The 25 Strangest days of Christmas Day 22 - Fire, Faith, and Oak Branches: Serbia’s Fiery Christmas Ritual

0:00 Speaker 1: Hello, and welcome back to the Strange History Podcast and day twenty two of our Victorian Christmas countdown the twenty five Strangest days of Christmas. Almost there only three days till Santa makes all your dreams come true. Maybe today we travel to Serbia. In Serbia, Christmas Eve means chopping down a young oak tree called a baden jock, bringing it home, and burning it in the fireplace. The crackling wood symbolizes health, prosperity, and apparently excellent fire safety insurance. The ritual predates Christianity and honors pagan fire gods.

0:39 Speaker 1: Priests now bless badenjock branches at churches across the country, and families collect the ashes afterward as good luck charms. It's the only time of year when setting a tree on fire in your living room is not only acceptable but encouraged.

0:55 Speaker 2: Bad jock firewood burn safely, blessed deeply, and smell well like spiritual success. Pick up yours now wherever Serbian Christmas rituals are sold.

1:06 Speaker 1: Tomorrow is Day twenty three. TikTok Christmas lovers, hope you got all your gifts wrapped unless you're like me. Last minute Lizzie. There you go, a fun nickname my mom gave me when I was almost on time for everything. Don't forget to subscribe. Missus Closs would approve.