10 Unique Serbian Christmas Traditions To Explore

The snow-covered streets of Serbia, decked in festive lights and ornaments, signal the start of the Christmas season. As one of the most significant holidays in the Serbian Orthodox calendar, Christmas is a time for family, friends, and celebration. Serbian Christmas traditions are steeped in history and culture, blending Orthodox Christian rituals with folk customs and superstitions. Here are 10 unique Serbian Christmas traditions to explore:

1. Badnji Dan (Christmas Eve)

Christmas Eve, known as Badnji Dan, is the most important day of the Serbian Christmas celebration. It is a time for family gatherings, traditional meals, and attending church services. On this day, Serbs attend the evening liturgy, often held at midnight, and then return home to break the fast with a traditional meal.

Traditional Christmas Eve Food

The traditional Christmas Eve meal, known as "česnica," typically includes foods such as dried fruits, nuts, and fish. The meal is prepared without any meat, eggs, or dairy products, as a sign of fasting and spiritual cleansing.

2. Decorating the Home

Serbs decorate their homes with traditional ornaments, including straw and oak branches, which symbolize the hope for a fruitful and prosperous new year. The decorations also often feature the use of evergreen trees, holly, and mistletoe.

Oak Branches and Straw

The oak branch, known as "badnjak," is an essential part of Serbian Christmas decorations. The branch is often decorated with ribbons, ornaments, and sometimes even a small icon of Jesus Christ. The straw, which is used to create a traditional Christmas decoration called "podgorica," is believed to bring good luck and fertility.

3. Carols and Folk Songs

Serbian Christmas traditions are filled with beautiful carols and folk songs, often performed around the Christmas tree or during family gatherings. The songs are typically sung in traditional clothing, accompanied by instruments such as the accordion or the tamburica.

Traditional Christmas Carols

Some of the most popular Serbian Christmas carols include "Hristos se rodi" (Christ is Born) and "Nestaće lepoto naša" (Our Beauty Will Not Fade). These carols are often performed in a cappella style, showcasing the rich vocal traditions of Serbian folk music.

4. Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree, known as "božićno drvce," is a relatively recent tradition in Serbia, introduced by German and Austrian influences. However, the Serbian Christmas tree is often decorated with traditional ornaments, such as straw and oak branches, which give it a unique character.

Unique Christmas Tree Ornaments

Serbian Christmas trees often feature unique ornaments, such as traditional clothing, folk accessories, and even food items like apples and nuts. These ornaments add a touch of local flavor to the traditional Christmas tree.

5. Gift-Giving

Gift-giving is an essential part of Serbian Christmas traditions, particularly for children. However, the gifts are often given on New Year's Eve, known as "Nova Godina," rather than on Christmas Day.

Traditional Christmas Gifts

Traditional Christmas gifts in Serbia include items such as clothing, toys, and sweets. The gifts are often given in the form of a "surprise," with the giver hiding the gift and then revealing it to the recipient.

6. Traditional Christmas Food

Serbian Christmas food is a delicious and hearty blend of traditional dishes, including roasted meats, stews, and sweet treats. Some of the most popular Christmas foods include "čevapi" (minced meat sausages), "gibanica" (a layered cheese pie), and "krofne" (doughnuts).

Christmas Day Meals

Christmas Day meals in Serbia often feature a variety of traditional dishes, including soups, stews, and roasted meats. The meals are typically served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, and salads.

7. Christmas Visits

Christmas visits, known as "posjeta," are an essential part of Serbian Christmas traditions. Family members and friends often visit each other's homes, sharing food, drinks, and stories.

Traditional Christmas Visits

Traditional Christmas visits in Serbia often feature a warm welcome, with the host offering the guests a traditional meal and a glass of "rakia" (a strong fruit brandy). The visits are a great opportunity to catch up with loved ones and share in the festive spirit.

8. Christmas Games and Activities

Christmas games and activities, such as singing carols, playing folk games, and making traditional crafts, are an essential part of Serbian Christmas traditions.

Traditional Christmas Games

Traditional Christmas games in Serbia include folk games such as "kolo" (a traditional folk dance) and "žensko kolo" (a women's folk dance). These games are often played during family gatherings and social events.

9. Epiphany (Bogojavljenje)

Epiphany, known as "Bogojavljenje," is an important holiday in the Serbian Orthodox calendar, celebrated on January 19th. The holiday marks the baptism of Jesus Christ and is an essential part of Serbian Christmas traditions.

Epiphany Celebrations

Epiphany celebrations in Serbia often feature traditional rituals, such as the blessing of water and the lighting of candles. The holiday is also a time for family gatherings and traditional meals.

10. Orthodox New Year (Nova Godina)

Orthodox New Year, known as "Nova Godina," is celebrated on January 14th, marking the beginning of the new year in the Serbian Orthodox calendar.

Traditional New Year's Celebrations

Traditional New Year's celebrations in Serbia often feature family gatherings, traditional meals, and fireworks. The holiday is also a time for reflecting on the past year and making resolutions for the new year.

We hope you have enjoyed this journey through Serbian Christmas traditions. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these unique customs and practices are sure to add a touch of magic to your holiday season.

What's your favorite Serbian Christmas tradition? Share with us in the comments below!