The Christmas supper varies between regions and families. In general, it has lots of courses including a fish dish, a potato salad (with mayonnaise, pickles and carrots) and a sauerkraut soup – kapustnica, with sausage, meat, dried mushrooms and cream. Every family has its own secret recipe and some might include unusual ingredients such as dried plums or even apples.

With richness of Slovak folklore, you shall not be surprised by plenty of traditions still pertaining to the majority of Slovak households.

Money or carp scale – placed under the tablecloth to multiply family wealth.

Garlic – to ensure good health for the family – each family member should eat a clove.

Honey – to ensure goodness and abundance (so everyone is nice and good and there is plenty of everything) – either eaten on thin wafers or, what’s interesting, the head of the family makes a honey cross on the forehead of each family member.

Apple – to be cut horizontally in two halves – if the seeds form a star, it symbolizes happiness and good health for the family. If they form a cross, this means problems, illness or even death. So, get a bunch of apples and slice them until you see the former.

Nuts – to be thrown in each corner of the room or at least to be eaten during the Christmas dinner to ensure the abundance.

One extra plate – you need to be prepared for an unexpected guest as a symbol of mercy and fellowship. It is also interpreted as a plate for deceased family members.