Christmas traditions in Ukraine

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The Ukrainian Christmas festive days according to the Julian calendar, start on January 6th, Christmas Eve and ends with January 19th, "Jordan" or Epiphany.^[1]

1 Sviaty Vechir (Holy Evening)
2 Koliadky - (Caroling)
3 Did Moroz - (Grandfather Frost)
4 See also
- 4.1 References
5 External links

[edit] Sviaty Vechir (Holy Evening)

Kutia

Sviata Vechera or "Holy Supper" is the central tradition of the Christmas Eve celebrations in Ukrainian homes. The dinner table sometimes has a few wisps of hay on the embroidered table cloth as a reminder of the manger in Bethlehem.

When the children see the first Star in the eastern evening sky, (which symbolizes the trek of the Three Wise Men), the Sviata Vechera may begin. In farming communities the head of the household now brings in a sheaf of wheat called the didukh which represents the importance of the ancient and rich wheat crops of Ukraine, the staff of life through the centuries. Didukh means literally "grandfather spirit" so it symbolizes the family's ancestors. In city homes a few stalks of golden wheat in a vase are often used to decorate the table. ^[2] Kutia (sweet grain pudding) is traditionally served in Ukrainian^[3] Christmas dinner table. It is often the first dish in the traditional twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper (also known as Svyaty Vechir) and is rarely served at other times of the year.

[edit] Koliadky - (Caroling)

Ukrainian Stamp commemorating Caroling

At the end of the Sviata Vechera the family often sings Ukrainian Christmas Carols. In many communities the old Ukrainian tradition of caroling is carried on by groups of young people and members of organizations and churches calling at homes and collecting donations. The Ukrainian song Shchedryk became a base for the world famous Christmas carol, Carol of the Bells.

[edit] Did Moroz - (Grandfather Frost)

Did Moroz

The image of Did Moroz as a person who brings the Christmas gifts for children is strongly associated with Svyatyi Mykolai, the feast of which is marked on December, 19. It is supposed, that children should find their Christmas gifts under the cushion on that day.