Editing Christmas Eve (section)

== Christmas Eve dinner ==
{{Further|List of Christmas dishes}}

=== Bulgaria ===
[[File:7 Traditional Christmas Eve dishes 2014.jpg|thumb|Seven traditional Christmas Eve dishes from Bulgaria (2014)]]

In Bulgaria, the meal consists of an [[odd number]] of lenten dishes in compliance with the rules of fasting. They are usually the traditional [[sarma (food)|sarma]], [[bob chorba]] (bean soup), fortune [[korovai|kravai]] (pastry with a fortune in it; also called ''bogovitsa'', ''vechernik'', ''kolednik''), [[stuffed peppers]], [[Nut (fruit)|nuts]], dried fruit, boiled wheat.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.discover-bulgaria.com/Travel_Results.aspx?CategoryID=450|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104151340/http://www.discover-bulgaria.com/Travel_Results.aspx?CategoryID=450|url-status=dead|title=Bulgarian Main Courses|archivedate=4 January 2009}}</ref> The meal is often accompanied with wine or Bulgaria's traditional [[alcoholic beverage]] [[rakia]], in the past ''olovina'' (a type of homemade rye beer). The meals used to be put on top of hay, directly on the floor, together with a [[ploughshare]] or a [[coulter (agriculture)|coulter]].<ref>Христо Вакарелски. Етнография на България. Наука и изкуство. София 1977. с. 500</ref>

=== Cuba ===
In Cuba, roasted pig ({{lang|es|[[lechon|lechón]]}}) is often the center of Christmas Eve ({{lang|es|Nochebuena}}).<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vanessa-garcia/good-night-noche-buena_b_4467239.html For some Latino families, Christmas comes a day early] ''Los Angeles Times''. Hector Becerra. 19 December 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2014</ref> It is believed that the tradition dates back to the 15th century when Caribbean colonists hunted down pigs and roasted them with a powerful flame.<ref>[http://www.latinpost.com/articles/4672/20131211/nochebuena-celebrations-december-24th-latino-american-households.htm Nochebuena: Celebrations Start on Dec 24 in Latin-American Households] Latin Post. Nicole Akoukou. 11 December 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2014</ref>

In Cuban and Cuban-American tradition, the pig is sometimes cooked in a {{lang|es|Caja China}}, a large box where an entire pig is placed below hot coals.<ref>Cordle, Ina Paiva, [http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/12/23/3835061/on-nochebuena-many-in-south-florida.html On Nochebuena, many in South Florida will be roasting a pig in a "caja china"] ''[[The Miami Herald]]'', 23 December 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2013</ref> The dinner features many side dishes and desserts, and often games of [[dominoes]] are played. The tradition is continued by Cuban families in Florida and the United States.<ref>[http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/12/24/families-gather-for-traditional-noche-buena-feast/ Families Gather For Traditional "Noche Buena"] CBS Miami. 24 December 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2014</ref> The dinner on the Christmas Eve is the center of the celebration.

Christmas Eve dinner is generally not served at a set time, though it is typically eaten as a family. It is expected that the entire family will be at the table to start tasting the {{lang|es|frijoles negros dormidos}} (sleeping black beans) and the {{lang|es|arroz blanco desgranado y reluciente}} (shredded white rice), the {{lang|es|yuca con mojo}} (a Cuban side dish made by marinating [[cassava]] in garlic, sour orange, and olive oil), the roasted pork or the stuffed or unfilled {{lang|es|guanajo}}, along with homemade desserts, such as Christmas fritters, and a wide range of sweets in syrup and Spanish nougat.

The visit to the archipelago of [[Pope]] [[John Paul II]], in 1998, prompted the Cuban government, in a gesture of goodwill, to declare 25 December again as a holiday, which it had not been for several decades.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}

=== Czech Republic and Slovakia ===
In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, fasting on the day of Christmas Eve (or only eating meatless food) is a medieval tradition. The belief is that if one lasted until Christmas dinner, they would see a golden pig, which is a symbol of luck. A typical Christmas breakfast is a sweet braided bread ''[[vánočka]]''. Christmas Eve dinner traditionally consists of a carp (baked or fried) and a potato salad.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Vánoční zvyky a tradice, které navodí tu pravou sváteční atmosféru|work=Novinky.cz|url=https://www.novinky.cz/vanoce/clanek/vanocni-zvyky-ktere-navodi-atmosferu-176234|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref>

=== France ===
In French-speaking places, [[Réveillon]] is a long dinner eaten on Christmas Eve.

