ADVENT TIP OF THE DAY 13: Eating your way to Christmas (not terribly Biblical so OT)

MJ. Smith

I am adding these posts to the previous tip list L/V 10 Tip of the Day 

QUESTION: Eat your way to Christmas: What is the Ukrainian 12 apostles/dishes tradition? the Armenian Soorp Krichd? The Polish Wigilia

ANSWER: from Gemini:

The tradition of serving 12 dishes on Christmas Eve, symbolizing the 12 Apostles, is a cherished custom in several cultures, particularly in Eastern Europe. This practice is deeply rooted in religious and cultural significance, adding a layer of spiritual meaning to the festive meal.  

Here's a closer look at the three cultures you mentioned:

Ukrainian 12 Apostles Supper:

Symbolism: The 12 dishes represent the 12 Apostles and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.  

Key Dishes: The specific dishes can vary, but common ones include:

Kutya: A sweet wheat porridge with honey, poppy seeds, and nuts.  

Borscht: A hearty beet soup.  

Varenyky: Dumplings filled with various fillings like potatoes, cheese, or cabbage.

Fish dishes: Carp is often the centerpiece, symbolizing Jesus Christ.

Salads: Various salads, including herring salad and vegetable salads.  

Desserts: Sweet rolls, cakes, and cookies.

Polish Wigilia:

Symbolism: Similar to the Ukrainian tradition, the 12 dishes represent the 12 Apostles.  

Key Dishes:

Pierogi: Dumplings with various fillings, often including potatoes, cabbage, or mushrooms.  

Barszcz: A beet soup, often served with uszka (small dumplings with mushroom filling).

Carp: A traditional fish dish, often served fried or in a jellied form.  

Kutia: A sweet wheat porridge with honey, poppy seeds, and nuts.

Salads: Herring salad and vegetable salads.

Desserts: Makowiec (poppy seed cake) and other sweet treats.

Armenian Soorp Krichd:

Symbolism: The 12 dishes represent the 12 Apostles and symbolize abundance and prosperity.  

Key Dishes:

Wheat porridge: A sweet porridge made with wheat berries, honey, and nuts.

Stuffed grape leaves: A popular Middle Eastern dish, often filled with rice and vegetables.  

Legumes and vegetables: Various dishes made with beans, lentils, and other vegetables.

Fish dishes: Fish is often included in the meal, symbolizing Christ.

Desserts: Baklava and other sweet pastries.

While the specific dishes may vary, the underlying symbolism and the communal spirit of these meals remain consistent. These traditions not only satisfy hunger but also nourish the soul, connecting families and communities to their cultural and religious heritage.

QUESTION: Eat your way to Christmas: What is the Feast of the Seven Fishes?

ANSWER: from Gemini:

The Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes, or "La Vigilia," is a traditional Christmas Eve meal that celebrates the anticipation of Christ's birth through a lavish seafood feast. While the exact origin of the "seven" is debated, it's widely believed to symbolize the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church or the seven days of creation.  

This meatless feast is rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on the eve of significant religious holidays. Over time, Italian immigrants brought this tradition to the United States, where it has evolved and gained popularity.  

While the specific dishes can vary, a typical Feast of the Seven Fishes might include:

Antipasti:

Ceviche

Shrimp cocktail  

Oysters on the half shell  

Clams casino

Primi Piatti (First Courses):

Pasta with clams or mussels  

Seafood soup or chowder  

Fried calamari  

Secondi Piatti (Main Courses):

Grilled or baked fish (e.g., branzino, snapper)

Shrimp scampi  

Lobster

Contorni (Side Dishes):

Roasted vegetables

Steamed broccoli

Salad

Dolci (Desserts):

Cannoli

Tiramisu

Panettone

It's important to note that the number "seven" is often interpreted flexibly. Many families incorporate more or fewer dishes, and the emphasis is on the variety and abundance of seafood.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a joyous occasion that brings families together to celebrate the holiday season with a delicious and culturally significant meal.

QUESTION: Eat your way to Christmas: What is the Noche Buena meal?

ANSWER: from Gemini:

Filipinos have a traditional feast called Noche Buena, which is celebrated on Christmas Eve. It's a grand feast enjoyed with family and friends after attending the midnight mass.  

Here are some of the most popular dishes served during Noche Buena:

Lechon: A whole roasted pig, often considered the centerpiece of the feast.  

Ham: A glazed ham, typically sweet and savory.  

Lumpia: Spring rolls filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, or seafood.  

Pancit: Stir-fried noodles, often with vegetables and meat.  

Quezo de Bola: A large, round Edam cheese.  

Fruit Salad: A colorful and refreshing dessert made with a variety of fruits.  

Bibingka and Puto Bumbong: Rice cakes traditionally cooked in clay pots over hot coals.

These dishes, along with many others, are enjoyed during the festive season, creating a memorable and delicious celebration of Christmas.

QUESTION: Eat your way to Christmas: When does on celebrate the Scandinavian Julbord?

ANSWER: from Gemini:

Julbord, or the Scandinavian Christmas feast, is a beloved tradition that celebrates the holiday season with a sumptuous spread of traditional dishes. It's a communal gathering where families and friends come together to enjoy good food, drink, and company.  

Here's how Julbord celebrates Christmas:

A Feast for the Senses: The Julbord is characterized by its abundant and diverse array of dishes, often served buffet-style. This allows guests to sample a variety of flavors and textures, from hearty meats to delicate pastries.  

Traditional Dishes: Many of the dishes served at a Julbord are steeped in history and tradition. Some of the most common include:

Lutefisk: A fermented cod dish that's an acquired taste for many.  

Jansson's Temptation: A creamy potato casserole with anchovies and onions.  

Meatballs: Small, flavorful meatballs often served with gravy.  

Ham: A glazed ham, typically served with mustard.  

Herring: Served in various preparations, such as pickled or marinated.  

Cheese: A variety of cheeses, often accompanied by crackers and fruit.  

Bread: Different types of bread, including crispbread and rye bread.  

Dessert: Sweet treats like rice pudding, gingerbread cookies, and fruit cake.  

Warm Ambiance: The Julbord is often held in a cozy and festive setting, with decorations, candles, and warm lighting creating a welcoming atmosphere.  

Social Gathering: The Julbord is as much about the social aspect as it is about the food. It's an opportunity for families and friends to connect, share stories, and create lasting memories.

By bringing people together to enjoy good food and good company, the Julbord embodies the spirit of Christmas and strengthens bonds between loved ones