In Bulgaria, Christmas Eve is equivalent to Christmas itself. On this
day, traditionally a special festive dinners is prepare, which consists
of at least 12 dishes to represent twelve months of the year. These
dishes do not have any meat content. The ingredients consist of beans,
different kinds of nuts, dried plums, cakes and a traditional cake
called Banitza. This is the time when there is family gathering of all
the family members. During the dinner, everybody eats on straw and it is
necessary that all members get off the table at the same time. In the
past, there were tradition of boys and unmarried young men visiting all
the houses of the neighborhood.
They used to sing Christmas songs that wish good wealth and health for
hosts and received treats in return such as money or food. They used to
carry long sticks called 'Rkoledaris', on which round bread with holes
known as 'kravai' were stuck. There were family gatherings and people
used to eat seven or twelve course meatless meal, sitting on ground or
straw. Christmas food included wine and dishes such as Rakia and Sarmy.
The main dish was a huge round bread on which things that indicated
wealth like house and cattle were carved. Bulgarians lit a bonfire at
Christmas and make wishes around it and eat blood sausage.
