Traditional Belarus Christmas Greeting: Vyaselykh Kalyad
In addition to Christmas (Kolady) which, in the Eastern Orthodox faith is celebrated on Jan. 7, many Belarusians celebrate Kaliady, a pagan festival that takes place from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7. Many dress in elaborate animal costumes, sing songs, make music and perform plays. Foods such as kuccia (a barley dish), herring, vinihret (a beet salad), and kalachi (fruit-filled pastries) grace the holiday table.
The Kolady celebration starts with a solemn, special supper on Kootia (Christmas Eve). Twelve or more meatless dishes are served in a specific order. A portion of each dish is set aside for the family's ancestors.
A lovely tradition that has been renewed since the dissolution of the USSR is the Batlejka a puppet show depicting the Nativity.
In addition to Christmas (Kolady) which, in the Eastern Orthodox faith is celebrated on Jan. 7, many Belarusians celebrate Kaliady, a pagan festival that takes place from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7. Many dress in elaborate animal costumes, sing songs, make music and perform plays. Foods such as kuccia (a barley dish), herring, vinihret (a beet salad), and kalachi (fruit-filled pastries) grace the holiday table.
The Kolady celebration starts with a solemn, special supper on Kootia (Christmas Eve). Twelve or more meatless dishes are served in a specific order. A portion of each dish is set aside for the family's ancestors.
A lovely tradition that has been renewed since the dissolution of the USSR is the Batlejka a puppet show depicting the Nativity.