The Bethlen Home Messenger, 1992-1993 (1-4. szám)

1992-12-01 / 1. szám

GREECE — One of the most colorful legends is that Karkantzari, who is a mysterious half human and half monster, wanders about on the twelve days of Christmas and attempts to make mischief. The peasants call upon the priest to make the monster disappear until next year. Across entwined with sprigs of basil is dipped into a copper vessel of Holy Water and then each room is sprinkled.

BULGARIA — With the appearance of the first star on Christmas Eve, the strict two week fast is broken. A large round cake, which is called kravai, is decorated with a bird, flower and cross and is lighted by a candle. Incense is burned and prayers are offered before the husband and wife break the “good luck” piece from the ceremonial cake.

RUSSIA — Many of Russia’s traditions have been lost, but family reunions and parties for children still continue during the Christmas Season. At these reunions, it is customary for the “Five Piles of Grain” to be enacted. At midnight, a sleeping hen is taken from the roost and brought into the kitchen. On the floor are five piles of grain, each one represents a legend of five fates: Wealth, Poverty, Death, Marriage, and a life of Single Blessedness. While the hen is still sleepy, its befuddlement causes great merriment and laughter, but as the hen awakens and senses the grain, she selects the piles one by one and begins to eat.

POLAND — When the first star appears on Christmas Eve, the fast has ended, and the Christmas supper begins. Straw is placed under the table, dishes and tablecloth, and one chair is left vacant for the Holy Child. This symbolizes peace. A communion wafer from the priest is given to the head of the family and he will break and share with the guests.

AUSTRIA — Three large wax candles are prepared for a ceremony in the home. While the family gathers on Christmas Eve and sings hymns, the father lights the first candle with a burning taper. As he does this he chants, “Christ is born, Christ is born.” Then each member of the family takes the taper in turn and repeats, “Praise be the Lord! Christ is born!” After this the dinner is served. The second candle is lit on Christmas Day and the third on New Year’s Day when the festivities end.

SERBIA — On Christmas Day, friends call upon neighbors to “let Christmas in”. Upon entering the house, the caller sprinkles grain in the corners of the house to assure bountiful crops in the coming year.

ROMANIA — Throughout the Christmas Season, many stories of Christ’s birth are enacted. From dawn until sunset on the Eve of Christmas, boys visit neighboring homestosing a Christmasgreeting, “Colinde”, for which they receive apples, cakes and coins. On Christmas Day, they parade through the streets carrying a great wooden cross which is hung with tinkling bells. The star is illuminated from within by a candle and is decorated with a transparency of the Baby Jesus and the Magi Kings.