CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN UKRAINE

eTwinners from Ukraine, Khust

CHRISTMAS IS A FAMILY HOLIDAY Traditions of

celebrating Christmas go back to the pre-Christian times and have many unique customs and rituals

The most important thing – it has always been a family holiday!

DECORATIONS Traditions of

decorating the dwellings have changed much and have become more international. In almost every house you will see a Christmas Tree.

DECORATIONS But still in many

regions, especially in the west and north the main decoration of the Holy Eve is DIDUKH – a sheaf of wheat or rye, put at the holiday table or in the corner under the icons

HOLY SUPPER Many families

follow the old tradition to prepare 12 meatless dishes and to sit at the table when the first star appears in the sky.

HOLY SUPPER Many religious

people especially in the villages even don’t eat anything till the supper time.

In such a way they show their appreciation to the important event

KUTIAThe main dish of the Holy Supper is kutia. It is prepared of wheat and raisins, nuts, poppy seeds and fruit.

CHRISTMAS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS

In many parts of Ukraine there is a tradition to share kutya with domestic animals like cows, horses and sheep as they were the first to see little Jesus…

AT MIDNIGHT CHRISTMAS MESS STARTS AND JOLLY

CHIMES ANNOUNCE THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS One of the most

amazing traditions is singing Christmas carols.

These are usually children who start caroling since early morning on the 6th of January

CHRISTMAS CAROLS Children gather

in groups and wear old clothes dramatizing the scenes from the Bible.

These groups are called Vertep.

Carols last till the 20th of January. They bring good mood and hope to every house…

MERRY CHRISTMAS,DEAR ETWINNERS!

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