Kūčios - Christmas Eve Traditions in Lithuania
Discover the magic of Lithuanian Christmas Traditions
While you explore Lithuania during holiday season you are invited to immerse yourself in the magic of a Lithuanian Christmas and its cherished traditions. From the symbolic rituals of Kūčios (Christmas Eve) to rich folklore, discover how Lithuanians honor this special time of the year.
In this article you can get acquainted with our culture and seasonal customs.
Traditional dishes that remain over time during Christmas Eve diner
1. Kūčia
- What is Kūčia? The name of the entire Christmas Eve dinner (in Lithuanian language – Kūčios) came from this dish called Kūčia.
- A mixture of various grains: wheat, rye, barley, oats, peas. Boiled and then sweeten with honey.
- As a dish, it has been mentioned since the 11th-12th centuries. The first written mention (in Lithuanian language) is known from 1573.
- This dish is also called kutia, kutinius, kūtele, it is also said that kūtavoti means to protect, to take care of.
2. Sprouted grains (daiginti grūdai)
- In ancient times, grains intended for Christmas Eve were not always boiled, but only soaked for a long time. Selected grains were washed, and then soaked for several days, changing the water each time. Long-soaked grains become easily digestible and very nutritious, as they have begun to sprout.
3. Poppy milk (aguonpienis)
- Ground poppy seeds, poured with water and sweetened with honey. Poppy milk was previously identified with the drink for the spirits of our ancestors.
- During fasting time, almond milk could also be found on the table of the nobles in the 19th century, while the poorest prepared hemp seeds milk.
4. Kūčiukai (prēskučiai, šližikai, galkutės, parpeliukai, kleckai, bamolekis)
- It could be a symbol of the last supper or the returning sun. It was said that a large round loaf of rye bread was for the living, and a small pieces Kūčiukai were for the dead.
5. Kissel (kisielius) – a grain or fruit drink thickened with potato starch
- Oat kissel (avižų kisielius) – as a gratitude to the elements of nature, it was hoped that the wind would not blow away the seeds. Oats are a very valuable plant, oat milk was given to sick children. It is the main food for horses.
- Cranberry kissel (spanguolių kisielius) – in the past as a family protection, and to make the kissel thicker, children had to run around the house three times and sing: "Kiskis kisielius, atjos Motiejus ant jaučio rago parneš pyrago" (kis kis kissel, Matthew will return on a horse, he will bring pie on a bull's horn)
6. Apples
- Could symbolize not only the original sin of Adam and Eve, but also a symbol of fertility.
- The eldest member of the family divides the apple into as many parts as there are family members, and everyone eat it so that there would be harmony in the family as long as we are alive.
7. Honey is identified with health and light.
8. Hazelnuts are associated with strength.
9. Rye bread or a “communion” type of bread (Kalėdaitis) - need to break a piece of bread while saying a wish for a prosperous life. Starting from eldest person in the family.
10. Fish – the main dish, because Christmas eve is a fasting time, without meat and dairy products.
- Until the 19th century, freshwater fish dominated. The queen of our rivers and lakes, stuffed pike, is associated with fertility. Also perch, carp, tench, crucian carp. Fried, stuffed, smoked.
- Herring “replaced” freshwater fish and has become the main Christmas Eve dish since the interwar period, 20 c.
Dishes that change over time, depending on the region, family traditions and changing current events.
11. Sauerkraut with potatoes (without meat) - my favorite!
12. Borsch with “ears” (called ears because those triangles resemble the ear of an animal), this soup was previously popular in the palaces of the nobility. Although in noble families you could also try almond milk soup with rice and raisins or fish stew.
- Dumplings / pies with dried mushrooms or cabbage or poppy seeds
- Various beetroot-based salads
- Grucė - barley porridge filled with poppy seed milk
- Many other dishes, the creativity of people is endless.
