In Belarus, Christmas Day is celebrated in a unique way that blends both traditional Eastern Orthodox customs and modern Western influences. As per the Julian calendar followed by the Eastern Orthodox Church, Christmas Day in Belarus technically falls on January 7th, although the influence of the Western calendar is seeing an increasingly number of people also recognizing December 25th. It's a public holiday filled with joyous festivities, customary foods, and religious observance.
On Christmas Day in Belarus, families gather together to enjoy a traditional Christmas meal dubbed as 'Kutia'. This is a sweet dish made from wheat berries, poppy seeds, honey, and various other ingredients, symbolizing hope and prosperity. After the meal, families typically attend Mass at church. The nighttime liturgy is a traditional Orthodox service commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, a fundamental aspect of the Christmas observance.
Belarusians have a host of Yuletide traditions, many of which are rooted in their deep Orthodox Christian faith. For instance, children await the arrival of Father Frost, an Eastern Slavic equivalent of Santa Claus. Carolling is another integral part of Christmas in Belarus, where carolers walk from house to house spreading holiday cheer through songs. Despite the frosty winter weather, the spirit of Christmas warms the hearts of the citizens of Belarus, radiating peace, harmony, and unity across the nation.