Orthodox Christmas Day in Serbia
Orthodox Christmas Day is a holiday in Serbia.
When is Orthodox Christmas Day in Serbia
Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on 07, January, 2023 in Serbia.
About Orthodox Christmas Day in Serbia
Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on January 7th in Serbia. It is a religious holiday that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. The day is also known as Božić, which means “little God” in Serbian.
The celebration of Orthodox Christmas in Serbia starts on Christmas Eve, which is January 6th. On this day, families gather together to have a festive dinner. The dinner usually consists of traditional Serbian dishes, such as roasted pork or lamb, sarma (cabbage rolls), and various types of bread.
After dinner, families attend a midnight church service, which is called Božićna Služba. The service lasts for several hours and includes prayers, hymns, and the lighting of candles.
On Christmas Day, families continue to celebrate by attending church services and spending time with loved ones. Many people also exchange gifts and enjoy traditional Christmas treats, such as kolači (Serbian Christmas cookies) and rakija (a type of fruit brandy).
Overall, Orthodox Christmas Day is a significant holiday in Serbia, and it is celebrated with great joy and reverence.
History of Orthodox Christmas Day in Serbia
Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated in Serbia on January 7th every year. The holiday has a long history in the country, dating back to the arrival of Christianity in the region.
Serbia was first introduced to Christianity in the 9th century by the Byzantine Empire. The Orthodox Church became the dominant religion in the country, and it remains so to this day.
The celebration of Christmas in Serbia is a blend of religious and cultural traditions. The holiday is marked by church services, feasting, and gift-giving.
During the Ottoman Empire, the celebration of Christmas was banned in Serbia. However, many Serbs continued to celebrate the holiday in secret. After gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, Serbia was able to openly celebrate Christmas once again.
Today, Orthodox Christmas Day is a public holiday in Serbia. Many people attend church services, and families gather to share a traditional meal. The holiday is also marked by the exchange of gifts, especially among children.
Overall, the celebration of Orthodox Christmas Day in Serbia is an important part of the country’s cultural and religious heritage.
How is Orthodox Christmas Day celebrated in Serbia
Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on January 7th in Serbia, as per the Julian calendar. The celebrations usually begin on Christmas Eve, January 6th, with a special dinner called Badnje Veče. The dinner consists of traditional Serbian food such as roasted pork, sarma (cabbage rolls), and various types of cakes and sweets. After dinner, the family gathers around the Badnjak, a branch of an oak tree or another type of tree, which is brought into the house and placed on the fire. The Badnjak symbolizes the tree under which the shepherds received the news of the birth of Jesus.
On the day of Christmas, people attend church services, which are held in the morning and evening. The service includes singing of hymns, prayers, and the reading of the Gospel. After the service, people greet each other with the words “Hristos se rodi” (Christ is born), and the response is “Vaistinu se rodi” (Truly, He is born).
The rest of the day is spent with family and friends, enjoying traditional food, exchanging gifts, and singing Christmas carols. Some people also visit their neighbors and share food and drinks with them. The celebrations continue for three days, with the second day being dedicated to St. Stephen, and the third day to St. John the Apostle.
Dates
Orthodox Christmas Day will be celebrated in Serbia on 2023-01-07, 2024-01-07, 2025-01-07, 2026-01-07, 2027-01-07 in the comming years.