Elizabeta Stojanovska : Let’s preserve our Christmas traditions

Macedonian Orthodox Christmas celebrations start on 5th January which is called 'Kolede'. On this day children go carols singing around their neighbors. They are given fruits, nuts and coins.On Christmas Eve (6th January), special Christmas meal is eaten in the evening. It is vegetarian (posna vecera) and traditionally contains no dairy, meat or animal products. Dishes might include nuts, fresh and dried fruits, baked cod or trout, bread, bean soup, potato salad, sarma (cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and spices) and pickled vegetables. Christmas Bread with a coin in ( for luck) is eaten at the end of the meal.Elizabeta Stojanovska from Sydney reminds us how Christmas is celebrated in Tetovo region and urges Macedonians around the world to preserve the traditions and pass them on to the younger generations

Badnik dinner Source: Wikimedia