Believers attend the burning of the Yule log at the Old Orthodox Church in Baščaršija

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - With evening prayer at the Old Orthodox Church in Sarajevo and the burning of the Yule log in the church courtyard, the arrival of Christmas was announced tonight in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Yule log was traditionally lit in the presence of believers, especially children, for whom this is a special event. 

This marked the beginning of the celebration of Christmas Eve and announced the arrival of the most joyous Christian holiday, Christmas.

The burning of the Yule log is the central event of the Christmas Eve celebration. This wood, when burning, develops great heat and light, so it is believed to have become a symbol of love and light, togetherness, unity, and family life.

The church gave the burning of the Yule log a ritual meaning – warming around the Yule log symbolizes warming with the love of those present.