The Catholic heritage in Croatia is never more evident than during the celebration of Christmas, which, like the United States, falls on December 25. If you are in the capital of Croatia, visit the Zagreb Christmas Market on the main square. Dubrovnik’s Christmas Market is another must-see in this major Croatian destination.
Good night
Christmas Eve, called Badnjak in Croatian, is celebrated similarly to other Eastern European countries. Straw can be placed under the Christmas Eve tablecloth. Fish, as a meat substitute, is served, although a meat dish is usually featured as a main dish on Christmas Day. Other dishes include stuffed cabbage, poppy seed rolls, and a cake made from figs. A yule log can be burned after being sprinkled with holy water or spirits, and its fire is kept throughout the night so that the flame is not extinguished by negligence.
On Christmas Eve, the Christmas wheat, which sprouts from Saint Lucia’s day on December 13, is tied with a ribbon in the colors of the Croatian flag: red, white and blue. Sometimes a candle is placed in combination with other symbolic elements within the wheat. Wheat can be placed under the Christmas tree, and its height, density, and overall lushness match how lucky the grower can expect in the coming months. The wheat symbolizes the new bread of the sacrament of the Eucharist.
Christmas day is spent with the family or in church. Say ” Sretan Bozic” in Croatian if you wish to wish others a “Merry Christmas”. The Christmas season comes to an end with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6.
Santa claus and gifts
Some Croats open gifts on Christmas Day, but Croatia also recognizes St. Nicholas Day on December 6. Sometimes gifts are also given on Saint Lucia’s Day. Croatian Santa Claus is sometimes called Djed Mraz, who is the Croatian counterpart to Russian Ded Moroz. Djed Božićnjak, which is the equivalent of Grandpa’s Christmas, or baby Jesus can also be credited with giving gifts to children during the holidays. Instead of hanging a stocking, Croatian children can put their shoes on the windowsill to fill them with goodies.
Christmas decorations
In addition to wheat sprouts, Croats decorate with wreaths and trees. Tender hearts, or hand-decorated cookies, often decorate Christmas trees in Croatia. The tender ones are made of sweet honey dough. They are a traditional symbol of Zagreb and are used as an ornamental gift.
Christmas nurseries, or nativity scenes, are also used for decoration in Croatia. A variety of greenery, including evergreen branches, is a typical Christmas decoration. The straw, brought into the house in part as a reminder of the original Christmas crib, is associated with superstition. If a man sits on the straw first, farm animals will produce female offspring, but if a woman sits on it first, the opposite will happen, according to tradition.
Christmas presents
If you are shopping for Christmas gifts in Croatia, consider local products like olive oil or wine. Other gifts from Croatia include jewelry, embroidery, and tender hearts that are sold by vendors offering traditional goods.