=== Guam and the Northern Marianas ===
In [[Guam]] and the [[Northern Marianas]], dishes include shrimp ''[[kelaguen]]''; coconut crab; and ''kadon'' octopus (octopus stewed in sweet peppers and [[coconut milk]]).{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} Beef is a rarity,{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} but a popular dish is ''[[tinaktak]]'', ground beef in coconut milk.<ref>[http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/340911/newstv/ijuander/infographic-hungry-holidays-the-filipino-noche-buena Hungry holidays: The Filipino Noche Buena] GMA News Online. Cristina Tantenco. 22 December 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2014</ref>{{failed verification|date=December 2022}}

=== Germany ===
{{main|Christmas in Germany}}
[[File:Thronendes Jesuskind BNM.jpg|thumb|right|[[Christkind]]]]
During the Christmas period, the [[Christmas market|Weihnachtsmarkt]] (Christmas market) becomes a feature of almost every city, town, or village in the German-speaking countries, where visitors enjoy stalls, entertainment, and savour food and ''[[Mulled wine|Glühwein]]'' (mulled wine). Traditional Christmastime treats include [[Lebkuchen]] (gingerbread), [[Stollen]] (fruit cake), [[Speculaas]] and [[marzipan]] (almond confectionery often made into sweets). Perhaps the most famed of these markets is the [[Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg|Christkindlesmarkt]] held in [[Nuremberg]], which attracts millions of visitors every year.

The Weihnachtsbaum ([[Christmas tree]]) is usually put up in the afternoon of 24 December. The trees can be bought at special traders' sites, but some families may still go into the forest and cut one themselves. The [[Christkind]] brings the presents on the evening of Christmas eve. 

Traditionally, on ''Heiligabend'' (Christmas Eve) in Germany, a simple meal will be prepared and served before or after the ''Bescherung'' ("time for exchanging gifts"), in contrast to the big meal on Christmas Day. Various polls repeatedly declare ([[Eintopf]]) or sausages ([[Sausage#Germany|Würstchen]]) with potato salad to be Germany's favourite meal on ''Heiligabend''. Further typical meals may include [[carp]], [[fondue]] or [[raclette]]. On Christmas Day, the most common dishes are [[roast goose]] or duck.

=== Italy ===
{{main|Christmas in Italy}}
[[File:Feast of the Seven Fishes 11 (6517353129).jpg|thumb|[[Cannoli]] served at the [[Feast of the Seven Fishes]]]]

[[Christmas in Italy]]  is one of the [[public holidays in Italy|country's major holidays]] and begins on 8 December, with the [[Feast of the Immaculate Conception]], the day on which traditionally the [[Christmas tree]] is mounted and ends on 6 January, of the following year with the [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=25 November 2013|title=The Best Christmas Traditions in Italy|url=https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/things-to-do/christmas-traditions-in-italy|access-date=26 January 2021|website=Walks of Italy|language=en-GB}}</ref> According to tradition, the Christmas Eve dinner must not contain meat. It is quite common to attend [[Midnight Mass]] on Christmas Eve and practice the old custom of abstinence from meat on the day (but not fasting, which is observed by the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]).  Traditions regarding the exchanging of gifts vary from region to region, as this may take place either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. On 24 December, Christmas Eve, the Christmas night mass, also called [[Midnight Mass]], is celebrated.

