With the changeover of the calendar from Julian to New Julian, Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on 25 December this year. Previously, the festival was on 7 January. Christmas is considered the second major holiday after Easter. It is usually celebrated with the family. There are many traditions and rituals associated with Christmas. The most important of these are fasting, Christmas Eve and the singing of Christmas carols.
Fasting: The Christmas fast begins 40 days before Christmas. It is one of the longest periods of fasting. During the Christmas fast, all types of fruit and vegetables, mushrooms, pulses and cereal products may be eaten. Fish can also be eaten on most days. Animal products such as meat, eggs, dairy products and butter are not allowed. In this way, believers cleanse their souls and bodies before Christmas. The fast ends on 25 December.
Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve is celebrated on the eve of Christmas, on 24 December. Ukrainians prepare 12 meatless dishes for dinner, symbolising the 12 apostles or, according to another version, the number of months in the year. The main dish is “kutia”—boiled wheat with poppy seeds, honey, walnuts and sultanas.
A candle is also lit on the table at dinner.
Christmas carols: Ukrainians sing Christmas carols from the evening of 24 December until New Year’s Day. They prepare special songs and poems which they recite to their neighbours. In return, the carol singers receive sweets or coins. Children and young people in particular love this tradition. During their visits to the houses, the carol singers first ask the owners for permission to sing Christmas carols. In songs and poems, the carol singers wish the house owners all the best, happiness and health and proclaim the birth of Christ. The carol singers carry a large star attached to a stick. It symbolises the Star of Bethlehem, which points to the birth of Jesus Christ.
On the morning of 25 December, people greet each other with the words “Christ is born” and respond with “Glory be to him”. On this day, it is customary to go to church for Christmas prayers and to visit relatives.
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Ein festlich geschmückter Weihnachtsbaum. Foto: tünews INTERNATIONAL / Martin Klaus.
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