Iozoo Web Directory

Christmas in Europe

Across most of Europe, Christmas retains a religious quality and is marked by traditions inherent from one country to another.  In Eastern Europe, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic, Christmas Eve seems the more important celebration.  In these countries, Christmas begins on the eve of the feast day.  It is venerated by religious ceremonies such as blessing of food eaten on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day by local priests.  Most important is attendance at Mass in Catholic-dominated countries.

In Italy, as an example, Christmas Eve dinner is celebrated with an abstinence from meat, even though it's no longer mandated by the Church.  The traditional meal contains 11 types of seafood as a remembrance of the 11 Apostles of Christ.  In Hungary, a small section of "Communion Bread" is broken by the youngest member of the family and passed to everyone seated at the Table.  In other central European countries, one extra place setting is placed on the table for a member of the family deceased in the course of the year.  This tradition honors and remembers those who have passed before.

European countries decorate with Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands to revive their spirits from a colorless winter.

In Europe, Christmas is not as commercialized at is seems to be in the US.  Though gifts are presented, for young children, it is usually done on Christmas Eve before midnight.  Much emphasis is placed on Christmas Eve whereas Christmas Day is celebrated with a sumptuous meal with all family members in attendance.