Christmas Holidays in Montenegro
The main holidays in Montenegro are shortly after New Year, which is Christmas (Božić) and the preceding Christmas Eve – Badni Dan. Orthodox Christmas is traditionally celebrated on January 7 and is accompanied by 3 days off (January 6, 7 and 8).
The Oak Tradition
The celebration of Christmas is preceded by Badni Dan – Christmas Eve, which is celebrated on January 6th. According to an old custom, on this day, at sunrise, the head of the family, in the company of his eldest son, went to the forest to cut down a “badnyak” – a log of a young oak. Father and son had to bring it home on their shoulders and kindle a festive hearth – so that it burned for 3 days.
Nowadays, the traditional log is often replaced with oak twigs, which are then burned in a common fire at the temple doors or decorated on doors, fences and cars as a symbol of well-being. It is believed that the more sparks a branch burning in a fire gives, the more successful the coming year will be for its owner. This ritual refers us to the very history of the origin of Christmas, with a belief that it was Joseph who kindled the fire in the cave with oak when Jesus was born.
Christmas Table
The main attributes of the Christmas table are meat dishes, including prosciutto and a pig roasted on a spit. All members of the family, in anticipation of the Christmas dinner, are treated to fragrant brandy and dried fruits.
Sauerkraut, stewed with smoked pork meat, kaimak pie, as well as beans are served on the table.
Especially popular is the tradition of baking pogacha – a Christmas cake, inside of which a coin is placed. After breaking it, everyone gets a piece of the pie. It is believed that the one in whose piece the coin is found will be happy for a whole year.
