Aktuality

Christmas customs and traditions in Ždiar
24. 11. 2022

Christmas holidays are celebrated in Slovakia by all citizens, regardless of religion, but traditions and customs differ in individual regions. The Feast of the Nativity of God is celebrated in Ždiar on December 25. According to the people of Ždiar, the Child of God was born on this very day at 3 p.m. In this post, we will bring you closer to customs and traditions which were usual in Ždiar and many of which persist in some households to this day.

Behaviour: People tried to control their actions throughout this festive day, because it was believed that according to how everyone lived this day, they would also act throughout the next year.

Straw and grain: In many places in Slovakia, a wreath woven from straw was hung above the table or a sheaf of straw was placed under the table to ensure a good grain harvest in the following year. This custom also symbolized the birth of Jesus on straw.

Zdroj: TASR

Money under the tablecloth: To chase away the poverty, people used to hide money under the tablecloth. They also hoped that they would have at least as much money as in the past year.

Axe: An iron object (usually an axe) was placed under the Christmas dinner table because it was believed that whoever placed their foot on it during dinner would be lucky in the upcoming year.

Chain: The legs of the table were encircled with a thick chain as a sign of family cohesion in the upcoming year.

Calling for dinner: Wolves, bears, snakes – if you don’t come to us now, don’t come for the whole year! It was customary to prepare one extra place at the table for the so-called pilgrim, as a sign of mercy.

Bread: Bread, as a symbol of Christmas, was supposed to ensure the health of the family and the safety of domestic animals. The head of the family tore it up and gave it to the others so that they would be humble and appreciate the bread.

Zdroj: TASR/Pavol Funtál

Cutting an apple: The oldest member of the family cut the apple into as many pieces as there were family members. If, after cutting the apple, there was a star in the middle, it meant health. However, if a cross appeared, it meant illness. Each member had to eat a piece of apple to show that he is a member of the family, and that everyone would meet again the next year.

Wafers: Since Christmas is a Christian holiday, the wafer represents the body and blood of Jesus Christ, and thus the accession to the Eucharist. The wafer is eaten with garlic and honey on Christmas Day. The parents made a cross with honey on their girls’ foreheads to make them beautiful and the children to obey. That is why the comparison “to be as good as honey” is still used today.

Zdroj: TASR

Nuts: After the Christmas dinner, the oldest member of the family would throw nuts into the corners of the room so that they would not remain empty and that there would be abundance in the house throughout the year. As they threw the nuts, they said, “My dear corners, I have nothing to give you but this little present. For this, you bless us with health, happiness, God blessings and after death with the Heaven’s Kingdom.”

“I wish you a glorious holiday, health, happiness and God’s blessings that we live to see the second Birth of God, in lesser sins, in greater graces.”

Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas from the Strachan Resort Team.

Zdieľajte novinku s ostatnými:
24. 11. 2022
Christmas customs and traditions in Ždiar

Christmas holidays are celebrated in Slovakia by all citizens, regardless of religion, but traditions and customs differ in individual regions. The Feast of the Nativity of God is celebrated in Ždiar on December 25. According to the people of Ždiar, the Child of God was born on this very day at 3 p.m. In this post, we will bring you closer to customs and traditions which were usual in Ždiar and many of which persist in some households to this day.

Behaviour: People tried to control their actions throughout this festive day, because it was believed that according to how everyone lived this day, they would also act throughout the next year.

Straw and grain: In many places in Slovakia, a wreath woven from straw was hung above the table or a sheaf of straw was placed under the table to ensure a good grain harvest in the following year. This custom also symbolized the birth of Jesus on straw.

Zdroj: TASR

Money under the tablecloth: To chase away the poverty, people used to hide money under the tablecloth. They also hoped that they would have at least as much money as in the past year.

Axe: An iron object (usually an axe) was placed under the Christmas dinner table because it was believed that whoever placed their foot on it during dinner would be lucky in the upcoming year.

Chain: The legs of the table were encircled with a thick chain as a sign of family cohesion in the upcoming year.

Calling for dinner: Wolves, bears, snakes – if you don’t come to us now, don’t come for the whole year! It was customary to prepare one extra place at the table for the so-called pilgrim, as a sign of mercy.

Bread: Bread, as a symbol of Christmas, was supposed to ensure the health of the family and the safety of domestic animals. The head of the family tore it up and gave it to the others so that they would be humble and appreciate the bread.

Zdroj: TASR/Pavol Funtál

Cutting an apple: The oldest member of the family cut the apple into as many pieces as there were family members. If, after cutting the apple, there was a star in the middle, it meant health. However, if a cross appeared, it meant illness. Each member had to eat a piece of apple to show that he is a member of the family, and that everyone would meet again the next year.

Wafers: Since Christmas is a Christian holiday, the wafer represents the body and blood of Jesus Christ, and thus the accession to the Eucharist. The wafer is eaten with garlic and honey on Christmas Day. The parents made a cross with honey on their girls’ foreheads to make them beautiful and the children to obey. That is why the comparison “to be as good as honey” is still used today.

Zdroj: TASR

Nuts: After the Christmas dinner, the oldest member of the family would throw nuts into the corners of the room so that they would not remain empty and that there would be abundance in the house throughout the year. As they threw the nuts, they said, “My dear corners, I have nothing to give you but this little present. For this, you bless us with health, happiness, God blessings and after death with the Heaven’s Kingdom.”

“I wish you a glorious holiday, health, happiness and God’s blessings that we live to see the second Birth of God, in lesser sins, in greater graces.”

Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas from the Strachan Resort Team.

Zdieľajte novinku s ostatnými:
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