Christmas Eve in Montenegro
For Orthodox Christians in Montenegro, Christmas Eve, or Badnji dan, is observed on January 6, the day before Christmas. The government recognizes paid leave for Orthodox believers to observe Badnji dan and the two days of Christmas; the evening’s customs include bringing in or burning a badnjak, a ceremonial branch or log.[1][3]
Date and legal status
The Ministry of Labour says Orthodox believers are entitled to paid absence from work for Badnji dan on January 6 and for Christmas on January 7 and 8. This is a religious observance entitlement, rather than a blanket paid day off for every worker in the country.[1]
Montenegro’s National Tourism Organisation lists January 6 as Orthodox Christmas Eve and says major religious holidays are non-working holidays. Its general guidance says that when the first day of a holiday falls on Sunday, the next two days are non-working; when the second day falls on Sunday, the following day is non-working.[2]
Meaning of the badnjak
The Serbian Orthodox Metropolis of Montenegro and the Littoral describes Badnji dan as the eve of Christmas and says its name comes from the custom of cutting and bringing in a badnjak. The church explains the wood as recalling the tree brought by shepherds and burned by Joseph in the cave where Christ was born, as well as foreshadowing the Cross.[3]
Customs at home and church
The church’s account describes a household custom of bringing in the badnjak in the evening, along with straw and a roast for Christmas. It notes that urban families may buy a badnjak or receive one from a church, while its account of the earlier cutting ritual describes selecting a young oak or Turkey oak.[3]
The same account describes a prayer and a shared fasting supper, commonly including baked beans and other fasting foods. It also describes straw being spread in the home and sweets or small gifts placed beneath the table for children. These are documented customs, not requirements followed by every household.[3]
Public observances also take place at churches. A Metropolis report from Podgorica describes worship, people bringing badnjaks to the churchyard fire, and a priest blessing the branches; customs and services can vary by parish and household.[4]
Practical planning
Banks and post offices have usual weekday opening hours, but schedules can differ on Christmas Eve. As Orthodox believers may take paid leave, travellers should check directly with businesses and service providers for holiday hours.[2]
Frequently asked questions
When is Orthodox Christmas Eve in Montenegro?
Is Christmas Eve a day off for everyone?
The government notice specifies paid leave for Orthodox believers observing Badnji dan and Christmas. It does not describe January 6 as a paid day off for every worker.[1]
What is a badnjak?
It is a branch or piece of wood brought into the home or taken to a church observance. The Metropolis explains it as symbolizing the wood burned at Christ’s birth and foreshadowing the Cross.[3]
Are banks, shops and transport open?
Banks, shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before travelling or making plans.
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Eve in Montenegro:
- Obavještenje o neradnim danima povodom vjerskih i državnih praznika- Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue of Montenegro
- Business hours- National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro
- Бадњи дан- Serbian Orthodox Metropolis of Montenegro and the Littoral
- Бадње вече у храму под Горицом- Serbian Orthodox Metropolis of Montenegro and the Littoral