Christmas Traditions in Estonia Summary by Diana Sudakova, Tartu Tamme Gymnasium Estonia

Introduction Students of our school interviewed 121 persons of different age groups in Tartu. There were approximately 40 persons in one age group. The questions were about the Christmas traditions and customs of their childhood.

Celebrating Christmas Eve All questioned persons except one celebrated Christmas Eve In average 6 persons sat for the Christmas Eve supper. There were at least 2 and not more than 14 persons by the table in each family. Christmas Eve was mostly celebrated in their homes with families. NB! The older age groups liked to celebrate Christmases at home more than the younger families

Christmas tradition priorities The most common traditions are: 1. Christmas tree (fir-tree) 2. Singing carols 3. Hand made Christmas tree ornaments 4. Listening to carols 5. A free place for unexpected guest 6. Reading the Bible dishes 8. Taking part of the Midnight Mass 9. Hay under the white tablecloth

Favorite dishes on Christmas Eve Supper MAIN COURSE potatoes37% blood sausages34% meat25% sauerkraut25% sauce20% salad20% pork in jelly14% dill pickles12% herring11% paste10% SWEETS candies35% chocolate33% cookies21% apples17% bananas13% tangerine13% oranges12% cake12% gingerbread12% peanuts11% DRINKS coffee21% tea19% beer17% strong alcohol14% nectar13% wine10% champagne8% In most of the families the women prepare the food for Christmas, but quite many of the families in younger age groups are preparing food together as well.

The most important day

The most important day in age groups Important daysAge group 15…1835…5060… Christmas Eve97,682,982,1 The Christmas Day 0,09,815,4 New Year Eve2,47,32,6

Presents and Santa Claus

Families and grandparents The average size of family was 4 persons and the number of members varied from 2 to 10 *We have no confirmed data on 60+ visiting their grandparents

1.Christmas traditions have changed a bit in recent years. 2.For people aged from 35 to 50 the New Year’s Eve was more important than in other age groups. The reason of this fact is obvious: they have lived in soviet period when celebrating Christmas was foridden. 3.Nowadays almost each family celebrates Christmas Eve. 4.Although the question about visiting relatives in graveyards was not in the poll, lots of people mentioned that they keep that tradition and light the candles for the memories of dear people there. 5.Christmas is celebrated in very traditional ways in Estonia. Conclusions