Orthodox Christmas Day, also simply known as Christmas, is a significant holiday celebrated in Belarus as most of the population belongs to the Orthodox Church. This holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, which is a central event in Christianity. It is held annually on the 7th of January, following the Julian calendar, unlike the Gregorian calendar commonly used in many Western countries that mark Christmas on December 25th.
The Orthodox Christmas Day in Belarus is characterized by a variety of customs and traditions. The holiday follows a 40-day fasting period called Philip's fast, which ends on Christmas Day. The festive period is marked by attending church services, family gatherings, singing Kaladki (traditional Christmas carols), and a special meal called 'Kutia'. Kutia is a ceremonial grain dish with sweet gravy often prepared with poppy seeds, honey, and various fruits.
On this day, not only the birth of Christ is celebrated, but also the concept of 'God becoming man' to save humanity is emphasized. Christmas is a public holiday in Belarus, characterized by a joyful yet solemn atmosphere. It encourages families and close friends to come together for the celebration. Despite the often harsh winter weather, the holiday also sees people exploring decorated streets and markets, making Orthodox Christmas Day in Belarus an occasion that genuinely reflects the spirit of the season.