While other Christian families throughout the world celebrate the Christmas Eve meal with various meats, Italians (especially Sicilians) celebrate the traditional [[Catholic]] "[[Feast of the Seven Fishes]]" which was historically served after a 24-hour fasting period. Although Christmas fasting is no longer a popular custom, some [[Italian-Americans]] still enjoy a meatless Christmas Eve feast<ref name="RachaelRay">{{cite web |url=http://www.rachaelray.com/2007/11/feast-of-seven-fishes-a-sicilian-christmas-eve-tradition |title=Feast of Seven Fishes – A Sicilian Christmas Eve Tradition |publisher=Rachael Ray Digital LLC |year=2014 |access-date=14 November 2014 |quote=Sicilians traditionally celebrate Christmas Eve with a "Feast of Seven Fishes" which was historically served after a 24-hour fasting period. Although pre-Christmas fasting is not a popular custom still practiced by Italian-Americans, many still enjoy a meatless Christmas Eve feast. |archive-date=10 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110054639/http://www.rachaelray.com/2007/11/feast-of-seven-fishes-a-sicilian-christmas-eve-tradition |url-status=dead }}</ref> and attend the Midnight Mass. In various cultures, a festive dinner is traditionally served for the family and close friends in attendance, when the first star (usually [[Sirius]]) appears in the sky.

=== Lithuania ===
{{Further|Kūčios}}
[[File:Kūčios.JPG|thumb|right|Lithuanian Christmas Eve table with ''kūčiukai'']]
Lithuanian Christmas Eve blends pagan and Christian traditions, as initially it was a celebration of the winter solstice.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kubilius |first1=Kerry |title=Lithuania Christmas Traditions |url=https://www.tripsavvy.com/lithuania-christmas-traditions-1501779 |website=tripsavvy.com |access-date=22 December 2018 |year=2017 |quote=In pagan Lithuania, the Christmas celebration as we know it today was actually the celebration of the winter solstice.}}</ref> Traditionally, Lithuanians believed that animals could talk on that night, and it was possible to predict the future with charms and various games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania, Christmas in |url=https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Lithuania%2C+Christmas+in |access-date=22 December 2018 |quote=Hundreds of little Christmas Eve formulas and charms offer Lithuanians ways in which to use the events of this evening to predict the future.}}</ref> ''[[Kūčios]]'' ("Holy Meal") is the most important event of the year and family reunion. Dead relatives are remembered with an empty plate set at the table.<ref>{{cite web |title=Magical Christmas Eve in Lithuania - Kūčios |url=https://www.itinari.com/magical-christmas-eve-in-lithuania-kucios-5ike |first=Monika |last=Grinevičiūtė|date=December 2018 |access-date=22 December 2018 |quote=One more important thing - it is believed that during the Christmas Eve all family members are coming together to have dinner. It means the deceased relatives as well, so for that reason on the table one more, additional plate, is always placed.}}</ref> The feast starts after the rise of the evening star.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuanian customs and traditions |url=http://thelithuanians.com/bookanthology/christmas.html |website=thelithuanians.com |access-date=22 December 2018 |quote=The ritual supper is not eaten until the evening star appears in the sky. Until then, the bathhouse is heated, people bathe and dress up in festive clothes. The floor was strewn with juniper by the mistress and the master placed handfuls of hay on the table, covered it with a white linen tablecloth. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214034851/http://thelithuanians.com/bookanthology/christmas.html |archive-date=14 February 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2018}} No products made from meat, milk and alcohol are allowed during the Kūčios.<ref>{{cite web |title=2/10/2011 Lithuanian traditions: Christmas |url=http://www.lithaz.org/arts/xmas.html |website=lithaz.org |access-date=22 December 2018 |quote=The meal served on Christmas Eve did not include meat, milk products or eggs.}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2018}} In all, 12 dishes are served, all of them rustic, made from grains, fish, dried fruit or mushrooms including ''[[kūčiukai]]''. Small biscuits soaked in [[poppy milk|poppy seed milk]] are served.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}} After the dinner is over the table is left uncleared overnight for the feast of ''[[wikt:vėlė|vėlės]]'' (spirits or soul).<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuanian customs and traditions |url=http://thelithuanians.com/bookanthology/christmas.html |website=thelithuanians.com |access-date=22 December 2018 |quote=Most often the "Kūčia" table was not cleared away, for it was believed that when the family is asleep the souls of the dead come in to eat. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214034851/http://thelithuanians.com/bookanthology/christmas.html |archive-date=14 February 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2018}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vaicekauskas |first1=Arūnas |title=Ancient Lithuanian Calendar Festivals |url=https://eltalpykla.vdu.lt/bitstream/id/3713/9786094670176_2016.pdf |publisher=Vytautas Magnus University |access-date=22 December 2018 |page=31 |year=2014 |quote=The cult of the dead is well noticed in the custom when, after Christmas Eve supper the table is not cleared but left overnight. It was believed that the souls of the dead would come and serve themselves at night. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722055318/https://eltalpykla.vdu.lt/bitstream/id/3713/9786094670176_2016.pdf |archive-date=22 July 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Peru ===
In [[Peru]], turkey and [[panettone]] are the stars of Christmas Eve.<ref>[http://archive.peruthisweek.com/gastronomy/features-1008 Noche Buena Traditions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506015457/http://archive.peruthisweek.com/gastronomy/features-1008 |date=6 May 2014 }} Living in Peru. Diana P. Alano. Retrieved 5 May 2014</ref>

