Ancient Magyar tradition celebrated

Ada, a northern Serbian village predominantly populated by ethnic Hungarians, was the venue of the traditional celebration of winter solstice on the night of December 21. The event, called 'karacsun', was organized by local organizations cherishing ancient traditions.

The celebration of winter solstice was one of the most important festivities of ancient Hungarians (the Magyars) during their migration from inner Asia to the Carpathian Basin.

In the beliefs of migrating peoples like the Magyars, the winter solstice symbolized the rebirth of nature. Later, the word 'karacsun' came to be used in Hungarian as the word for Christmas (karácsony). Christmas, itself, is a feast built on ancient 'pagan' traditions celebrated around winter solstice.