MINSK, 25 December (BelTA) – Christians in Belarus are celebrating the Nativity of Christ, one of their most important holidays, according to the Catholic calendar. On the night of 24-25 December, known as Christmas Eve, solemn services were held in all Catholic churches across the country.
Catholics observe the Nativity of Christ with the season of Advent, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Advent is regarded as a time of deep repentance: believers try to practice mercy, attend pre-Christmas services, and prepare for confession so they may receive Holy Communion on Christmas Day with a cleansed spirit.
On Christmas Eve, the main preparations for the holiday are traditionally completed. This is the day when the Christmas tree is decorated, and the festive table is set. Traditionally, twelve dishes are prepared, symbolizing the twelve apostles of Christ, with sochivo (a ceremonial grain dish) being essential.
During this period, churches are adorned with wreaths holding four candles. One candle is lit on the first Sunday, two on the second, and so on, each week adding light.
A distinctive tradition of the holiday is the decoration of homes. Alongside the decorated Christmas tree, a nativity scene is often displayed: figures of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph are placed beside the infant Jesus lying in a manger, surrounded by animal figures.
Photos by Vitaly Pivovarchik, Leonid Shcheglov
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