Christmas customs in Serbia

          Badnji dan 

        6th January

The day before Christmas, the host of the house went to the forest early in the morning and cut down an oak branch and brought it in front of the house. We call this oak branch "Badnjak". The women in the house make Christmas cakes and prepare food for Christmas.

The day before Christmas

Badnjak

    What is Badnjak?

"Badnjak" is a young oak or cer tree (branch) that is brought into the house in the evening, the day before Christmas.

                Straw

After "Badnjak", straw is brought into the house. Straw is sprinkled all over the house. Women put sweets and small gifts for children in the straw, under the table. This straw symbolizes the straw in the cave where Christ was born.

    Christmas

The happiest holiday of all holidays in Serbia

    7th January

Položajnik is the special Guest who first came to the house on Christmas.

Položajnik is a man who brings happiness to the house on Christmas and next year.

    Česnica

"Česnica" is a type of bread that is kneaded for Christmas. Before baking, a metal coin is placed in it.

Before Christmas lunch, česnica  is broken into as many parts as there are people in the house. The person who gets the part of česnice in which  the money is, will be happy all next year.

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