The Cleveland chapter of C-RS keeps a Carpatho-Rusyn Christmas tradition going.
Published: November 13, 2024
Before it even began, the Cleveland Chapter of C-RS already knew how it would celebrate the holiday season.
This year, C-RS Cleveland is hosting a Velija Potluck Dinner on January 11th from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. The Velija is a traditional Christmas Eve dinner with special importance.
As John Righetti, President Emeritus of C-RS explains it, Christmas day is almost an “afterthought” for Carpatho-Rusyns. It’s Christmas Eve that counts.
A traditional Velija involves many elements, including feeding the family’s animals first. According to Righetti, this practice comes from the belief that “on Christmas Eve animals can speak to God,” and are likely to talk to God about the treatment they receive from their owners. This special Divine closeness is a reward for the animals’ presence at the birth of Christ.
After feeding the animals, family members are blessed with alcohol or garlic and honey—depending on local custom. Then, the meal begins.
“The meal must be meatless and dairy-less,” Righetti says. “There are about twelve dishes that are a part of the celebration,” including pirohy, fish, soups, and fruit compotes. According to Mykola Mušinska, “it was believed that what appeared on the Christmas table would appear [on the table] throughout the year.”
The Velija emphasizes family, and does not start until all the family is gathered. Everyone is expected to stay at the table throughout the dinner.
Tanner Mills, coordinator of the Cleveland Chapter, says that the January event will have as many of the traditional dishes as possible. “This dinner is a way we can reclaim our history and link ourselves in a very tangible and special way to our past.”
Members can take part in this special dinner by contacting Fran Burik. Tickets are $20 and attendees are asked to bring a dish to share. More information is available on the event page.
