Christmas in Estonia

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 * Christmas in Estonia
 * Christmas in Estonia



History
Before the Christian traditions, Christmas was still widely celebrated in Estonia. Children used to throw rye ears to the ceiling, and whoever got the highest, got a prize. Usually on Christmas nights, the jõulusokk (roughly translated to Christmas Goat) used to visit children. He at first came to the house to scare and prank people, but later, from the Christian affliction, he used to bring presents. When Estonia was converted to a Christian country, these traditions were lost.

Traditions
In the weeks preceding Christmas, children put up stockings on their windows or on the fireplace, where magical päkapikk (roughly Thumb Long, basically elves, except they wear all red clothes like Santa) will bring them presents. Estonians celebrate christmas on December 24th, which is called the jõululaupäev (Christmas Saturday). On that day presents are brought. December 25th and December 26th, are also called the jõulupühad (roughly Christmas Holidays), are relaxed days for visiting relatives. Estonians usually leave the leftover food from Christmas dinner on the table overnight, in hopes that the spirits of family, friends, and loved ones will visit and also have something to eat. It is also customary to visit graveyards and leave candles for the deceased.

Mascots
Estonians get visited by jõuluvana (roughly Old Man Christmas, basically Santa), who brings them presents. Before getting a present however, people have to show their talent, by reading a poem, or singing, or dancing, or doing whatever they do best. If jõuluvana approves of it, they get a present.

Food
The evening meal typically includes pork with mulgikapsad (sauerkraut), baked potatoes, black pudding, potato salad with red beet, and pāté. For dessert, Estonians eat piparkook (gingerbread) and marzipan. The most highly regarded drinks during this time have been beer and mulled wine or glögg and hõõgvein (roughly Glowing Wine).
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