CHRISTMAS IN ESTONIABy pupils of Year 4 and S.Lepik

The Estonian Word jõulud (Christmas) comes from the word Jul. Jõulud was celebrated from St. Thomas`s Day (December 21) until Epiphany (January 6). It is a period of rest in the middle of the long dark winter. The first public Christmas tree was placed on Town Hall Square in Estonia, Tallinn already in 1441. The first Christmas tree decorations were toys, sweets and later candies.

CHRISTMAS TREE

On Christmas Eve people have to eat for 7, 9 or even 12 times. These are magic numbers and it means that next year will be rich in food.Christmas food has to remain on the table for the whole night. It is believed that ancestors and spirits would visit the house on Christmas Night.

From the first advent up to December 24, elves peek behind the windows and bring sweets to good children.

Each year on December 24, the President of Estonia declares Christmas Peace. The tradition was initiated by the order of Queen Kristina of Sweden in the 17th century.

Father Christmas visits children on December 24. To get the presents, they have to read a rhyme, sing a song or dance.

Pupils of Year 4 at work