Christmas is one of the main Christian holidays in Ukraine. Most Ukrainians celebrate Christmas from January 6 to January 7, while most of the world celebrates Christmas on December 25.*
*The difference of Christmas dates is based on which calendar is used. If using the Julian calendar, like the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Christmas lands on January 7. If using the Gregorian calendar, then Christmas lands on December 25.
Keep reading to learn about some Ukrainian Christmas traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation!
Symbols of Christmas in Ukraine
One of the symbols of Christmas in Ukraine is the didukh, which takes an honorable place in the house during the Christmas holidays. The didukh is a rye, wheat, or oat sheaf, which symbolizes the harvest, well-being, wealth, the spirit of ancestors, and it is a talisman of the family.
Christmas Caroling in Ukraine
Caroling is an integral Ukrainian Christmas tradition. On Christmas Day, groups of children and youth go from house to house and sing songs, glorifying the lord and masters of the house. Often in such songs, you can hear wishes for well-being, health, and happiness. Usually, the owners of the houses treat the carolers with sweets.
Ukrainian Origins of "Carol of the Bells"
The most famous Ukrainian carol is "Schedryk" by Mykola Leontovych, which was created at the beginning of the 20th century. After the tours of the Ukrainian National Chorus in European countries and the United States, "Schedryk" became famous all over the world.
In 1936, an American composer named Peter Wilhousky wrote new text for the song. Between Wilhousky's "Carol of the Bells" and Leontovych's "Schedryk," the music itself has remained unchanged for many generations.
Caroling with a Nativity Scene
An ancient and unique tradition in Ukraine is caroling with a nativity scene. This tradition is still preserved in some towns and villages! This caroling nativity scene is often based on the Ukrainian vertep, a portable puppet theater play based on the birth of Christ.
Each caroler has a role in the nativity. The person who carries the "Star of Bethlehem" always goes first. Next comes the bell ringer with bells announcing the festive news. The last person carries a bag with gifts given by the owners of each house.
Christmas Eve in Ukraine
The celebration of Christmas traditionally begins with the Holy Dinner on Christmas Eve. According to tradition, the whole family gathers at the festive table with the appearance of the first star, which symbolizes the birth of Christ. The Holy Dinner begins with a prayer and the lighting of the Christmas candle.
There should be 12 fasting dishes on the table, in honor of the 12 apostles. Since Christmas in Ukraine is preceded by a long 40-day fast, all the dishes of the Holy Dinner must be lean.
This Christmas fast is established so that people have the opportunity to physically and spiritually purify themselves in prayer, fasting, and repentance on the eve of Christmas.
One of the main dishes at the Holy Dinner is Ukrainian kutya, which is made of boiled wheat berries with poppy seeds, honey, nuts and raisins. After dinner, it is customary to leave some kuti for the spirits of deceased ancestors, who supposedly visit relatives on Christmas night.
Christmas Traditions and FamilySearch Memories
Each region of Ukraine, and even each family, has its own Christmas traditions, though some traditions are forgotten over time. Spending time with family remains one of the best and unchanging traditions that most Ukrainians follow at Christmas. Take some time to save your family's Christmas traditions in FamilySearch Memories for free!
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