Lithuanian Christmas Traditions: Celebrating Kūčios and More

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Discover the unique Lithuanian Christmas traditions, where Christmas Eve (Kūčios) holds greater significance than Christmas Day. From decorating the Christmas tree to enjoying a traditional meal of 12 dishes, such as fish and kūčiukai pastries, to commemorating the dead and indulging in homemade drinks like kisielius, the festive rituals and beliefs bring family and friends together for a memorable celebration.

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Students from Sandoros Progymnasium

Christmas Eve In Lithuania, the Christmas Day ( Kal dos ) is less important than the Christmas Eve, which has a much bigger meaning. The Christmas Eve is called K ios . It also shares the name with a big family dinner , which Lithuanians host on that day. K ios is also the last day of the Advent season, which makes it even more important and special.

Chritmas Tree Before the big celebrations the whole house would have to be cleaned, the linens changed and a big Christmas tree or a branch would be set up and decorated. the Christmas tree has to be decorated on the Christmas Eve s morning (December 24th) and not any day sooner. It should bring you joy for 12 days, until the Epiphany. The tree s toys would have the shapes of snowflakes, stars, snowmen, geometric figures and other forms.

The Christmas Meal The traditional K ios dinner consists of 12 dishes one for each of Jesus s followers. The most popular dishes include various kinds of fish (herring, salmon, baked pike or other) served with a garnish. No Christmas table can ever exist without k iukai small sweet pastries, soaked in poppy milk.

Drinks Food would be washed down with a homemade cider, water or kisielius a traditional, very dense Lithuanian drink, made of cranberries and starch.

The Bathing Ritual After the Christmas tree, a big table would be arranged with numerous dishes, plus some traditional ornaments. The food would normally be cooked to last for several days. After that, everyone would take a bath and put on some clean festive clothes before they sit down for the big meal. It s widely believed that a clean body on the Christmas Eve would help people stay healthy throughout the next year. It would also protect them from the evil, hence many Lithuanians would normally go to a traditional bathhouse at this time as well. On the Christmas Eve nobody is permitted to work and family members who were away, would make every effort to come home.

Commemorating the Dead It s also common to leave an extra plate for a family member who could not attend the Christmas Eve s dinner. Or for a newly departed relative, who had passed away during the past year. In addition, friends who don t have any place to go on the Christmas Eve, would be invited for the dinner. No one should feel lonely during this special time!

Christmas Eve Miracles There are heard some legends that in the Chirstmas Eve night the water can turn into the wine and that the animals can start speaking like humans...

Christmas morning Any unnecessary work should be avoided during the first day of Christmas, since it s considered to be a sacred time. Due to that reason, the only food served that day would be the one prepared in advance. People go to the church and then the Christmas Day is usually spent at home with the family exchanging gifts, playing joyful games and singing Christmas carols.