On Orthodox Christmas Eve, 6 January, according to the ancestor’s people’s tradition, prepare 12 dishes. In Christianity, they symbolize the 12 apostles, present at the last supper.
Among these 12 dishes are mandatory, and therefore admiration. But they all have great symbolic value. Moreover, Christian Christmas superimposed on even older pagan beliefs of the Slavs, and because of this symbolism, as a rule, double.
- Kutya
A symbol of the resurrection. Whole grain wheat pudding for Christmas symbolized the life that is and is reborn again. Mac (one of its values was a dream and death) represented the souls of the dead, and honey was a symbol of sweetness and joy of the good news of Christ’s birth. So Christmas food on the table every year is headed by a Christmas pudding.
- Uzvar
Compote – a decoction of the dried fruits – symbolizes living water that cleanses the body and soul. This problem can be solved not only symbolically: made with homemade drying, and it is possible with the addition of dried herbs (lemon balm, mint, rose petals) and fruits (rose hips, chokeberry), with the addition of Apple or pear juice, it gives a mighty charge of good mood and strengthens the immune system.
- Bread
A symbol of harvest and life. There was a tradition to bake bread in the characters that would bring good luck, wealth and protect you from failures: garlic, peas, small coins, etc.
- Cabbage rolls
Our ancestors stuffed cabbage cooked with millet, stirring it with carrots and butter. Millet, the Gentiles, were associated with the stars in the sky, with the cosmos. And the fact that wheat wrapped in cabbage leaves meant the order of the Universe.
- Dumplings
This dish on the Christmas table symbolizes the moon. Therefore, they are molded in the shape of crescents. They, like cabbage rolls, also need to be lean, with no cheese and meat, cabbage, poppy seeds, dried fruit, and potatoes.
- Fish
Fish is the personification of the female energy, water, and it also must be quite a few kinds of fried fish, stewed, salted, especially if a woman dreams of a son or daughter. Besides, fish is an ancient symbol of Christ, and because fish dishes on the table 6 January should be mandatory.
- Soup
Put on the table on Christmas Eve is also the first dish: soup for beet kvass or “kapusniak.” Both are prepared with simple ingredients, and this simplicity creates harmony and hearty food. So people’s daily work becomes purer and wiser. In some soup regions, add ears stuffed – potatoes, cabbage, or mushrooms (prepared according to the recipe of dumplings, look like tiny dumplings).
- Dish of peas and beans
They are also critical on the table tonight. It is believed that the beans will bring prosperity to the house. They also symbolize God’s eternal spring revival after the fall.
Prerequisite — in the Holy supper on the table, there should be nothing of the animal.
12 dishes Christmas eve:
- Kutya
- Uzvar
- Bread, cakes, and dumplings
- Cabbage rolls
- Vareniki with potatoes
- Dumplings with cabbage
- Fish
- Soup,
- Beans or peas,
- Mushrooms
- Vinaigrette (or other variation of the salad with beets, simple vegetables, and fragrant sunflower oil),
- Homemade pickles.