Otrie Ziemassvētki in Latvia
Otrie Ziemassvētki is a holiday in Latvia.
When is Otrie Ziemassvētki in Latvia
Otrie Ziemassvētki is celebrated on 26, December, 2023 in Latvia.
About Otrie Ziemassvētki in Latvia
Otrie Ziemassvētki is a Latvian holiday that takes place on January 6th, which is the 12th day of Christmas. It is also known as the Second Christmas or Little Christmas.
The holiday is celebrated by families and friends coming together for a festive meal and exchanging gifts. Traditional Latvian foods, such as pork, sausages, and sauerkraut, are often served.
In some regions of Latvia, people also participate in a ritual called “mumming,” where they dress up in costumes and go door-to-door singing and performing skits. The mummers are often rewarded with food and drink from the households they visit.
Otrie Ziemassvētki is a continuation of the Christmas season in Latvia and is seen as a way to extend the joy and festivities of the holiday.
History of Otrie Ziemassvētki in Latvia
Otrie Ziemassvētki, also known as Second Christmas, is a traditional Latvian holiday that takes place on January 6th, which is the 12th day of Christmas. The holiday has its roots in pre-Christian times when Latvians celebrated the winter solstice as a time of renewal and rebirth.
After the introduction of Christianity, the holiday became associated with the story of the Three Kings who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. In Latvia, the holiday is also known as Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day.
During the Soviet era, the celebration of Otrie Ziemassvētki was suppressed, but after Latvia regained its independence in 1991, the holiday was revived and is now celebrated by many Latvians.
On Otrie Ziemassvētki, Latvians traditionally eat a special meal of pork, sauerkraut, and peas, and exchange gifts. They also participate in a variety of folk customs, such as singing and dancing around a bonfire, performing plays and skits, and visiting neighbors to share food and drink.
Overall, Otrie Ziemassvētki is a time for Latvians to come together to celebrate the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of a new year.
How is Otrie Ziemassvētki celebrated in Latvia
Otrie Ziemassvētki, also known as Second Christmas, is celebrated in Latvia on January 6th and 7th. It is a continuation of the Christmas celebrations that began on December 24th and 25th.
On the evening of January 6th, Latvians typically attend church services and enjoy a festive meal with family and friends. Traditional foods may include pork, sauerkraut, potatoes, and gingerbread cookies.
On January 7th, many Latvians participate in a ritual known as “mummering.” This involves dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door to sing songs and perform skits in exchange for food and drink.
Other traditions associated with Otrie Ziemassvētki include burning a Yule log, decorating a Christmas tree with homemade ornaments, and exchanging gifts.
Overall, Otrie Ziemassvētki is a time for Latvians to come together with loved ones and celebrate the joys of the holiday season.
Dates
Otrie Ziemassvētki will be celebrated in Latvia on 2023-12-26, 2024-12-26, 2025-12-26, 2026-12-26, 2027-12-26 in the comming years.