=== Philippines ===
{{See also|Christmas in the Philippines|Christmas dinner#Philippines}}
[[File:Traditional Filipino cuisine.jpg|thumb|Typical traditional ''noche buena'' meal in the [[Philippines]], with a [[Filipino lechon|lechón]] as the centerpiece]]
In the [[Philippines]], the [[Christmas dinner#Philippines|traditional dinner]] (known as ''noche buena'' or ''nochebuena'') is served at midnight after the family attends the late evening [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]] known as ''[[Misa de Gallo]]'' (sometimes referred to as ''[[Misa de Aguinaldo]]'', "Gift Mass"). Common traditional dishes served for the main course include: [[Filipino  lechon|lechón]], various types of [[pancit]] (noodles), [[Filipino spaghetti]], ''[[hamonado]]'', ''[[Christmas ham|jamón]]'', ''[[Edam (cheese)|queso de bola]]'', ''[[Morcón (Filipino cuisine)|morcón]]'', ''[[Embutido (Filipino cuisine)|embutido]]'', [[chicken galantina]], ''[[almondigas]]'' (meatballs), ''[[paelya]]'' (''[[arroz valenciana]]'', ''[[bringhe]]'', etc.), ''[[lumpia]]'', ''[[Menudo (stew)|menudo]]'', ''[[mechado]]'', ''[[caldereta]]'', ''[[callos]]'', [[chicken pastel]], ''[[relleno|relyenong]] [[bangus|bangús]]'' (stuffed milkfish), ''[[lengua estofado]]'', ''[[Adobo (Filipino cuisine)|adobo]]'', and various types of barbecue (''[[inihaw]]''). Almost all of these dishes are eaten with white rice. Desserts and side dishes include ''[[Ube halaya|úbe halayá]]'', [[Turon (food)|turon]], [[leche flan]], [[macaroni salad]], ''[[Dulce de membrillo|membrilyo]]'', [[fruit salad]], [[buko salad]], ''[[crema de fruta]]'', ''[[ensaymada]]'', [[champorado]], [[mango float]], [[fruitcake]], ''castañas'' ([[roasted chestnuts]]), and various other ''[[kakanin]]'' (rice cakes) like ''[[puto bumbong]]'', ''[[bibingka]]'', ''[[suman (food)|suman]]'', ''[[Biko (food)|biko]]'',   and ''[[sapin-sapin]]''. Popular beverages are ''[[tsokolate]]'' as well as coffee, [[soft drinks|soda]], wine, beer, alcoholic drinks, and fruit juices.<ref name="Koppe">{{cite news |last1=Koppe |first1=Jaclyn Clemente |title=A Filipino Christmas Feast: 11 Nostalgic Food to Serve on Noche Buena |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/food/nostalgic-filipino-christmas-food |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=Tatler |date=23 December 2023}}</ref><ref name="Tan">{{cite web |last1=Tan |first1=Kim Shelly |title=17 Traditional Filipino Christmas Foods That Every Filipino Should've Had At Least Once |url=https://thesmartlocal.ph/filipino-christmas-foods/ |website=TheSmartLocal Philippines |date=29 September 2023 |access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=10 Classic Filipino Noche Buena Food and Dishes |url=https://www.beholdphilippines.com/classic-filipino-noche-buena-food-and-dishes/ |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=Behold Philippines |date=22 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Sarah |title=Here's What Christmas Dinner Looks Like In The Philippines |url=https://www.foodrepublic.com/1446359/what-is-filipino-christmas-food/ |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=Food Republic |date=19 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=12 Uniquely Filipino Christmas Dishes during Noche Buena |url=https://filipinotimes.net/feature/2018/12/24/12-uniquely-filipino-christmas-dishes-noche-buena/ |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=The Filipino Times |date=24 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Filipino Christmas Countdown: 12 Dishes for the Noche Buena |url=https://www.pinoykitchen.eu/recipes/the-filipino-christmas-countdown-12-dishes-for-the-noche-buena |website=Pinoy Kitchen |access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref>

