Christmas Eve, known as 'Kūčios,' is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in Lithuania. An age-old tradition that dates back to pre-Christian times, it's a day filled with ritual, reflection, family, and feasting. A particular feature of the holiday is the symbolic meal eaten on the eve composed of twelve dishes, one for each of the apostles. The day is usually a holiday from work, providing time for people to prepare, set a rich table, and wait for the evening when the whole family gathers.
Christmas Eve celebrations in Lithuania embody a beautiful blend of Christian customs and ancient pagan traditions. One of the deeply entrenched customs is leaving an empty chair at the dinner table for a deceased family member or a weary stranger. Straw, symbolizing the simplicity and hardness of the manger where baby Jesus was laid, is spread under the table cloth. The meal doesn't start until the appearance of the first star in the sky, symbolizing the Bethlehem Star.
The set of twelve dishes served on Christmas Eve does not contain meat. The traditional dishes typically include fish, different kinds of herring, beet soup (borscht), various grains and vegetables, fruits, and nuts, particularly hazelnuts, whose shells are used to predict the future. After dinner, family members exchange gifts around the Christmas tree, sing carols and share stories till late night. Moreover, going to midnight Mass is a common practice, ending the celebration with a spiritual note, making Christmas Eve a unique and well-preserved holiday in Lithuania.