Slovak Christmas traditions descent from the old Slavs

It’s officially the winter season and about 50% of the Earth is now sleeping under the magnificent white cover of snow. We slowly approach the Year 2023 but before that, we will see Christmas magic once more.

As around 35% of the world's population is Christian and therefore celebrates this peaceful December holiday, I had taken it upon myself also to write a little bit about it, as well as the Slovak traditions my ancestors practised long before I was born.

If you do not celebrate this holiday, I am sure I can also interest you in some facts you have not heard before and if you are interested to learn about my culture, even better.

Before I begin, I am sure you think this holiday has been created by Christians in celebration of the Messiah Jesus Christ. That may have been true however when you look deeper into it you realise that Origen and Arnobius fault the pagans for celebrating birthdays. This suggests that Christmas was not celebrated in their time.

So, where did it begin if not with Christians?

I cannot confirm these words for sure as the bible and ancient history has been twisted and retold so many times, maybe not even half of it is true or based on correct tales, but we need to learn to read between the lines. I am also sure a devoted Christian will not agree with me, which is fine. But those with a love for history and mythology will be in their element here. I am definitely open to discussions.

If you research the ancient Roman calendar, you realise that 25th December was the date of the winter solstice (celebrated by many pagan cultures on slightly different dates). Winter Solstice, for Romans, was the birth of the sun celebration. Linking Jesus to the Sun was supported by various Biblical passages. Jesus was considered to be the "Sun of righteousness" prophesied by Malachi: "Unto you shall the sun of righteousness arise, and healing is in his wings."

If this date is just a symbol, that also opens another discussion, I rather not open it but leave you with a question in your mind: What is the actual date of birth of Jesus Christ?

As the Slavic winter solstice merges with Christmas

Koleda, or Koliada, is an ancient pre-Christian Slavic festival, marking the winter solstice.

Ancient Slavs believed that during the dark and cold winter, the border between the spiritual and the mortal worlds merges. The purpose of Koleda was to bring new light to this dark period and prepare for the next year by blessing local households and keeping the evil spirits away. For this reason, candles and bonfires were lit in preparation for Koleda to help the winter turn to spring and symbolize the return of the Sun. This gave the ancient Slavs hope and lifted their spirits during the death-bringing winter.

Budnik, a ritual piece of wood would be lit on this night. One recurring character, the Old Man, or Polaznik would appear at this ritual fire to give advice and tell fortunes. Polaznik was the embodiment and messenger of Veles - the Slavic god of music, earth, water, the unknown, and the underworld. He would then hit the Budnik to send sparks flying as a form of communicating prayers to the gods. It was believed that the further the sparks went, the more fruitful the coming year.

As Slavs became Christianized, Koleda was absorbed into Christmas. However, from the widespread tradition of burning an oak branch on Christmas Eve to singing Vánoční Koleda, and even the transformation of the Polaznik into the figure of St. Nicholas, the ancient traditions of our Slavic ancestors continue to influence us to this day. That, in my opinion, is beautiful and I am glad to be learning about these traditions whenever I get the chance.

Slovak Christmas traditions which may come from our Slavic ancestors

• A Carp scale was placed under a tablecloth on Christmas Eve, to secure money in the family for next year and to increase it even more. Many people also put their scales in their wallets so that their money multiplies and there is enough of them (hmm...I am just imagining the smell of the wallet!)

• Almost every Slovak has nuts on the table during Christmas Eve, which are thrown into corners of the apartment or house. They do this to ensure the same abundance throughout the year as at Christmas. My family does this too but we put walnuts in festive fruit bowls around the living room and kitchen.

• Garlic on the table also can't be missed. It is the most effective natural remedy to ensure good health for the family throughout the following year. Okay, this is definitely a tradition my family follows, we eat the garlic prior to any meal, together with the Christmas waffle and honey. It's strong and you probably will stink of garlic for a couple of generations to come, but you can't say no to traditions or natural remedies, right?!

• One apple is randomly selected and cut in half. When the star is in the middle, it means happiness and health for the family. The apple is then cut equally so each member of the family can eat one piece of the apple. But if the centre is in the shape of a cross, the family would face illness or death. We also follow this tradition but instead of one apple for all, we cut an apple.

• One plate was made for a random guest or a beggar. It is a symbol of belonging and mercy. But some people have laid out for deceased family members in this way. Indeed when my father passed away, for a few years we did this also. Now, we just place a photo of him nearby and remember the good times when he was still alive.

• Not only Christians but everyone prayed at least once a year before Christmas Eve dinner. They thanked God for the full table. My mother is a roman catholic therefore always makes us pray and to be honest, I do like that tradition. Even if you don't believe in anything, you should always be grateful for the food you are able to eat because that can always change from one day to the next, unfortunately.

• The main housewife who prepared the dinner made a cross with a clove of garlic soaked in honey on all her children's and husband's foreheads.

• After a toast and the prayer yet before the meal, a festive Christmas wafer soaked in honey is eaten by all members of the family. This is consumed together with the prior mentioned garlic

• Before the honey, and garlic wafers, a toast was necessary. The head of the family brought out strong alcohol and all family would toast for good health. Nowadays, children have non-alcoholic beverages for toast however in the past and if you look at the history, it was very normal for children of all ages to consume alcohol. Indeed, no Slovak family even said no to alcohol.

• In some Slovak regions, it is customary for an even number of plates to be on the table. If for some reason it was not so, death would come for the last member to sit down behind the table. We don't follow this but even so, nowadays, it is always an even number of us behind the table.

• No one is allowed to leave the table on Christmas Eve, and even the housewife was forbidden to do so. If that happened, the one who stood up would die within a year. Therefore, all the food has to be very close. Indeed we follow this but every year someone forgets and stands up and so far, non of those who stood up to leave, died within a year. I mean if that was true we would all be dead by now!

• During the Christmas holidays, single girls threw their shoes behind their heads towards the door. When the tip pointed to the door, it was a sign that she would be wed in a year. But if the shoe was pointing to the door, the girl would be left single for a year. I never heard of this, how bizarre. I am just glad I don't follow this - I like being unmarried thank you very much!

• Fasting has to be followed until the first star rises in the sky. Slovaks also pay attention to what they are doing all day. They believe that if it is a good day, it would be like this every year. We also follow this and truth be told, I also believe this a little therefore try not to argue with anyone or be too lazy. Though tiredness is unavoidable and then end up yawning half the year!

• It is forbidden to hang washed laundry during Christmas because the one to whom it belongs will soon die. Shards also predict a family misfortune on that day. How bizarre of a superstition which I never heard of. With my luck, glasses and other breakable objects tend to fall to my feet on their own. I just murmur "these shards will bring me luck" and there. Bad luck has been cancelled!

• The housewife has to have all Christmas pastry baked before sunrise so it can be ready as a gift for carolers. After mixing the dough, the main cook wiped her hands on the fruit trees to ensure a rich harvest.

• Nothing could be thrown off the festive table on Christmas Eve. The crumbs from this dinner later helped the sick cattle. Everyone had to be very well fed, otherwise, they would put the family in danger.