Orthodox believers are tonight in the courtyard of the Old Church of St. Archangels Mihail and Gavrilo on Baščaršija in Sarajevo lit Christmas Eve and thereby marked the beginning of the Christmas Eve celebration, which heralded the arrival of the Christian holiday of Christmas.
There was also an evening service, consecration and laying of the Christmas tree.
The Christmas tree is usually a young oak or cherry tree, which, according to tradition, is a symbol of the tree that the shepherds brought to Joseph and Mary to light the fire and warm the cave where Christ was born. Believers also bring the Christmas tree into the house, which symbolizes happiness, health and progress.
Lighting the Christmas tree is also a symbol of parting with old beliefs and accepting new light, which comes with faith in the newborn Christ.
Christmas Eve is a family holiday when household members gather around the fasting table, because Christmas Day is also the last day of fasting. Preparations for the celebration of Christmas begin 40 days earlier, with the Christmas fast, which symbolizes the purification of spirit and body.
Christmas, along with Easter, is the most important holiday for Orthodox believers, Fena news agency writes.
Photo: archive
