Порекло божићних обичаја код Срба
The Origin of Yule Time in Serbian Tradition

Summary/Abstract: Every year, Serbian people celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in a solemn manner enclosing various traditions. All these traditions originate from ancient Slavs, who were pagans. Each element and ritual has its own symbolism and significance. They are mainly related to Slavic gods, dead ancestors and some mythical creatures. When the Slavs received Christianity, their customs adopted a new meaning. The church canceled some customs because of their magical properties, but it also preserved others and made them an important part of Christian traditions. Thus Yule and some customs before Christmas Day gained a Christian meaning, so that Serbs could get acquainted with the celebration of Christ’s birth.

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