Slovakia Christmas

There are some interesting pagan beliefs involved in

Slovakian Christmas

. The 11th, 25th and 6th December mark the different phases of the winter solstice and are associated with magic and celebration, taken from pagan traditions. There are certain amusing traditional rituals connected with 30th and 13th December. On the 13th Slovakian ladies dress themselves beautifully and run after the imaginary ghosts and ghouls to protect their houses and in the 30th of December "halushky" a special Slovakian Pasta is prepared which contain the names of eligible bachelors opted by unmarried girl.

Food in Slovakian Christmas:
Christmas brings forth the delicacies of Slovakia. The delicacies include different fish and meat items, cabbage soup, mouthwatering pastries, and a special dish called opekance made of poopy seeds, flour and honey. The festival of Christmas will always include wafers, French beans, dry fruits and varied nuts.

Garlic is the main ingredient used for the Christmas table decoration as it is considered a sign of good luck. Similarly fish is supposed to bring prosperity. Food also includes sauerkraut soup and desserts as Lok'e made of raisins and poppy seeds again.

Activities done in Slovakian Christmas:
Christmas presents are hidden near the Christmas trees. Sometimes straw is spread in the floor or below the table cloth in the memory of the birth of Christ. The parents arrive with candles and holy water in the dinner table. The holy water is sprinkled and the sign of the cross is made on the foreheads with honey.