=== Poland ===
[[File:Wigilia potrawy 554.jpg|thumb|Traditional Polish ''[[Wigilia]]'' meal]]
A tradition similar to Italy (''[[Wigilia]]'', or 'Christmas Vigil') exists in Poland. The number of dishes is traditionally 12, but has been an odd number in the past.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kasprzyk|first1=Magdalena|title=The 12 Dishes of Polish Christmas|url=http://culture.pl/en/article/the-12-dishes-of-polish-christmas|access-date=3 August 2016|website=Culture.pl}}</ref> According to the ''[[Słownik etymologiczny języka polskiego]]'' (''Etymological Dictionary of the Polish Language'') by [[Aleksander Brückner]], the number of dishes was traditionally related to social class: the peasants' vigil consisted of 5 or 7 dishes, the gentry usually had 9, and the aristocracy, 11 dishes, but the even number 12 is also found today to remember the [[Twelve Apostles]]. It is obligatory to try a portion of all of them. Some traditions specify that the number of guests cannot be odd.<ref>{{cite web|date=19 December 2010|title=12, 11, 9? Ile dań na Wigilie? - Święta|url=http://www.polskieradio.pl/66/768/Artykul/283212,12-11-9-Ile-dan-na-Wigilie|access-date=14 February 2014|publisher=polskieradio.pl}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Wigilia|url=http://www.polishcenter.org/Christmas/WIGILIA.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224182135/http://www.polishcenter.org/Christmas/WIGILIA.htm|archive-date=24 February 2014|access-date=14 February 2014|publisher=Polishcenter.org}}</ref>

In Poland, gifts are unwrapped on Christmas Eve, as opposed to Christmas Day. It comes from fusing the traditions of Saint Nicholas Day (6 December) and Christmas. In the past, gifts were opened on the morning of Saint Nicholas Day.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

=== Puerto Rico ===
In the [[United States|U.S.]] [[<!--U.S. state-->Territories of the United States|<!--state-->territory]] of [[Puerto Rico]], the traditional Christmas Eve dinner consists of [[arroz con gandules]] (rice with pigeon peas), ''lechón asado'' ([[pig roast]]) or [[Pernil |pernil asado]] (pork roast shoulder), ''morcilla'' (rice-filled pork [[blood sausage]]), [[pasteles]] (root vegetable-based dough, meat-filled [[tamale]]), guineitos en [[escabeche]] (marinated, sliced [[Green banana#Puerto Rico|green bananas]]), ''ensalada de papa puertorriqueña'' (Puerto Rican [[potato salad]]), and ''ensalada de coditos puertorriqueña'' (Puerto Rican [[macaroni salad]]).<ref name="Navidadcomida">{{cite web | title=Bring the taste of Navidad into your home | website=Discover Puerto Rico | url=https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/five-favorite-puerto-rican-holiday-recipes | language=en | access-date= 12 December 2023}}</ref> The traditional Christmas Eve desserts are [[Rice pudding#Latin America and the Caribbean|arroz con dulce]] (coconut rice pudding), [[tembleque]] (coconut pudding), ''flan de queso o coco'' (cheese or coconut [[Crème caramel|caramel custard]]), ''tierrita'' (chocolate [[mousse]]), [[turrón]]'', galletas florecitas'' (small [[Meringue |meringue-topped]] [[biscuits]]), [[Butter cookie|Danish butter biscuits]], ''nueces surtidas'' (assorted shelled [[Nut (fruit)|nuts]]), ''bombones'' ''dulces de navidad surtidos'' (assorted Christmas [[hard candy]]).<ref name="Navidadcomida1">{{cite web | title=Puerto Rican Holidays: Traditional foods consumed in Puerto Rico during "Navidad" Christmas | website=Healthy Rican | date=15 December 2022 | url=https://healthyrican.com/puerto-rican-holidays-traditional-foods-consumed-in-puerto-rico-during-navidad-christmas/  | language=en | access-date= 12 December 2023}}</ref> The traditional Christmas Eve beverages are [[coquito]] (coconut eggnog), [[Don Q]] or [[Cathedral of Rum|Bacardi]] ([[rum]]), and [[Pitorro]] ([[moonshine]] rum).<ref name="Navidadcomida2">{{cite web | title=Lift your spirits with a coquito, the traditional Puerto Rican Christmas cocktail | website=Miami Herald | url=https://www.miamiherald.com/living/food-drink/recipes/article270050557.html  | language=en | access-date= 12 December 2023}}</ref>

