ancient habit , whose origin is lost in time . In Mani there are beliefs about demonic and other supernatural beings , who come from the Twelve Days of Christ as the Epiphany . These are the goblins and say that they are the descendants God Pan or Satyrs , who jumped from the mythology in the Christian life .
Christmas in Slovakia
In Slovakia , Christmas celebrations begin with Advent . Many Slovaks are Roman Catholics so this is the start of the important spiritual preparations for Christmas .
Slovaks also celebrate St . Nicholas ' day on the 6th December . In Slovakia he is known as Svätý Mikuláš . He comes on the evening of the 5th December and gives presents to good children . Young children place their shoes near the door so Svätý Mikuláš can fill them with sweets and fruit .
During Advent there are lots of preparations to be made for Christmas . This includes cleaning the house , baking , shopping and buying the Christmas Tree . Carps are also sold on the streets from big tanks ( carp is eaten in the main Christmas meal ).
Christmas Eve is the most important day during Christmas for Slovaks . It is called ' Stedry den ' ( the Generous Day ). The actual evening is called ' Stedry vecer ' ( the Generous Evening ) and the Christmas season is called ' Vianoce '.
In Slovakian Happy / Merry Christmas is ' Veselé Vianoce '. Happy / Merry Christmas in lots more languages .
Slovak Christmas Trees are decorated with colored lights , fruits , hand-made decorations made of wood , baked goods made with honey in the form of Angels and other religious symbols and sweets . Christmas Trees are kept until January 6th , the Feast of the Three Kings ( Epiphany ). Then the children are allowed to finally eat the candies and other sweets from the tree .
Christmas gifts are brought to children by the Ježíško ( Baby Jesus ). Family gifts are put under the Christmas Tree . A common tradition is that the children have to leave the room when the presents are being brought by Jesus . When they are there a bell is rung . The children then run to the Christmas Tree to try and see the Baby Jesus but they always narrowly miss him ! Then the present are opened . Most people open their presents after the main Christmas meal , although some open them before they eat !