Christmas In Belarus: Traditions And Celebrations

Belarus has an interesting relationship with Christmas. While it is celebrated, it often takes a back seat to New Year's Eve festivities, a tradition that dates back to Soviet times. However, Christmas celebrations are becoming more popular, and the period between December 25 and January 7, which is known as 'Kaliady' in Belarus, blends Christmas and New Year traditions.

Christmas in Belarus often takes second place to New Year's Eve celebrations

Today, while Christmas celebrations are making a comeback in Belarus, New Year's remains the bigger holiday. The period between December 25 and January 7, which includes both Christmas and New Year, is called "Kaliady" in Belarus, derived from the pre-Christian and pagan winter solstice celebrations. During Kaliady, Belarusians engage in various traditions and rituals, some of which are unique to the country, while others are similar to those in neighbouring nations.

One of the key customs during Kaliady is the observance of three important meals, known as "Kućcia" or "Kutia". These meals are simple, meatless dishes that include a variety of fish, mushroom, and vegetable dishes. The number 12 is significant, representing the 12 Apostles, and is reflected in the number of dishes served. The Christmas Eve table may also be spread with hay before laying the tablecloth, symbolising the manger in which Jesus was born.

While Christmas is celebrated on December 25 by Catholics and Protestants in Belarus, the majority of the country's population follows the Orthodox Church, which observes Christmas on January 7. This date aligns with the Julian calendar, which predates the commonly used Gregorian calendar. Orthodox Christmas is a public holiday in Belarus, with schools and most businesses closed, allowing people to visit family and friends.

In Belarus, the New Year's tree, a version of the Christmas tree, is decorated, and gifts are exchanged on New Year's Eve. Cities like Minsk organise secular concerts and performances, and people flock to Christmas markets to purchase gifts and traditional crafts. New Year's Eve also features a short speech by the Belarusian President, followed by fireworks at midnight.

Christmas traditions and customs in Belarus

Christmas in Belarus often takes second place to New Year's Eve celebrations, a tradition from Soviet times when "Western" and religious holidays were abandoned. However, Christmas celebrations are becoming more popular in the country. Belarus has a historical connection to Christmas, and many Christmas traditions are similar to those in neighbouring countries.

Christmas Eve

Customs for Kućcia, or Christmas Eve, are similar to those in neighbouring countries. The table may be spread with hay before the tablecloth is draped over it, reminding those at the table of the hay in the manger where Jesus was born. The Christmas Eve dinner is traditionally served without meat and consists of at least 12 fish, mushroom, and vegetable dishes. The number 12 signifies the 12 Apostles. Bread is broken and shared between family members rather than cut with a knife, and after the dinner is eaten, the table remains as it is so that ancestral spirits may eat the meal at night.

Caroling

Caroling is also a part of Christmas celebrations in Belarus. This tradition has roots in older, pagan times when carolers would dress up as animals and fantastic beasts to scare away evil spirits and collect money or food in return. Today, children are the main participants in this tradition.

Christmas Day

On Orthodox Christmas Day, which falls on 7 January, people in Belarus visit friends and family and congratulate each other.

New Year's Eve

Many Christmas traditions in Belarus are also celebrated on New Year's Eve, such as the exchange of gifts and the decoration of a tree. On New Year's Eve, people in Belarus celebrate with their relatives and friends, eating a lot of delicious food. At midnight, they "welcome" the New Year by drinking champagne and congratulating each other.

Belarus Christmas and New Year: 'Kaliady'

Belarus Christmas and New Year: Kaliady

In Belarus, Christmas often takes a back seat to New Year's Eve celebrations, a tradition stemming from Soviet times when "Western" and religious holidays were discouraged. However, Christmas celebrations are gaining popularity, and the period leading up to January 1 blends Christmas rituals and traditions from other Eastern European nations.

Kaliady

The period between December 25 and January 7 is known as Kaliady in Belarus, a name derived from pre-Christian, pagan winter solstice celebrations. During Kaliady, Belarus celebrates two Christmases—one for Catholics and Protestants on December 25 and another for the Orthodox Church on January 7, with New Year's celebrations in between.

