At the end of December, now last year, I wrote a little about the traditions of celebrating Christmas in Montenegro (–), and I can't help but conclude this topic with a photo report of the public services and ceremonial burnt offerings on Badni Dan (–) on January 6th. Our team was able to visit the famous Cetinje Monastery, which, among other things, also houses the residence of the Metropolitan of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro (–), Metropolitan Amfilohije. It's worth briefly explaining that Montenegro actually has two Orthodox churches: the Serbian (which owns all of Montenegro's main holy sites: Cetinje Monastery, Ostrog, Morača Monastery, and so on) and the Montenegrin (which owns literally several churches and is also headquartered in Cetinje). For a long time, these two branches even feuded, fueled by political turmoil in the turbulent Balkans. And now this is only expressed in the presence of two services and ceremonial events in Badni dan – near the walls of the Cetinje Monastery and in the square Dvorski Trg – where the Palace-Museum of King Nikola and numerous street cafes are located.
So, at 3:00 PM on January 6th, adherents of both churches gathered at their respective sites. A lit fire and priests were already waiting for them. The townspeople ceremoniously brought "badnjak," huge branches of oak and laurel, to the flames. In the past, the pagan tradition evolved into a truly Christian –, and now this joyful fire symbolizes the unity of the Montenegrin people and their spiritual purity. Rising upward, the smoke brings believers closer to their Creator. On this day, the Church commands everyone to reconcile and forgive the offenses of their neighbors. Overall, it's a very joyful holiday, where families and all the townspeople gather. After the laying of the "fuel," the fire was blessed and the – church service took place. For dessert, the priests served everyone "priganice" (– buns), a traditional Christmas treat.
All these events had to be completed before dark, so when darkness fell, everyone would light a similar bonfire and pour red wine and bread over it in their homes, symbolizing the protector of the hearth. January 7th is a family holiday, when families set a plentiful table and gather to celebrate. Merry Christmas!
