Christmas Eve — day before the Nativity of Christ and preparations for this great holiday.
The name «Christmas Eve» is believed to come from the word «sochi» — it is a special grain porridge, usually with honey and fruit. Traditionally, eating «sochi» is supposed to be done on the eve of the holiday only after the liturgy, which is combined with the evening. The tradition of not eating food until the first evening star is associated with the memory of the appearance of a star in the East, which announced the birth of Christ. However, this tradition is not prescribed by the charter.
On Christmas Eve, churches celebrate Advent Mass in the morning, and Christmas Eve Mass begins in the dark, usually at midnight, but for pastoral reasons it is allowed to begin worship several hours earlier.
Today is Christmas Eve in many Western countries, like Christmas, — is a family holiday. Even those who do not attend church gather at the table in the evening with the whole family.
The entire Christmas Eve meal ritual is led by the father of the family. Just before the start of the feast, they read an excerpt from the Gospel of St. Luke about the Nativity of Christ and read a common family prayer.
During dinner, those present exchange wafers. — wafers are plates of unleavened bread, with a figured pattern that symbolize the body of Christ. Having broken off a piece of the wafer, the one to whom it is given says a good wish. This is a very touching and important event of the evening.
The custom of leaving an unoccupied place at the Christmas table is also widespread. If anyone comes to the house on Christmas Day, he will be received like a brother. This custom is a — sign of memory of loved ones and dear people who cannot celebrate the holiday with their family on this day.
Let us remind you that the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas Eve on January 6.
Postcard «December 24 — Christmas Eve for Western Christians»