By Tika Bujiashvili

Georgia celebrates Christmas on January 7, instead of December 25, due to two –week difference between Gregorian and Julian calendar. On Christmas night people light candles and place them on the window-sill, so that it should be seen from outside. It means that they can give a shelter to Mary to give a birth to Jesus.

The special liturgy starts at 11 pm on Christmas Eve and lasts until morning next day. The midnight service is traditionally followed by a march called Alilo from Rose Square to The Holy Trinity Church. During the march some food, sweets, clothes and even toys are gathered by population to give to Orphanage or people in need .

 

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