Slovak Christmas Customs
In Slovakia, Christmas trees are put up on Christmas Eve. People have traditional Christmas dinner. It usually begins at about 5 or 6 o'clock in the evening when , as we say, the first star appears on the sky.
Slovakians do not eat a lot through out the day in order to appreciate the dinner. In the past, people believed to see and catch a golden pig as a reward for this fasting. Hay or straw may be placed under the table, symbolizing Christ's birth in a stable. An extra place might be set to honour a deceased loved one. A fine white tablecloth is used representing the Babe's swaddling clothes.
The Christmas Dinner
The head of the family says prayers and blessings, giving thanks for the past year while breaking and eating the oplatky - a Communion-like wafer stamped with a nativity scene. We spread it with honey and in some parts of Slovakia with walnuts and even garlic. Some families cut an apple in half to see a star in the middle of it. The head of the household dips his thumb in honey and makes the sign of the cross on everyone's forehead.
Once the oplatky have been shared, the meal begins with a toast of, for example, honey wine, typical Slavic drink. It is followed by sauerkraut soup. Next come freshwater fish, usually floured and quickly fried carp or trout with potatoes salad on the side.
When the meal is finished, the koledy or carols are sung. And we wait for the sound of bell ringing to remind us that Father Christmas or Jezisko has left the presents underneath the Christmas tree.
The Christmas Dinner with pupils in Flore and Upton
Children and teachers as well enjoyed the presentation about Slovakian Christmas. We had a chance to compare Christmas customs in Slovakia and the UK. Children tried traditional oplatky spread with honey and Slovakian ginger bread as well and they loved it :)
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