The table preparation starts with a a handful of fine hay being spread evenly over the table as a reminder that Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger on hay. The table is then covered with a pure white tablecloth, set with plates and decorated with candles and fir boughs. A small plate of Christmas wafers (plotkelės) are placed in the centre of the table. Sometimes these are called Gods cakes (Dievo pyragai) for they were obtained from the parish and had imprints of Biblical scenes of Jesus' birth.
If a family member has recently died, or cannot attend, an empty chair and plate is still set up but without spoons, knives or forks and a candle lit during the meal as it is believed their spirit still participates in Kučios.
In ancient times, the principal dish was a mixture of cooked grains: wheat, barley, oats, peas and beans. It was eaten with honey diluted with warm boiled water. The word "kučia" comes from Bielorussia meaning a porridge of dried grain.
12 different dishes are served on the table because Jesus had twelve apostles. Most of the dishes are fish, herring (silkės), little pastries (sližikai) in poppy seed milk, cranberry pudding (kisielius), a compote, a couple of salad dishes, mushrooms, boiled or baked potatoes , sauerkraut and bread. In keeping with Lithuanian tradition, only the dishes as they were prepared in Lithuania should be eaten at Kučios, while fresh fruit and vegetables and exotic seafood are left for another meal. In some Lithuanian regions apples were placed on the table in honour of our first parents - as December 24 is the feast day of Adam and Eve..
It is essential to at least taste every dish on the table. Whoever skips a Kučios dish will not survive until the next Christmas Eve. The meal is eaten solemnly, there is little conversation, no joking or music. Alcoholic beverages traditionally are not served. After the meal, no-one hurries to leave the table as the first to rise while another is still eating will die first. The family remains seated, the mood lightens and predictions and forecasts are done about the coming year.
A stem of hay is pulled from under the tablecloth. If a long slender stalk is drawn, the girl can expect a tall husband or beau, while a short, fat stalk means a fat, short husband or if a man draws such a hay stalk, he can expect a short, fat wife. To married people, a thin stem means an empty wallet, while a fat one means a prosperous year. If a married woman pulls a straw thicker in the middle, she will have a baby that year.
Another prediction is to look at the shadows on the walls of those dining and if your shadow is large, wide and of the whole person, the year will be good, there will be no illness, everything will go well. If the shadow lacks a head a terrible calamity will occur, if it is skinny, unclear and wavering, the year will be difficult.
Another prediction done while still at the table involves 3 plates - a key is put under one plate, a ring under a second and a coin under a third. The plates are then mixed and one is chosen. The ring signifies love and marriage, the key means owning a house while the coin indicates a prosperous year.
Another forecast is: crumple a piece of paper, put it on a plate and examine its shadow. The first impression is decisive. If a form of transportation is seen, the person will travel a great deal next year; if a dwelling, the person will move to a new place; a flower or plant - a wedding will be held; a cradle - a new family member will arrive; a coffin or burning candle - death. Similar predictions can be made by pouring melted wax into cold water and examining its shadow.After everyone leaves the table, the food is left to stand overnight. It was believed that baby Jesus allows the souls of all the departed to return to earth to visit their families on Christmas Eve.
Another prediction done while still at the table involves 3 plates - a key is put under one plate, a ring under a second and a coin under a third. The plates are then mixed and one is chosen. The ring signifies love and marriage, the key means owning a house while the coin indicates a prosperous year.
Another forecast is: crumple a piece of paper, put it on a plate and examine its shadow. The first impression is decisive. If a form of transportation is seen, the person will travel a great deal next year; if a dwelling, the person will move to a new place; a flower or plant - a wedding will be held; a cradle - a new family member will arrive; a coffin or burning candle - death. Similar predictions can be made by pouring melted wax into cold water and examining its shadow.After everyone leaves the table, the food is left to stand overnight. It was believed that baby Jesus allows the souls of all the departed to return to earth to visit their families on Christmas Eve.It would be disgraceful to have the visiting spirits return without taking refreshment.
The country people believed that Christmas Eve night was miraculous: various omens and rituals could not only be used to predict the future but all of nature felt the significance of the night. At exactly midnight all animals were able to speak like humans. But to listen to their conversation was extremely dangerous because you could learn the day of your death.
More Prophesies & Divinations:
Magic of Shoes:
To see the future:
Candles:
After the augury, the family gathers around the Christmas tree to sing Christmas carols and recite prayers. Presents are then opened and if Kaledu Senelis (Father Christmas) arrives, the children have to earn their presents by either reciting a poem, singing, dancing or playing an instrument. After presents are exchanged, the children are put to bed and the adults go to Midnight Mass.