Young people and traditions There are many holidays within the year both religious and seculary. We decided to look into Christmas traditions in our region. Some of them are internationally known, some of them are specific for the region. As you will see young people are still interested in the traditions and they take an active part in keeping them.

The list of holidays DateNameTranslation 24th DecemberŠtedrý deňThe Christmas Eve 25th December1. sviatok vianočný (Božie narodenie) Christmas Day 26th December2. sviatok vianočný (Štefan) Boxing Day 31st DecemberSilvesterNew Year's Eve 1st JanuaryNový rokNew Year 6th JanuaryTraja králiThree Wise Men The end of FebruaryFašiangyShrovetide(Carnival)

Štedrý deň (Christmas Eve) The most of superstitions tie down to Christmas Eve. It starts with dinner when the first star lights in the sky. From generation to generation people have kept many traditions. At midnight many people visit midnight mass, where they pray and sing a popular christmas song Silent Night.

Symbols  An apple- when you cut an apple, the seeds in the shape of star symbolize health for the next year. If they are shaped to cross, it symbolizes the death in the family.  Very important part of Christmas table is the candle. Its straight flame means health and if it goes off it symbolizes that somebody will die in the family.  Some families use to put the chain around the table and chairs which will keep the family together for the next year.  Some families still have carp for dinner and put a scale under the cloth which symbolizes wealth.

Betlehemci

From the 24th to 26th of December (the Christmas Eve to Stephen´s Day), the so called ´´Betlehemci´´ start to visit the families with the gospel. They symbolize the shepherds who were the first people who saw and witnessed the birth of Jesus Christ.

St. Stephen´s day (2.sviatok vianočný, Štefan) On the day of St.Stephen´s young boys whip girl but not very strong. It should guarantee the strenght and wealth for the next year. The boys and men are welcomed in the houses on that day, while girls and women are not, because it is supposed to bring bad luck.

Singing carols used to be one of the most popular Christmas passtimes. The word carol /koleda/ has several meanings-it means: 1.)the song sung during Christmas 2.)visiting the families 3.)reward the carol singers are given in the families Nowadays young people visit families and sing carols to collect some money for charity. The carol singers usually bring different props-for example-the model of Bethlehem manger or the star.

The Three Kings are also connected with this tradition, they are called Three Wise Men from the East. The young people dressed in the costumes of Three Wise Men visit families on the 6th January and write 20-C+M+B-09 on the door frame, which means the particular year and the letters mean Christ mansionem benedicat. It can also mean the first letters of the name of 3 Wise Men. C=Caspar=Master of treasure M=Melchior=My king is the light B=Balthasar=Protect his live The kings sing carols such as…