=== Russia ===
''Rozhdenstvenskiy sochelnik'' ({{langx|ru|Рождественский сочельник}}) was a common Eastern Orthodox tradition in the [[Russian Empire]], but during the era of the Soviet Union it was greatly discouraged as a result of the official [[atheism]] of the former regime.

In modern-day Russia, [[Russian Orthodox Church|the church]] has a [[church service|service]] on that day, but the celebration itself has not yet regained its popularity among the people. Instead of the Christmas Eve, [[New Year's Eve]] is considered to be a traditional family celebration featuring the [[New Year tree]].

=== Serbia ===
[[File:Candle lighting a plate of oranges and smarties 1.JPG|thumb|Candles on Christmas Eve 2010]]
In accordance with the [[Serbian Christmas traditions|Christmas traditions of the Serbs]], their festive meal has a copious and diverse selection of foods, although it is prepared according to the rules of fasting.

As well as a round, [[Leavening agent|unleavened]] loaf of bread and salt, which are necessary, this meal may comprise roast fish, cooked beans, [[sauerkraut]], noodles with ground walnuts, honey, and wine.

Families in some Slavic countries leave an empty place at the table for guests (alluding to [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Mary]] and [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]] looking for shelter in [[Bethlehem]]).

=== Ukraine ===
In Ukraine, ''Sviatyi Vechir'' ({{langx|uk|Святий Вечір}}, Holy Evening) is traditionally celebrated with a meatless [[twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper]], or the Holy Supper ({{langx|uk|Свята Вечеря}}, Sviata Vecheria). The main attributes of the Holy Supper in Ukraine are [[kutia]], a poppy seed, honey and wheat dish, and [[uzvar]], a drink made from reconstituted dried fruits. Other typical dishes are [[borscht]], [[varenyky]], and dishes made of [[fish]], [[phaseolus]] and [[cabbage]].

The twelve dishes symbolize the [[Twelve Apostles]]. Just as in Poland, it is obligatory to try a portion of all of the dishes. The table is spread with a white cloth symbolic of the [[swaddling clothes]] the [[Child Jesus]] was wrapped in, and a large white candle stands in the center of the table symbolizing [[Light of the World (Jesus)|Christ the Light of the World]]. Next to it is a round loaf of bread symbolizing Christ [[Names and titles of Jesus in the New Testament#Bread of Life|Bread of Life]]. [[Hay]] is often displayed either on the table or as a decoration in the room, reminiscent of the [[manger]] in [[Bethlehem]].

=== Venezuela ===
In [[Venezuela]], [[hallaca]]s are normally the staple dish for Noche Buena alongside of either ham or pork leg known as "pernil", [[panettone]], [[rum]] and "Ponche Crema" (a form of alcoholic [[eggnog]]). The night is usually accompanied by traditional Christmas music known as "[[aguinaldo (music)|aguinaldos]]"; in Venezuela, the traditional music is known as [[joropo]].<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20141225190455/http://www.embavenez-us.org/kids.venezuela/folklore.traditions.htms]}} Venezuela Folklore and Traditions. Venezuelan Embassy to the United States. Retrieved 25 December 2014</ref>