www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Christmas Customs

As we approach the Celebration of the Incarnation, I began to wonder what customs our communities have created to enrich this time?

I know that some Eastern Europeans eat a special meatless meal on the Eve of Christmas. Some put straw under the plates to remind us of Christ's birth in a simple place for animals. Do all celebrate in this fashion? What do Byzantine and Oriental Catholic/Orthodox Christians do to mark this time?

If this topic is not appropriate for this Forum, perhaps someone can point me in a direction to learn more.

Thank you.

May all of you find this to be a peaceful and happy time for you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Fraternally,
Steve
JOY!

This is most certainly an appropriate topic for the forum, Steve.

I know that the Slavs have a lot of unique customs. For Greeks, Christmas is not really a big traditional holiday, and much of what is done now is reflective of contemporary Western/American customs.

There is, of course, the tradition of the Philip's Fast. And a tradition of giving gifts. But there are no Greek carols (we have one, written about 50 years ago), no mangers, no Christmas trees (well, it's changed a bit in the last decades with French/English influence), but it's not really a big thing.

There are customs for Epiphany with the blessing of the waters and the tossing of the cross that the young men dive into the water to retrieve. But actually, St. Basil's Day (Jan 1) sorta kinda overshadows Christmas. St. Basil's Day has a special bread (Vasilopita) in which is baked a gold coin. The one who gets the coin is supposed to receive special blessings and luck in the coming year.

Now, if you want to talk about Pascha, THEN there'll be a lot!!!

Blessings!