Thursday, December 18, 2008

Croatian Christmas traditions

Croatians in Australia like to carry on their traditions once they arrived in Austalia. Some of the websites recording some of the Croatian Christmas traditions can be found in the following websites

Croatian tradional Christmas songs
Christmas in Croatia
Croatian Christmas tradions by James Monti published in The Magnificat Advent 2006

Planting of wheat on feast day of St. Lucy

On the 13th of December which is St. Lucy's feast day many Croatian mothers plant wheat grains in a round dish or plate of soil The seeds germinate and the shoots are several inches high by Christmas. Then the new green shoots, may be tied with a ribbon, if desired, and a candle may be placed near them as a symbol of the Light of Christ. The sprouted wheat is placed near the Nativity set where it will remind all that Christ, the Bread of Life, was born in Bethlehem.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Celebrating the feast day of Saint Nicholas (Sveti Nikola)

Saint Nicholas (Sveti Nikola) has his feast day on the 6th of December. As youngsters I recall being taken by dad, mum brothers and sister to the Croatian Club or park nearby (Hollywood Park) in Landsvale, Sydney where there would be lots of entertainment for the children, a barbecue and music. The highlight was the handing out of presents by Saint Nicholas and having your photo taken with him. Lots of fun and laughter eventuated as the children opened up their presents. A fun day had by all.

Do you have any childhood recollections of celebrating Christmas in Australia within the Croatian community?
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