Hereditary Prince Filip of Serbia respected the Christmas tradition at the Royal Palace in Belgrade on the night of January 6-7, 2025. The heir to the head of the Serbian royal family set fire to an oak tree in the presence of his wife, Princess Danica , and with the help of his son, Prince Stefan. Other members of the royal family were present alongside them.
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Hereditary Prince Filip and Prince Stefan cut down an oak tree on Christmas Eve
On the morning of January 6, Hereditary Prince Filip, 42, dynastic heir to his father, Crown Prince Alexander, went to the woods of the royal estate to fulfill an ancient tradition: cutting down an oak tree on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is January 7 in Serbia, with the Serbian Orthodox Church following the unrevised Julian calendar.
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“This noble act, deeply rooted in our faith and tradition, unites the spirit of family harmony and national strength”explains Hereditary Prince Filip, accompanied by his own son, Prince Stefan, 6 years old, to cut down an oak tree with an axe. Returning with their tree, Filip and Stefan were welcomed on the threshold of the Royal Palace in Belgrade by Princess Danica and Princess Marija. “I am proud to see young Prince Stefan walking in the footsteps of our ancestors, learning the values that preserved our nationality and freedom”said Filip. Hereditary Prince Filip is the grandson of King Peter II of Yugoslavia.
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Catching fire Christmas Eve on Christmas Day
This tradition is modeled on that of Christmas morning. Serbs cut a withered oak branch (called Christmas Eve) and burn the logs for Christmas. At the time of the monarchy, the king received a regiment of soldiers at the palace who brought him logs and oak branches for Christmas. Bringing the oaks to the palace was then a special honor for officers and soldiers.
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On New Year’s Eve, the branches were set ablaze, in the presence of Prince Mihailo and his wife, Princess Ljubica, who were accompanied by their daughters, Princesses Natalija and Isidora. Prince Mihailo is the youngest son of the late Prince Tomislav, himself the brother of Peter II. Danica’s parents were also present. This year, Crown Prince Alexander, head of the royal family, was not present due to his wife’s health which keeps them abroad.
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The burning of the tree is an ancient custom which symbolizes peace, love and conviviality. Priest Mihailo Rapajić was present for the blessing. “We pray for all our people and for our homeland, that we welcome the new days with peace, harmony and love. May Christmas bring us joy, health and prosperity in every home”declared Hereditary Prince Filip on the occasion of Christmas.
