Twelve-dish Christmas Eve Supper

A twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper is traditionally prepared in many Eastern European cultures, including Lithuanian, Polish, and Ukrainian (cultures of regions that were formally part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth). The meal (Lithuanian: Kūčios, Polish: Wigilia or wieczerza wigilijna, Ukrainian: Свята вечеря, Sviata vecheria) consists of twelve meatless dishes representing the twelve Apostles. The tradition of the supper can be traced back to pre-Christian times and connected with remembrance of the souls of deceased ancestors.

In some parts of Poland a similar tradition of thirteen meatless dishes on Christmas Eve is practiced.

Read more about Twelve-dish Christmas Eve Supper:  History, Description

Famous quotes containing the words christmas, eve and/or supper:

    A woman spent all Christmas Day in a telephone box without ringing anyone. If someone comes to phone, she leaves the box, then resumes her place afterwards. No one calls her either, but from a window in the street, someone watched her all day, no doubt since they had nothing better to do. The Christmas syndrome.
    Jean Baudrillard (b. 1929)

    It was not a Southern watermelon that Eve took: we know it because she repented.
    Mark Twain [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835–1910)

    This race is never grateful: from the first,
    One fills their cup at supper with pure wine,
    Which back they give at cross-time on a sponge,
    In bitter vinegar.
    Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861)