Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia
Orthodox Christmas Day is a holiday in Georgia.
When is Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia
Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on 07, January, 2023 in Georgia.
About Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia
Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia is celebrated on January 7th, following the Julian calendar. It is known as “Alilo” and is a very important religious holiday in the country.
The celebration begins on Christmas Eve, January 6th, with church services and the lighting of candles. Families gather for a traditional feast, which includes dishes such as roasted pork, turkey, and Georgian sweets.
On Christmas Day, people attend church services and participate in processions and caroling. The traditional Georgian carol “Alilo” is sung, which is a joyful and uplifting song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
In addition to religious celebrations, there are also cultural events and activities that take place throughout the country during the Christmas season. These include traditional dances, music performances, and markets selling handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Overall, Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia is a time of spiritual reflection, family gatherings, and cultural celebration.
History of Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia
Orthodox Christmas Day is a significant holiday in Georgia, celebrated on January 7th. The history of this holiday in Georgia can be traced back to the adoption of Christianity as the state religion in the 4th century.
According to legend, Saint Nino, a Christian missionary from Cappadocia, brought Christianity to Georgia in the early 4th century. She is said to have converted King Mirian III, who then declared Christianity as the state religion.
Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated in Georgia with great fervor and enthusiasm. The festivities begin on Christmas Eve, with people attending church services and lighting candles. Traditional Georgian dishes are prepared, and families gather to enjoy the feast together.
One of the most significant traditions of Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia is Alilo, a procession of people dressed in traditional Georgian costumes who sing hymns and carry candles and icons through the streets. This tradition is believed to have originated in the 12th century and is still widely practiced today.
In recent years, the celebration of Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia has become more prominent, with the government declaring it a public holiday. The holiday is also celebrated by Georgian Orthodox communities around the world, including in the United States, Russia, and Europe.
Overall, Orthodox Christmas Day is a significant holiday in Georgia, with a rich history and cultural significance that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.
How is Orthodox Christmas Day celebrated in Georgia
Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on January 7th in Georgia. The celebration usually begins on the night of January 6th, which is known as Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve, many Georgian families attend church services, known as Alilo, where people sing hymns and carols. They also light candles and exchange gifts with their loved ones.
Georgian households prepare a special feast for Christmas Day, which includes traditional dishes such as roasted pork, stuffed turkey, and Georgian bread, known as Puri. They also serve a sweet dish made from walnuts and honey, called Gozinaki.
Families decorate their homes with Christmas lights, candles, and ornaments. Some people also decorate a Christmas tree, which is usually a fir tree, with ornaments and lights.
Overall, the celebration of Orthodox Christmas Day in Georgia is a time for families and friends to come together, share a meal, and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Dates
Orthodox Christmas Day will be celebrated in Georgia on 2023-01-07, 2024-01-07, 2025-01-07, 2026-01-07, 2027-01-07 in the comming years.