Christmas Eve
In the past Christmas Eve was a day of strict fasting. People restrained from eating until the first star appeared in the sky-- the sign that the abstinence may be broken. Impatient children will run out of the house looking for the star.
The most important event is the Christmas Eve Supper. The table is covered in hand loomed linen cloth reserved for the occasion, under which is placed fresh hay a reminder of how the Christ Child was born. A crucifix and a plate of "plotkeles" (blessed Christmas wafers) are place in the center of the table. The family sits at the table according to age, the oldest at the head of the table, the youngest is at its foot. In many homes one seat is left vacant for an unexpected guest, symbolic of Christ. Families invite single people to partake in the meal, for it is felt no one should be alone on this day.
When the evening star appears in the sky, the head of the family begins the meal with a prayer of thanksgiving for past blessings, and a wish that the family remain intact during the coming year. He breaks and shares the holy wafers with each member of the family, and they, in turn, with each other. All wish each other good luck, good health, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
After the ceremony, the meal begins. No less than twelve dishes must be served, all meatless (to commemorate the Twelve Apostles.) Some of the dishes served would be herring, for the distasteful things to come; dry peas, in the shape of tears, for the sad things in life; prunes, representing the rough and difficult road we must travel; bread to signify plenitude of sustenance during the coming year; fish to signify Christ as represented by the first Christmas in the catechumens; boiled potatoes to signify the humble and uneventful lives we must be ready to lead; sauerkraut, representing the good and bad we must accept; and sweet wine for the sweetness and joy experienced by the coming of Christ.
A specialty, served only once a year on Christmas Eve, is the oat meal pudding. Another specialty is the "aguonu pienas" or poppy seed milk, served with small, round dough balls. This "milk" is prepared by grinding the scalded poppy seeds and mixing them with water and honey.
Coffee, fruit and nuts terminate the meal. Children receive individual plates heaped with apples, nuts, figs, candies, etc.
The most important event is the Christmas Eve Supper. The table is covered in hand loomed linen cloth reserved for the occasion, under which is placed fresh hay a reminder of how the Christ Child was born. A crucifix and a plate of "plotkeles" (blessed Christmas wafers) are place in the center of the table. The family sits at the table according to age, the oldest at the head of the table, the youngest is at its foot. In many homes one seat is left vacant for an unexpected guest, symbolic of Christ. Families invite single people to partake in the meal, for it is felt no one should be alone on this day.
When the evening star appears in the sky, the head of the family begins the meal with a prayer of thanksgiving for past blessings, and a wish that the family remain intact during the coming year. He breaks and shares the holy wafers with each member of the family, and they, in turn, with each other. All wish each other good luck, good health, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
After the ceremony, the meal begins. No less than twelve dishes must be served, all meatless (to commemorate the Twelve Apostles.) Some of the dishes served would be herring, for the distasteful things to come; dry peas, in the shape of tears, for the sad things in life; prunes, representing the rough and difficult road we must travel; bread to signify plenitude of sustenance during the coming year; fish to signify Christ as represented by the first Christmas in the catechumens; boiled potatoes to signify the humble and uneventful lives we must be ready to lead; sauerkraut, representing the good and bad we must accept; and sweet wine for the sweetness and joy experienced by the coming of Christ.
A specialty, served only once a year on Christmas Eve, is the oat meal pudding. Another specialty is the "aguonu pienas" or poppy seed milk, served with small, round dough balls. This "milk" is prepared by grinding the scalded poppy seeds and mixing them with water and honey.
Coffee, fruit and nuts terminate the meal. Children receive individual plates heaped with apples, nuts, figs, candies, etc.
Christmas Eve Menu
Christmas Wafers
Holiday Cordial
Sauerkraut Salad
Christmas Eve Biscuits
Poppy Seed Milk
Compote
Fish Fillets in Tomato Sauce
Herring with Oil and Onions
Mushroom Stuffed Crepes
Potato Salad
Little Ears
Christmas Bread
Please click on the links above for Christmas Eve Recipes.
Holiday Cordial
Sauerkraut Salad
Christmas Eve Biscuits
Poppy Seed Milk
Compote
Fish Fillets in Tomato Sauce
Herring with Oil and Onions
Mushroom Stuffed Crepes
Potato Salad
Little Ears
Christmas Bread
Please click on the links above for Christmas Eve Recipes.
Knights of Lithuania #144
Kucios 2010
Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree did not become popular in Lithuania until the early twentieth century and even then it was not widespread. After World War I, the custom spread in the cities and later into the countryside.
In earlier times, the wedding tree, a symbol of youth and fertility, was used among the Lithuanians. At the wedding feast, it hung from the ceiling above the Bridal Pair. It was usually decorated with beautiful straw ornaments.
All agricultural materials were used in decorating. The Lithuanians excelled in the use of grain and straw. From wheat and rye, they created ornaments of great delicacy; chandeliers, baskets, stars, chains, and an infinite variety of beautiful geometric forms. A straw cross was generally placed on the top of the tree to resemble the Wayside Cross.
The family would place a cradle under the tree where family members would place a piece of straw of each kind and gracious word performed during the holidays. In many instances, carved wooden figures and other made of straw joined the cradle there.
In earlier times, the wedding tree, a symbol of youth and fertility, was used among the Lithuanians. At the wedding feast, it hung from the ceiling above the Bridal Pair. It was usually decorated with beautiful straw ornaments.
All agricultural materials were used in decorating. The Lithuanians excelled in the use of grain and straw. From wheat and rye, they created ornaments of great delicacy; chandeliers, baskets, stars, chains, and an infinite variety of beautiful geometric forms. A straw cross was generally placed on the top of the tree to resemble the Wayside Cross.
The family would place a cradle under the tree where family members would place a piece of straw of each kind and gracious word performed during the holidays. In many instances, carved wooden figures and other made of straw joined the cradle there.