holiday season. It is a cherished tradition filled with joy, love, and the spirit of giving.
History of Christmas Eve in Estonia
The history of Christmas Eve holiday in Estonia dates back to ancient times when the country was predominantly pagan. Prior to the arrival of Christianity, Estonians celebrated the winter solstice, known as Jõulud or Jõulupäev, which marked the turning point of the year and the rebirth of the sun.
With the Christianization of Estonia in the 13th century, the celebration of Christmas Eve gradually merged with the traditional pagan customs. The holiday became known as Jõululaupäev, meaning “Christmas Saturday,” as it fell on the Saturday before Christmas Day.
During the centuries of Swedish and Russian rule, Christmas Eve celebrations in Estonia were influenced by the customs of these neighboring countries. Swedish traditions, such as the Christmas tree and the exchange of gifts, were introduced to Estonia during the Swedish reign in the 17th century. Russian traditions, such as the use of a special tablecloth and the preparation of a twelve-dish Christmas Eve meal, also found their way into Estonian Christmas celebrations.
However, it was during the Soviet era, from the end of World War II until Estonia regained its independence in 1991, that Christmas celebrations faced significant challenges. The Soviet government discouraged religious practices and attempted to replace Christmas with New Year’s celebrations. Christmas trees were renamed “New Year trees,” and the celebration of Christmas was limited to the privacy of people’s homes.
After Estonia regained its independence, the celebration of Christmas Eve as a public holiday was reinstated. The Christian traditions of attending church services, decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals with family and friends became more prominent once again.
Today, Christmas Eve is widely celebrated in Estonia. Families gather together, decorate the Christmas tree, exchange gifts, and enjoy a festive meal. Many people attend midnight church services, known as jõulujumalateenistus, to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday is also marked by the singing of traditional Christmas carols, known as jõululaulud, and the lighting of candles.
Overall, the history of Christmas Eve in Estonia reflects the merging of ancient pagan customs with Christian traditions, as well as the influence of neighboring countries. Despite challenges faced during the Soviet era, Christmas Eve has regained its significance as a cherished holiday in Estonian culture.
How is Christmas Eve celebrated in Estonia
In Estonia, Christmas Eve, known as Jõululaupäev, is celebrated on December 24th with various traditions and customs. Here is how Christmas Eve is typically celebrated in Estonia:
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Cleaning and decorating the house: Families thoroughly clean their homes and decorate them with traditional Christmas decorations, such as candles, ornaments, and wreaths.
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Visiting the cemetery: It is a common tradition to visit the graves of loved ones on Christmas Eve to remember and honor them. Candles are lit at the gravesites, creating a peaceful and solemn atmosphere.
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Sauna bathing: Taking a sauna bath is an essential part of the Christmas Eve traditions in Estonia. It is believed to cleanse the body and soul before the festive celebrations.
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Christmas dinner: Families gather for a festive Christmas dinner, which typically includes traditional Estonian dishes. The meal often consists of roasted pork, sauerkraut, blood sausages, potatoes, and gingerbread cookies.
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Exchanging gifts: After dinner, families exchange gifts. The presents are usually placed under the Christmas tree, and each family member takes turns opening their gifts.
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Attending church services: Many people attend Christmas Eve church services, especially the Midnight Mass, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and participate in hymns and prayers.
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Singing and dancing: Christmas carols, known as jõululaulud, are sung throughout the evening, accompanied by traditional dances. It is common for families and communities to gather to sing and dance together.
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Lighting candles: Candles play a significant role in Estonian Christmas Eve celebrations. Many households light candles on windowsills to symbolize the welcoming of the Christmas spirit and to guide the souls of loved ones back home.
Overall, Christmas Eve in Estonia is a time for families to come together, enjoy a festive meal, exchange gifts, and engage in traditional customs that celebrate the holiday season.
Dates
Christmas Eve will be celebrated in Estonia on 2023-12-24, 2024-12-24, 2025-12-24, 2026-12-24, 2027-12-24 in the comming years.