Koleda, or Koliada, is an ancient pre-Christian Slavic festival, marking the winter solstice.

Ancient Slavs believed that during the dark and cold winter, the border between the spiritual and the mortal worlds is the thinnest. The purpose of Koleda was to bring new light to this dark period and prepare for the next year by blessing local households and keeping malevolent spirits away. For this reason, candles and bonfires were lit in preparation for Koleda to help the winter turn to spring and symbolize the return of the Sun. This gave the ancient Slavs hope and lifted their spirits during the depressing winter.

Koleda itself was a fascinating ritual - a group of young people, called Koledari, dressed in homemade costumes and wearing otherworldly masks would walk through their village and sing special carols for each house they pass. The purpose of these costumes was both to embody the spirits of dead ancestors and to discourage demons from entering the mortal world. The carols would bless and cleanse the household of evil and, in return, the owner gave the Koledari sweets and money.

Budnik, a ritual piece of wood would be lit on the night of Koleda. One recurring character, the Old Man, or Polaznik would appear at this ritual fire to give advice and tell fortunes. Polaznik was the embodiment and messenger of Veles - the Slavic god of music, earth, water, the unknown, and the underworld. He would then hit the Budnik to send sparks flying as a form of communicating prayers to the gods. It was believed that the further the sparks went, the more fruitful the coming year.

As Slavs became Christianized, Koleda was absorbed into Christmas. However, from the widespread tradition of burning an oak branch on Christmas Eve to singing Vánoční koleda, and even the transformation of the Polaznik into the figure of St. Nicholas, the ancient traditions of our Slavic ancestors continue to influence us to this day.

Burning of the Badnjak (Budnik), now an Orthodox Christian Christmas tradition

Written by Pavle Bajić