The Use of Wood as Firewood in Macedonia

In the small villages scattered across Macedonia, particularly in the mountainous regions like Mavrovo, Berovo, and the outskirts of Pelister, wood has long been the primary source of fuel. Here, families still gather to chop and stack logs in preparation for the long, cold winters. These preparations are not just a chore, but an integral part of village life, a ritual passed down from one generation to the next. The image of elders teaching their grandchildren how to properly chop wood, sharing stories of past winters spent around the family hearth, is a common one in Macedonian villages.

During the coldest months, the warmth from the wood stove becomes the center of family life. Mornings begin with the familiar sound of kindling catching flame, and evenings end with embers glowing softly in the dark. The wood fire isn't just about heat – it's about connection. It's the place where families come together, to share meals, laughter, and stories. The scent of simmering beans, slow-cooked over the fire, or homemade bread baking in the oven, mixed with the wood smoke, fills the home with a comforting aroma, signaling that despite the cold outside, warmth and love thrive within.

The connection to nature is evident here, too. For many villagers, chopping and gathering wood is not just about survival, but a way of life that keeps them grounded. The forests that blanket Macedonia provide an abundant source of firewood, and there is a deep respect for the land that sustains them. The process of collecting and preparing wood reminds villagers of their dependence on the natural world and their responsibility to care for it.

City Life - Where Tradition Meets Modern Convenience

While the use of wood as firewood is most prevalent in rural areas, the tradition has not entirely disappeared in Macedonia’s cities. In towns like Bitola, Prilep, and even parts of the capital, Skopje, many families who live in houses still rely on wood for heating. This is particularly true for those who own older homes equipped with wood stoves or fireplaces. The sight of firewood neatly stacked in courtyards, or the sound of an axe echoing through the neighborhood as someone splits logs for the evening, is not uncommon.

In the city, the connection to wood heating carries a slightly different tone – a blend of nostalgia and practicality. For some, the choice to use wood is driven by tradition, a way to stay connected to the practices of their ancestors. For others, it is simply more economical, especially during the harsh winters when electricity and gas bills can soar. Wood, being more affordable and often readily available, becomes a practical solution.

City dwellers who grew up in villages and later moved to urban areas often bring with them the memory of wood-burning stoves and the comfort they provide. In their homes, the wood stove becomes a bridge between their past and present, offering not just warmth, but a sense of continuity. The act of tending to a fire, of watching the flames dance and feeling their heat, takes them back to their childhoods spent in front of a village hearth.

A Ritual of the Seasons

The use of wood for heating is a practice that marks the changing of the seasons in Macedonia. As summer fades into autumn, the air becomes crisp, and the first hints of winter creep into the landscape, families begin to prepare for the cold months ahead. Woodcutting, once done in large family groups, remains a communal activity in many areas. In villages, it is not uncommon to see neighbors helping each other, exchanging tools and labor, ensuring that everyone has enough wood to last through the winter.

In cities, too, the arrival of autumn brings with it a flurry of activity. Wood suppliers begin making their rounds, and homes are readied for the coming cold. Firewood is stacked, stoves are cleaned, and the anticipation of the first fire of the season grows. For many, there is something magical about the first time they light their wood stove each year. It marks the true beginning of winter – a time when the world outside may be cold and dark, but the home is a sanctuary of warmth and light.

Wood Stoves: More Than Just Heating – A Culinary Companion

In many Macedonian households, particularly in the villages and older homes in the cities, wood stoves play a dual role – not only do they heat the home, but they are also central to preparing food. The wood stove is often the heart of the kitchen, where the warmth of the fire brings people together, not just for comfort but for nourishment as well. Over the years, these stoves have become symbols of home-cooked meals that carry with them the flavors of tradition.

From simmering stews to slow-baked bread, the wood stove is incredibly versatile and beloved by those who use it. Some of the most iconic Macedonian dishes are prepared on these stoves, and the distinctive taste imparted by the wood fire makes them even more special.

The wood stove isn't just used for preparing meals; it also plays a central role in making tea and coffee, two drinks that hold a special place in Macedonian daily life. Many homes still have an алуминска ѓезве (aluminum coffee pot), the traditional small pot used for making Turkish coffee, placed directly on the wood stove. The gentle, consistent heat helps the coffee brew slowly, enhancing its rich flavor and aroma.

In the winter months, preparing mountain tea on the wood stove becomes a soothing ritual. The dried herbs, often gathered from the surrounding hills, are steeped in boiling water, filling the home with their earthy, herbal scent.

The Magic of Cooking on a Wood Stove

There's something magical about cooking on a wood stove that transcends the food itself. The process of feeding the fire, adjusting the heat with more wood, and watching as the flames dance beneath the pots is an experience that feels almost meditative. It's slower, more deliberate, and it requires patience – qualities that seem at odds with the fast-paced world we live in today.

The wood stove also has a unique way of bringing people together. On cold winter mornings, family members gather around its warmth, often sipping tea or coffee, waiting for breakfast to be ready. The stove becomes a gathering place, much like the hearths of old, where stories are shared, and bonds are strengthened over the simple act of tending to the fire and preparing food.

The Duality of Wood Burning: Comfort and Consequence

Despite the undeniable warmth and nostalgia associated with wood-burning in Macedonia, there is an important, albeit uncomfortable, truth that cannot be ignored: the smoke from wood fires contributes to air pollution. Especially during the winter months, when entire villages and city neighborhoods rely on wood for heating, the air becomes thick with smoke, leading to poor air quality and potential health risks.

In urban areas like Skopje, where air pollution is already a significant issue, the widespread use of wood for heating exacerbates the problem. The fine particles released into the air from burning wood can cause respiratory problems, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.