Thread by @avaeats

tonight, we’re going all the way to to eastern europe for kūčios, the traditional lithuanian christmas eve dinner.

though some traditions are no longer honored, family makes the journey + a special effort just to come together to enjoy dinner #happyfoodmas #avaeats

lithuanians make the journey not so much for the meal, but for the sacred ritual of kūčios, bringing everyone closer + strengthening family ties.

if a family member died that year or can’t attend for a serious reason, an empty place is left at the table..
#happyfoodmas #avaeats

a plate is still placed on the table + a chair is drawn, but no spoons, knives or forks are set. a small lit candle is placed on the plate during the meal—it’s believed the spirit of the deceased member participates in the kūčios along with everyone
#happyfoodmas #avaeats

prepping for kūčios is an all day event + can start up to a week in advance in some communities. traditionally, people fast + abstain for meat for the day. the catholic church decided you can eat what you want, but most still adhere to the custom of fasting
#happyfoodmas #avaeats

before changing their stance, catholics could only eat a handful of boiled peas + drink water on christmas eve, w. exceptions allowing small children, the sick or very old people to eat a bit more.

peas @EatWithNia. peas.

#happyfoodmas #avaeats

this tradition is still followed by many lithuanians.

although official fasting isn’t a thing anymore, most refrain from eating meat on christmas eve so as to preserve tradition
#happyfoodmas #avaeats

kūčios starts once the western star rises—not really a common tradition anymore.

if it’s a cloudy night, dinner starts when the head of the house announces it’s time to eat.

either way, then are usually begins between 6/7pm
#happyfoodmas #avaeats

there are twelve dishes on the table for kūčios. pagans believe they represent the twelve months in the solar calendar, christians believe they represent jesus’ twelve apostles.

the dishes are very specific—no meat, dairy, or hot food.
#happyfoodmas #avaeats

typical dishes include fish, vegetables,+ bread.

silkė, or herring, is served w. tomato, mushroom, or onion based sauces (1)

ungurys—smoked european eel—+ spanguolių kisielius—cranberry kissel (2)— + boiled or baked potatoes, are also common dishes.
#happyfoodmas #avaeats

kūčiukai are bite-sized hard biscuits made only for kūčios. plain flour, water + poppy seeds—they’re served w. agounų pienas, a poppy seed milk of sorts.

think lithuanian eggnog #happyfoodmas #avaeats

after kūčios, everyone leaves the table to go to sleep or midnight shepherds’ mass + the food is left to stand overnight. it’s believed that the spirits of deceased loved ones will visit during the night + the table set w. food would make them feel welcome #happyfoodmas #avaeats

ok i’m done.

tomorrow it’s @EatWithNia’s turn to drop some worldly food knowledge ✌🏾#HappyFoodmas #avaeats