Orthodox believers in Bosnia and Herzegovina are marking Christmas Eve on Friday morning, when they light Yule log in churches and home, ahead of the midnight service and the most joyous Christian holiday – Christmas.

The Yule log is a symbol of the tree that, according to tradition, the shepherds brought to Joseph and Mary to light a fire and warm the cave where Jesus was born.

All customs practiced on this holiday have a meaning of Christian unity, so it is believed that people gathered around the Yule log are warmed by love and harmony.

There is a number of other rituals that are given a Christian meaning as Christ came to bring people together, and to feed and water them with his knowledge and love.

Christmas is always the first holy day, no matter what day it falls on, and the day when those who have observed the rules of the Christmas fast receive holy communion in the churches.

Christmas Eve is observed on January 6 by all Orthodox churches and believers who follow the Julian calendar.