Why to put 12 dishes on the table before Christmas

Christmas is the most important holiday of winter, which gathers at the table and family, and just the closest people. Therefore, you need to prepare correctly and forget about it. traditional Christmas I'm sure you can't. So today's editorial office. "Site" It will remind you what dishes should be on the table the evening before the holiday.



Everyone heard that on Christmas Eve, January 6, according to our traditions, there should be 12 dishes on the table - exactly as many as the apostles attended the Last Supper. But what exactly should the food be? There is no consensus here, so in addition to mandatory dishes, there are those that can vary.

1. koutia
   A dish that is considered the main (and obligatory) on the festive table. It is the spoon of kutya that should be tasted first. Wheat here symbolizes life passing and reborn again. Mac represents the souls of those who have left this world. And honey is a symbol of sweetness and joy from the news of the birth of Christ.
   
   
   
   
2. Weasel
   A drink that is a decoction of dried fruit. In addition to its symbolic meaning (it is believed that uzvar cleanses the body and soul), it is necessary for immunity and gives a charge of a wonderful mood. This is not surprising, because uzvar is often added and fragrant herbs, fruits, and homemade juice.
3. Bread.
   Of course, bread in any case will be on every festive table, but it is important that it was a loaf of homemade bread. It symbolizes harvest, wealth and life itself. Although in different regions, instead of bread, cakes or cakes are baked to the table.
4. Jamies.
   The dish on the Christmas table symbolizes the moon, as evidenced by their crescent shape. Varnishes should be lean, so you should do without meat or cheese. It is not surprising that dumplings with potatoes or cabbage are more often served to the table.
   
   
   
   
5. Blubs.
   Traditionally, this dish is prepared with millet, carrots and butter. Interestingly, millet in pre-Christian times personified the stars and the cosmos. But later, blueberries, as a symbol of dove and peace, became associated with the Holy Spirit. As another option filling perfectly fit buckwheat with mushrooms.
6. borscht
   The first meals are also on the table. Most often it is lean borscht on beet kvass or kale. For cooking take the simplest vegetable ingredients. This dish symbolizes the blood shed on the orders of King Herod.
7. Fish
   This product is a must on the festive table. And this is not surprising, because fish is one of the symbols of Christianity. Even the first disciples of Christ were fishermen. As for cooking, the fish to the table can be served and fried, stewed, and salted. It's like the owners want it.
   
   
   
   

What other dishes are needed? peas or beans
It is believed that dishes from legumes will definitely bring prosperity to the house. In addition, these products symbolize reunion, because on holidays the family gathers at the same table, like peas or beans in one pod. Garlic
A product that symbolizes health, purification from sins and protection from evil forces. Garlic was laid on the table on Christmas Eve, and then eaten. Although it can be used as an addition to dishes, for example, to the same doves or dumplings.



Salads
Lenten salads are also needed on the festive table. Here, any hostess will have a lot of options, but one of the most popular is the usual vinaigrette. A simple dish that will also decorate the table. Kasha
Food, symbolizing cohesion, yield, diligence and prolongation of the human race. Everyone can choose their own option here. In addition, instead of porridge, you can cook for the table, for example, stewed potatoes with a beam, fry mushrooms or even get home pickles from the underfloor. dessert
As the last dish, you should serve dessert to the table. Everyone is free to choose what they like. Although, perhaps, the ideal dessert option on Christmas Eve is to call baked apples with honey and nuts.





Listing all traditional dishes at Christmas is not easy. After all, each region has its own characteristics, and even Kutya in each family prepares according to its own rules. And as for secondary dishes, they are often replaced by what the owners and guests of the house like. And that's quite normal.