Štedrý deň in Slovakia
Christmas Eve is a holiday in Slovakia. Christmas Eve is called Štedrý deň in Slovakia
When is Christmas Eve in Slovakia
Christmas Eve is celebrated on 24, December, 2023 in Slovakia.
About Štedrý deň in Slovakia
Štedrý deň, also known as Christmas Eve, is one of the most important holidays in Slovakia. It is celebrated on December 24th, the day before Christmas Day. The name Štedrý deň means “generous day” in Slovak, and it is a time for families to come together and share a festive meal.
Traditionally, the day begins with a fast and ends with a feast. The fast is broken with a special Christmas Eve dinner, which usually consists of fish soup, fried carp or other fish, potato salad, and various sweets and desserts. The meal is served after the first star appears in the sky, which is a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem that led the Wise Men to Jesus.
After dinner, families exchange gifts and sing Christmas carols. Many people attend midnight mass at their local church, and some even participate in a traditional Slovak custom called “Jasličky,” which involves setting up a nativity scene and acting out the story of the birth of Jesus.
Overall, Štedrý deň is a time for families to come together, share a meal, and celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is a cherished holiday in Slovakia, and one that is steeped in tradition and meaning.
History of Štedrý deň in Slovakia
Štedrý deň, also known as Christmas Eve, is a significant holiday in Slovakia. It is celebrated on December 24th, the day before Christmas Day.
The tradition of Štedrý deň dates back to the pre-Christian era when people celebrated the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. The celebration was known as “dodola” and was associated with the birth of the new sun. With the arrival of Christianity, the tradition was adapted to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and Štedrý deň became an important part of the Christmas celebrations.
The day is marked by a number of customs and traditions. One of the most important is the decoration of the Christmas tree, which is usually done on Štedrý deň. The tree is adorned with lights, ornaments, and tinsel, and is the centerpiece of the Christmas celebrations.
Another important tradition is the preparation of the Christmas meal, which typically includes fish, potato salad, and other traditional dishes. The meal is usually served after the family attends midnight mass.
During the day, families also exchange gifts and spend time together. Children often sing Christmas carols and recite poems, and there may be other festive activities such as games and dances.
Overall, Štedrý deň is a time for families to come together and celebrate the joy of Christmas. It is a cherished tradition in Slovakia, and one that is passed down from generation to generation.
How is Christmas Eve celebrated in Slovakia
Štedrý deň, also known as Christmas Eve, is celebrated in Slovakia on December 24th. It is the most important day of the Christmas holiday season in Slovakia. Here are some of the common traditions and customs associated with the celebration of Štedrý deň in Slovakia:
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Fasting: Many Slovaks fast on Štedrý deň until the first star appears in the sky. This is a symbolic way of preparing for the birth of Jesus.
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Decorating the Christmas tree: Families decorate their Christmas trees on Štedrý deň. The tree is usually decorated with ornaments, lights, and tinsel.
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Christmas dinner: The main event of Štedrý deň is the Christmas dinner. The meal usually consists of fish soup, carp, potato salad, and other traditional Slovak dishes.
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Gifts: After dinner, families exchange gifts. Children often receive gifts from Ježiško (Baby Jesus) rather than Santa Claus.
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Carols: Singing Christmas carols is a popular tradition in Slovakia. Families often sing carols together after dinner.
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Midnight Mass: Many Slovaks attend midnight Mass on Štedrý deň to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Overall, Štedrý deň is a time for families to come together, share a meal, and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Dates
Christmas Eve will be celebrated in Slovakia on 2023-12-24 2024-12-24 2025-12-24 2026-12-24 2027-12-24 in the comming years.