Traditions and Customs

Many traditions typically associated with Christmas are linked to New Year's celebrations in Belarus. For example, the "New Year Tree" is essentially a Christmas tree decorated for the New Year, and people exchange gifts on New Year's Eve, with children receiving presents from "Father Frost" (known as Dzied Maroz or Ded Moroz).

There are three significant meals during Kaliady, known as Kućcia or Kutia meals. These are simple meals with no meat or fat, consisting of dishes like pancakes, fish, mushrooms, and kisel (a dessert made with oatmeal fruit, berries, and potato starch). The number 12 is important, symbolizing the 12 apostles, and hay or straw may be spread under the tablecloth to represent Jesus's manger.

On New Year's Eve, a grand feast called the "great" Kućcia is held, featuring dishes like Olivje or Olivier salad, and Shuba (diced pickled herring with layers of grated vegetables, chopped onions, and mayonnaise). Mandarin oranges are also commonly eaten during this celebration.

Christmas Celebrations

Catholics and Protestants in Belarus may attend Midnight Mass on December 24 and a Christmas Day service on December 25. For Orthodox Christians, the main Christmas service starts at midnight on January 6 and continues into the early hours of January 7. Christmas Day is a public holiday, with people visiting family and friends.

Christmas Day service and mass

Christmas in Belarus is often overshadowed by New Year's Eve celebrations, a tradition that dates back to Soviet times. However, Christmas Day services and mass are still observed by the country's religious groups.

Catholics and Protestants in Belarus, who make up a minority of the population, celebrate Christmas on December 25th. They may attend a Midnight Mass service on the 24th of December and/or a Christmas Day service on the 25th. These services are held in Catholic and Protestant churches across the country.

The majority of people in Belarus celebrate Christmas according to the Orthodox date, which falls on January 7th. The main Christmas service for Orthodox Christians usually starts at midnight on the 6th/7th of January. This nighttime service can last for several hours. The next day, January 7th, is a public holiday when people visit family and friends.

Christmas Eve Service and Liturgies for Orthodox Christians

On the eve of the Orthodox Christmas, which falls on January 6th, Orthodox churches conduct services and liturgies. Families gather at the table after sunset, awaiting the first star. This is followed by a fasting dinner, which traditionally includes 12 dishes to represent the 12 apostles.

Christmas Traditions in Belarus

Christmas in Belarus blends Christian customs with folk rituals, reflecting the enduring influence of pagan traditions. Caroling, for example, has its roots in older, pagan traditions where carolers would dress up as animals to scare away evil spirits. Today, Christmas caroling continues to be a part of the holiday celebrations in many regions of Belarus.

Christmas markets in Minsk

Christmas in Belarus often takes second place to New Year's Eve celebrations, a tradition that dates back to Soviet times when religious holidays were abandoned. However, Christmas celebrations are becoming increasingly popular. In Minsk, the capital city, there are several Christmas markets worth visiting.

One of the most well-known Christmas markets in Minsk is the one held on Kastrychnitskaya Square and near the Palace of Sports. This market offers a variety of food, gifts, and entertainment options, including the opportunity to meet Grandfather Frost, a traditional character in Belarusian winter celebrations. At this market, you can browse and purchase traditional crafts such as straw ornaments, wooden figurines, woven flax textiles, ceramics, and felt boots made by local artisans.

For a unique Christmas market experience, Minsk also hosts a German-style Christmas market at the Johannes Rau International Center of Education and Exchange. Known as the IBB Weihnachtsterrasse, this market offers a range of festive treats, including mulled wine, Christmas street food, and festive music. You can also meet the German Santa, known as Weihnachtsmann, and enjoy other surprises.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive holiday experience, the Minsk Christmas Festival Kaliadny Kirmash is a great option. Held from December 14 to January 15, this festival features a craftsmen market, food tents serving national cuisine, and a ton of other fun activities. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local holiday culture and pick up some unique gifts.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year's Eve, various venues across Minsk host special events and parties. From gastro bar celebrations to contemporary art exhibitions and DJ nights, there's something for everyone. Keep an eye out for events like the Unicorn Christmas Party at Pravda, the New Year's Eve celebration at Vinny Shkaf, and the jazz-filled New Year's Eve at Malt&Hops. These events offer a mix of dining, music, and festive cheer to get you in the holiday spirit.

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