In Slovenia you may also receive gifts three times

December is also in Slovenia the most festive month of the year. In the last quarter, personal and public celebrations of Christmas and New Year have more or less merged in a whole. This month, introduced by advent, is also connected with the creativity of individuals and families, which during this time prepare a festive living environment and menus. At the same time people also give and receive presents.

The first good man, who brings presents to the elderly as well as youngsters, is called St. Nicholas, who is also the oldest one. As regards the age, Father Frost follows, introduced under socialist regime. The character of the former Soviet Union was dressed up in individual elements of the Slovenian costume, thus making him someone special. Finally, Father Christmas, the youngest one, who is a typical global character with his red suit.

During this period, Slovenians prepare some festive dishes, among which are e.g. Slovenian »potice« with various fillings (especially of nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, honey, carobs, poppy, dried fruit etc.). Christmas bread, which remains on the table on all three Christmas holidays, has a really symbolic and ritual meaning. Our predecessors attributed to the bread to have a special power for a good harvest, therefore they used to give a few pieces of this bread also to cattle and bury it by the edges of fields.

Already before the Advent Season, annual »koline« or »furež« (different Slovenian terms for pig slaughter) start with production of fresh and semi-durable products, which are a must on a festive table. This is a pork head for the New Year’s Eve and New Year, since the old folk wisdom says that a pig roots forward with its snout, while the hens and chicken scratch backward with their claws.

Slovenia is also one of the lands where making of the arranged scenes of a Christ birth or cribs is very popular. Cribs represent a lot of handcraft knowledge and masteries. Celebrating Christmas in Slovenia has remained within the family atmosphere, while celebrating New Year with the New Year’s Eve has developed in numerous merrymakings, among which outdoor celebration is the most popular. Of course, also in company with cooked and sparkling wines, which gets special dimensions, if the land is covered with snow.

Prof. dr. Janez Bogataj

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