Today the bright holiday of Christmas has come according to the Catholic version, marking the beginning of a joyful festive series, the culmination of which for many will be the New Year and Orthodox Christmas on January 7, and someone will also celebrate the Orthodox (as it is called in Montenegro) - and in Russia - the Old New Year January 14th. Already yesterday - December 24 - fireworks burst under the windows all evening and there was a smell of incense - the population of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor are partly Catholics due to the centuries-old rule of Venice in these places. In Kotor, on January 23 and 24, small pre-holiday concerts were held, the city dressed up for the holiday. Some organizations arrange a day off on this day, because for some employees today is the main holiday of the year. On this occasion, we decided to look into the traditions of the celebration New Year and Christmas in Montenegro. It should be noted that we learned with interest about many traditions that pleasantly and unexpectedly surprised us.
So, well, let's start with the fact that already yesterday - December 24 - the whole evening under the windows fireworks were bursting and there was a smell of incense - the population Kotor and Bay of Kotor - partly Catholics due to the centuries-old rule of Venice in these places. In Kotor, on January 23 and 24, small pre-holiday concerts were held, the city dressed up for the holiday. Some organizations arrange a day off on this day, because for some employees today is the main holiday of the year.
Going outside in the morning, I found laurel branches in the neighbor's shutters. One of the main Christmas traditions in Montenegro is connected with this. This is primarily an Orthodox tradition, and it consists in this:
Christmas celebration in Montenegro starts on January 6 - in the so-called Badni Dan (badnjak is “oak” in Montenegrin, and “dan” is “day”). Early in the morning on Badni dan, from each house, men go to the forest to bring oak, laurel, and olive tree branches into the house from there - all these trees in this case symbolize family well-being (for the lazy, such bunches of oak branches are also sold on the market). In some cities, it is customary to bring a whole oak tree into the house, which is then cut into several parts according to the number of men in the house + one ("family"). All these oak (or other) branches and trees are placed against the walls of the house or attached to doors and windows. In the evening - before dark - a festive dinner is being prepared, and women are waiting for their men with branches. When they arrive, each with their own branch, straw and corn are scattered from the sieve around the house - again as a sign of the blessing of the hearth and a reminder that Jesus Christ was born in a manger in a stable. One of the most popular Christmas treats are buns - or as they are called in Montenegro - borders. At Christmas, they are usually served with honey, but in general they are served with homemade cheese and prosciutto. In the evening, oak branches are solemnly sent to the oven, accompanied by pieces of dishes from the festive table and wine or brandy. Meanwhile, on the window from oak branches, festive dishes are being prepared for the next day - Christmas itself - January 7th.
So - almost every house in Montenegro during the holidays - is decorated with oak branches. Some cities have a tradition of public burning of branches near churches - in the afternoon, almost every church, as part of the celebrations dedicated to one of the main holidays in Montenegro, arranges huge bonfires, where local residents demolish branches. So 🙂 We wish you happy and warm holidays and joyful pre-holiday fuss!
PS We will try to attend Christmas "burnt offerings" and report back with photos!
