Discover Exciting Alternatives to St. Stephen’s Day Traditions: Beat Boredom This Second Christmas Holiday!

St. Stephen was stoned to death outside the walls of Jerusalem

On 26 December, people celebrate a holiday known as St. Stephen’s Day. Stephen was likely of Hellenistic Jewish origin but adopted Christianity during his life. He grew to be a man of strong faith, and the apostles noticed “the work of the Holy Spirit” within him—contemporary accounts suggest that Stephen performed remarkable miracles and signs. So, when the apostles chose seven individuals to assist them in caring for the poor and lonely widows, Stephen was the first selected.

He passionately preached that Christ was the Messiah as predicted by the prophets. However, his actions, particularly his intense preaching, were not appreciated by the Jewish council. They accused him of blasphemy against God and the laws of Moses. Around the year A.D. 35, Stephen was arrested and stoned to death just outside Jerusalem’s walls. He became the first Christian martyr and is honored right after the Christmas celebration. Some accounts suggest he died on 26 December, the day we celebrate his feast today. Others believe his martyrdom happened earlier in August, and his remains were found in December.

The Cult of Saint Stephen quickly spread across Europe. Stephen was embraced as a saint favored by German kings and emperors. In Hungary, rulers saw him as their national saint and protector. It’s no wonder that St. Stephen’s crown carries the name of the Kingdom of Hungary. His popularity grew partly because of sailors who honor him as their patron saint. Additionally, St. Stephen is recognized as the patron saint of horses and all things related to horses, as well as stonemasons, tailors, weavers, carpenters, and masons. People believe that his intercession can also relieve headaches.

Carol, carol, Stepan

The first Christian martyr is honored on 26 December across all European countries. Naturally, there are numerous folk traditions and customs tied to this celebration. In our homeland, the name “Stephen” is linked with the carol. The original practice of caroling was closely tied to ancient pagan traditions. It was believed that singing carols could alter one’s fate. The carols came to symbolize the future. However, as Christianity spread, this meaning faded from caroling, particularly for children.

Back in the 19th century, carolers would walk around with a cane adorned with a Star of Bethlehem and a box that contained a small nativity scene. For those in need, caroling was a chance to provide for themselves with additional food to last weeks. Traditionally, carolers were often rewarded with treats or some money. Nowadays, this custom is only found in a few spots. However, what has persisted are visits made to family and friends. In former times, people believed that on St. Stephen’s Day, poultry should be served; dishes like roasted duck, goose, or chicken were typical. Even today, many Czech families enjoy a festive roast chicken for lunch on the second day of Christmas, whether it’s duck, goose, turkey, or chicken.

Horses celebrate St. Stephen’s Day

Because St. Stephen is the patron saint of horses, it was traditionally important to observe practices and rituals related to these magnificent and vital creatures. In various locations today, horses and their oats are ceremoniously blessed, often followed by feeding the horses. In other areas, people sprinkle holy water on horses to safeguard them from harm and illness throughout the upcoming year. Yet, the customs and traditions of ancient times didn’t solely focus on horses. Many people would also bless themselves with red wine in a chalice containing a small stone to commemorate Stephen’s stoning, before drinking the wine. The salt and water consecrated on St. Stephen’s Day were regarded as effective remedies by the people.

Why is there no lord on St. Stephen’s Day?

On St. Stephen’s Day, the service of grooms and maidens typically came to a close. They either extended their contracts with their employers or sought work elsewhere. For a job well done over the year, they were usually given a special cake made just for this occasion. This cake was typically formed of three strands twisted into a ring and decorated with colorful ribbons and nuts. It was also customary for them to receive gifts in the form of food and clothes. The cheerful spirit was further enhanced by village musicians who sought to supplement their modest earnings by visiting homes to carol, playing their instruments while asking for donations.

Stephen’s Prophecies

St. Stephen boasts many prophecies—can you think of any? They mostly relate to weather conditions and forecasts regarding the next year’s harvest.

• • On St. Stephen’s Day, everyone becomes noble

• • If winds blow on St. Stephen’s Day, it spells trouble for the entire next year

• • When the strong winds blow on St. Stephen, the winemaker frowns

• • So, if the wind blows during St. Stephen’s Day, making wine will be challenging next year.

• • On St. Stephen’s Day, if the wind roars, wine will face a dire fate

• • If the night reveals the carol under the moon’s glow, a bountiful grain yield will come.

• • On St. Stephen’s Day, when the sun shines brightly, fruit will be costly.

• • When St. Stephen blows away the muck, it suggests a lovely spring ahead

• • Christmas without snow indicates a great snowfall is on the horizon.

• • A Christmas full of clover means a snowy summer.

• • During Christmas with many stars, hens will lay an abundance of eggs.