Christmas traditions in Slovakia

Hello, my name is Vanessa Šnajderová and I will present you some of Christmas traditions in Slovakia. I hope you will enjoy it.

1. Crap scale:  It's placed under the tablecloth during Christmas Eve's dinner, it is suppose to secure the family money for the whole year. Some people put it in their wallet so that their money multiplies and there is enough of them.
   
2. Nut in the corner: Almost every Slovak has nuts on their table during Christmas dinner, which were thrown into corners in the apartment or house. They had the same abundance throughout the year as at Christmas.
   
3. Garlic on the table: Garlic is the most natural medicine for good health for the family throughout the following year.
   
4. Star in an apple: One apple is randomly picked and cut in the half, when there is a star it means happiness and health for the family,but if the center was in the shape of a cross, the family would face illness or death.
5.  An extra plate: One plate pretended to be a casual guest. It is a symbol of belonging and mercy. Some people gave it there for their dead member of family.
6. A pray: Not only Christians but almost everyone, they're thanking for the food.
7. Honey and garlic: The housewife who prepared the dinner, made a cross on her forehead with a clove of garlic soaked in honey to all her children and husband.
   
8. A toast with alcohol: Before the honey and garlic wafers began to be eaten, the head of the family brought a toast with strong alcohol.
   
9. Even number of plates: In some Slovak regions, if there isn't an even number of plates on the table, the death would come for the last person sitting at the table.
10. No running away from the table: Even the housewife couldn't leave the table if that happened, the person who stood up would die within a year. Therefore, all the food had to be very close.
    
11. Throwing the shoes: During the Christmas holidays, single girls threw their shoes behind their heads towards the door. When the tip pointed to the door, it was a sign that she would get married in a year. But if it was pointing to the door, the girl would be single for her whole life.