Christmas in Ukraine

Новогодние марки Украины Дед Мороз

Diduch-Lviv

Christmas Parade of Star-bearers in the centre of Lviv

Шопка перед львівською ратушою

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Didukh

Christmas in Ukraine is celebrated on January 7th, following the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most countries. This traditional date for the observance of Christmas is shared with several other Eastern Orthodox Churches and Eastern Catholic Churches. The festive celebrations in Ukraine are rich in ancient traditions and unique practices that reflect the country's deep cultural and religious heritage.

History and Background

The celebration of Christmas in Ukraine is deeply intertwined with the country's Christian traditions, particularly those of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Christianity was officially adopted by the ancient state of Kievan Rus' in 988 AD, laying the foundation for the celebration of Christmas and other Christian holidays in the region. Over the centuries, various local customs and folk traditions have become an integral part of the Christmas festivities in Ukraine.

Traditional Celebrations

The Christmas season in Ukraine begins on Saint Nicholas Day (December 19th on the Julian calendar) and extends to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 19th. The most important celebrations occur on Christmas Eve (January 6th) and Christmas Day (January 7th).

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, or Sviatyi Vechir (Holy Evening), is marked by a family feast known as the Holy Supper (Sviata Vecheria). The meal consists of twelve dishes, symbolizing the twelve apostles, and begins only after the first star is sighted in the evening sky, in remembrance of the Star of Bethlehem. Traditional dishes include kutia (a sweet grain pudding), borsch (beet soup), varenyky (dumplings), and holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls). An important custom is to leave an empty seat at the table for deceased family members or an unexpected guest, reflecting the spirit of hospitality and remembrance.

Christmas Day

On Christmas Day, many Ukrainians attend church services, including the Divine Liturgy of the Nativity. After the church service, festive celebrations continue with singing carols and visiting relatives and friends. Caroling, or koliadky, is a cherished tradition, where groups of carolers go from house to house, singing traditional Christmas songs and receiving treats or small gifts in return.

Unique Ukrainian Traditions

- Didukh: A sheaf of wheat stalks that symbolizes the spirit of ancestors and is brought into the house as one of the first Christmas Eve rituals. - Vertep: A portable puppet theater that presents Nativity scenes, often accompanied by carolers. - Malanka: Celebrated on the night of January 13th, this festivity marks the New Year according to the Julian calendar and involves costumes, masks, and playful pranks.

Modern Celebrations

In recent years, Christmas in Ukraine has seen a revival of many traditional customs, along with the adoption of some Western Christmas practices, such as decorating Christmas trees and exchanging gifts. The holiday remains a time for family, charity, and spiritual reflection, embodying a blend of pre-Christian and Christian traditions.

Conclusion

Christmas in Ukraine is a vibrant and deeply meaningful holiday, reflecting the country's rich tapestry of history, culture, and religious faith. Through its unique customs and communal spirit, Christmas continues to be a time of joy, reflection, and renewal for Ukrainians around the world.