The Graphic December 25, 1909. page 891.
Drawn by Frédéric de Haenen from a sketch by Rook Carnegie of Braila.

Before dawn on Christmas Eve married people in Servia go to the forest with members of their household and choose a tree for the "Badnyak."

To begin with, handfuls of corn are thrown against the tree. They then embrace it with the words, "Good morning, and a happy Christmas to you." Then the process of cutting it down begins, care being taken to chip the wood only on the east side, and gloves being worn by the woodmen, so that no contamination may occur to break the spell. The first chip to fall is carefully preserved, and is taken to the cowsheds to preserve the animals from the Evil Eye.

When the tree is felled, it is taken to the cutter's home, being placed on the east side of the house till evening. Holy candles are then placed on each side of the house door and the trunk is brought in, gloves still being used.

It is then burned. The ends are preserved, as they are supposed to have miraculous power for preserving crops and giving large litters of pigs and other benefits which farmers appreciate. .