Traditional Christmas Celebrations in Estonia

Jõuluvana

As part of our series of Christmas celebrations in different parts of the world, we are now looking at Christmas in Estonia.

Estonia, a country nestled in Northern Europe, boasts a rich blend of ancient pagan customs and Christian traditions during its Christmas festivities. Estonians celebrate Jõulud, which translates to Christmas, with a distinct combination of folklore, family warmth, and a deep respect for nature. 

The season is marked by several unique rituals and customs that have been passed down through generations, making Christmas in Estonia a magical and intimate affair.

Advent and Christmas Markets

The Christmas season in Estonia officially begins with Advent, which Estonians observe with candlelight and reflection. Each Sunday of Advent, a candle is lit to symbolise hope, peace, joy, and love. It's a time of quiet anticipation for the main event, and many homes are adorned with wreaths and festive decorations.

One of the key features of Estonian Christmas celebrations is the Tallinn Christmas Market, located in the capital’s medieval town square. This market is often ranked among the most beautiful in Europe and features wooden stalls selling traditional crafts, mulled wine (known as glögi), and delicious holiday foods. At its heart is a towering Christmas tree, a tradition dating back to 1441, making Tallinn the first city in Europe to display a public Christmas tree.

Jõuluvana: Estonia's Father Christmas

Estonia’s version of Father Christmas is known as Jõuluvana. Much like the British Father Christmas or Santa Claus, Jõuluvana brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. However, there is a charming twist – children often perform a song, poem, or dance to receive their presents, adding an element of joy and engagement to the gift-giving process.

Jõuluvana traditionally arrives during the family’s festive meal, either in person or with gifts left under the Christmas tree. In more rural areas, he might be represented by a family member or neighbour, maintaining the personal touch of the celebration.

Christmas Eve: A Time for Family and Feasting

Christmas Eve, or Jõululaupäev, is the most important day of the Christmas season in Estonia. Unlike in many Western countries where Christmas Day holds more significance, Estonians gather on the evening of the 24th for a family meal and the exchange of gifts. The holiday is a time to honour loved ones, both present and departed.

Estonians traditionally prepare a hearty Christmas meal featuring dishes like pork roast, blood sausages (verivorstid), sauerkraut, and potatoes. Accompaniments such as cranberry jam and mustard are also common. Dessert might include piparkoogid (spiced gingerbread cookies) and kringle (a sweet, braided bread). A vital part of the Christmas table is hapukapsas (sauerkraut), which is fermented in a way unique to the region, giving it a special flavour.

Sauna Tradition

One of the most unique and ancient aspects of Estonian Christmas traditions is the Christmas sauna. Estonians have a long-standing relationship with the sauna, and Christmas Eve is considered one of the best times to enjoy it. Families gather to relax and purify themselves in the sauna before their festive meal, symbolising a fresh start for the new year. This practice is especially cherished in rural areas where traditional wood-fired saunas are still prevalent.

Honouring the Ancestors

In addition to family gatherings and feasts, many Estonians observe the practice of visiting cemeteries on Christmas Eve. Lighting candles at the graves of deceased loved ones is a significant part of the celebration, creating a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. Estonian cemeteries are often illuminated with thousands of candles, creating a beautiful and poignant scene that reflects the deep respect Estonians have for their ancestors.

Jõulupuu and Decorations

Like in many other parts of the world, Estonians decorate Christmas trees, known as jõulupuu, as part of their festive traditions. The tree is usually set up in homes a few days before Christmas Eve and adorned with candles, baubles, and straw decorations. Straw is particularly important, symbolising the agricultural roots of the country and the old pagan customs that pre-date Christianity.

The use of straw goats, or jõulukits, is another traditional decoration, often placed under the Christmas tree or around the home. In Estonian folklore, the Christmas goat was a mischievous figure who delivered presents before being replaced by the more benign Jõuluvana. However, the goat figure remains a popular symbol during the holidays.

The Christmas Day

Although Christmas Eve is the focal point of Estonian Christmas, Christmas Day itself is quieter, often reserved for relaxation and reflection. Families may attend church services, with the midnight mass on Christmas Eve being especially popular. The day is usually spent visiting relatives or continuing the festivities with close family.

Estonian Christmas celebrations are a beautiful blend of pagan and Christian traditions, highlighting the country’s deep connection to nature, family, and history. From the lively markets of Tallinn to the quiet moments of reflection by candlelight in cemeteries, Estonians celebrate Christmas with a strong sense of community and reverence for the past. 

Whether through the warmth of a family sauna, the joy of giving with Jõuluvana, or the lighting of Advent candles, Estonian Christmas is a time to cherish both the present and the memories of those who have come before.