Ukrainian Christmas traditions differ from European ones, and this year's celebration of Christmas in Ukraine is

affected by the Russian invasion.

What is Christmas for Ukrainians about?

Christmas in Ukraine is considered a family holiday. