My Orthodox Christmas.

I get to experience two Christmases every year.

The first on 25th December (Gregorian calendar) and again for the Orthodox faith on the 7th January (Julian calendar).

Tamara always makes Česnica, the traditional and ceremonial, round loaf of bread that is an indispensable part of the Christmas dinner.

A little background about Česnica.

The preparation of this bread is accompanied by various rules and rituals. Tamara wears an apron and stuffs as much money as she can find around the house. into the aprons pockets.

It’s supposed to give us year round luck.

A coin is also put into the dough during the kneading; other small objects may also be inserted.

At the beginning of Christmas dinner, the Česnica is rotated three times counterclockwise, before being broken among the family members.

The person who finds the coin in his piece of the bread will supposedly be exceptionally lucky in the coming year.

The Česnica was used in folk magic for divining or influencing the amount of crops.

A TYPICAL MENU FOR ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS.

Meza:
Susena peka.
Cajna.
Sir.

Home made chicken Soup.

Cicvara.

Sarma.
Corn Muffins.

Roast Pork
Russian Salad.
Pickled vegetables.
Russian Eggs.

Homemade cakes:
Baklava.
London Stangle.
Ledene kocke.

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