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Slovaks Took Giving Presents from German Culture
Thursday 24 December 2009 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, December 24 (TASR) - Christmas Eve (also known as Badnak or Kracun in some Slovak dialects) has always been perceived as the most momentous holiday in Slovakia.
According to folk customs, it usually began when the first star arose twinkling in the night sky, which was announced by the shooting of guns or the ringing of bells. Only then were candles lit on festive tables.
In an accompaniment to the yuletide dinner, which commenced with a prayer, in addition to special Christmas dishes, certain acts providing for health, prosperity and good fortune for the year to come were also acted out. The eating of pulses symbolised richness, while honey or garlic were destined to protect health.
The 'design' of the Christmas table and behaviour of the diners played also a significant role. One should not kick the table legs, to prevent his own legs from hurting. It was also forbidden to blow on the meal, to prevent the mouth from hurting. Leaving the table was not allowed either. The future harvest was foreseen from cooked peas.
Equally important was the observation of candle flames - he who was pointed at by the flame was believed to die within one year. Girls tried to find the name of their future husband by putting three matches with a male's name on each into an apple. The longest burning match determined the name of the husband.
Many superstitions also surround the midnight mass, which concluded the Catholic fasting. The water in creeks was believed to turn into wine, the cattle started to speak in human tongues, the heavens opened and the Earth welcomed angels and spirits, for whom crumbs were left on the table. During Christmas, all domestic animals, but also water and fire received their own special Christmas meal.
Christmas presents brought by 'Baby Jesus' were unknown in traditional Slovak culture. This custom was imported, as was the Christmas tree, from Germany.
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