Šv. Kūčios in Lithuania
Šv. Kūčios is a holiday in Lithuania.
When is Šv. Kūčios in Lithuania
Šv. Kūčios is celebrated on 24, December, 2023 in Lithuania.
About Šv. Kūčios in Lithuania
Šv. Kūčios is a traditional holiday celebrated in Lithuania on the evening of December 24th, which is also known as Christmas Eve. The name Šv. Kūčios means “holy supper,” and the holiday is focused on sharing a festive meal with family and loved ones.
The celebration of Šv. Kūčios typically begins with a period of fasting during the day, as it is believed that the meal should be prepared with a pure heart and mind. The meal itself is typically made up of twelve dishes, which represent the twelve apostles, and is served after the first star appears in the sky.
The dishes served at Šv. Kūčios are typically meatless and include a variety of traditional Lithuanian foods such as fish, potatoes, sauerkraut, and beetroot soup. The meal is often accompanied by singing of traditional carols and prayers.
After the meal, families may attend midnight mass at their local church or continue to celebrate with music and dancing. The holiday is seen as a time to come together with loved ones, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the new year ahead.
Overall, Šv. Kūčios is a cherished holiday in Lithuania that celebrates family, tradition, and the spirit of the holiday season.
History of Šv. Kūčios in Lithuania
Šv. Kūčios, or Christmas Eve, is a traditional holiday celebrated in Lithuania on December 24th. The holiday has a long history, dating back to the pre-Christian era when it was celebrated as a winter solstice festival.
After Lithuania’s conversion to Christianity in the 14th century, the holiday took on a more religious significance, with families gathering to attend midnight mass and then returning home to enjoy a feast of traditional dishes.
The meal on Šv. Kūčios typically consists of 12 meatless dishes, representing the 12 apostles, and includes items such as fish, mushrooms, and sauerkraut. The meal is often accompanied by the sharing of stories and songs, with families staying up late into the night in celebration.
During the Soviet era, the celebration of Šv. Kūčios was discouraged, and many families had to celebrate the holiday in secret. However, after Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, the holiday was once again celebrated openly and has become an important part of Lithuanian culture and tradition.
Today, Šv. Kūčios is a time for families to come together, share a meal, and reflect on the meaning of the holiday. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to cherish the traditions that have been passed down through generations of Lithuanians.
How is Šv. Kūčios celebrated in Lithuania
Šv. Kūčios, also known as Christmas Eve, is celebrated in Lithuania on December 24th. It is a very important holiday in Lithuania, and is typically celebrated with family and close friends.
The celebration usually begins with a traditional meal, which includes 12 dishes, representing the 12 apostles. The dishes are typically meatless and include fish, mushrooms, and various vegetables. The meal is often followed by singing of carols and exchange of gifts.
In some regions of Lithuania, it is also customary to leave an empty seat at the table for a deceased family member or friend. This is a way to remember and honor those who have passed away.
After the meal, many people attend midnight mass at their local church. The mass is typically followed by a procession through the streets, with people carrying candles and singing carols.
Overall, Šv. Kūčios is a time for families to come together and celebrate the holiday season with food, music, and traditions.
Dates
Šv. Kūčios will be celebrated in Lithuania on 2023-12-24 2024-12-24 2025-12-24 2026-12-24 2027-12-24 in the comming years.