Christmas is one of the most significant Christian holidays, celebrated on December 25 according to the Gregorian calendar.
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SubscribeThis day symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ and brings families together, filling homes with warmth and spirituality. In Ukraine, this holiday is accompanied by a variety of traditions, centuries-old customs, and folk signs that are passed down from generation to generation.
Preparing for the Holiday
Christmas is preceded by a strict 40-day Christmas fast, which ends on December 24, on Christmas Eve. On this day, a Holy Supper is prepared—a dinner consisting of 12 lean dishes, symbolizing the apostles. The main attribute of the table is kutya—boiled wheat with honey, poppy seeds, and nuts. Kutya symbolizes fertility and abundance.
Before dinner, a candle is lit, symbolizing the light of Christ, and a prayer is recited. An important element of Christmas preparation is decorating the home. Branches of fir, pine, or rowan are often hung on windows and doors, serving as a protection against evil spirits.
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Attending the Service. On the morning of December 25, families go to church for the festive liturgy. The service is accompanied by the singing of Christmas carols that glorify the birth of the Savior.
Caroling. One of the brightest and most beloved traditions is caroling. Children and adults visit homes, sing carols, praise Christ, and wish the hosts health, happiness, and wealth. In return, the hosts treat them with sweets, money, or other gifts.
Christmas Nativity Play. This is a theatrical performance that tells the story of the birth of Jesus. Participants dress as shepherds, angels, kings, and other characters from the Gospel narrative.
Star. The symbol of the Bethlehem star is an essential attribute for carolers. It is made from paper, foil, or wood, decorated with bright colors and patterns.
Shared Feasts. After the liturgy and caroling, families gather around the festive table, which, unlike Christmas Eve, can already include meat dishes. Among the traditional treats are kutya, borscht, pies, dumplings, and meat snacks.
1 Folk Signs for Christmas
- If Christmas is snowy, the year promises to be fruitful.
- If there are bright stars in the sky at night, spring should bring early and warm weather.
- The first person to enter the house on this day should be a man—this will bring happiness and good fortune to the family.
- If peace and harmony prevail in the home on this day, the entire year will pass successfully.
- On Christmas, one should not sew, knit, or engage in hard labor—this may attract misfortune.
The Significance of Christmas for Ukrainians
Christmas is not only a religious holiday but also a time for strengthening family bonds, uniting with loved ones, and spiritual cleansing. On this day, everyone strives to fill their hearts with kindness and gratitude. Ukrainian traditions make Christmas truly special, preserving the warmth of ancestors and bringing joy to new generations.
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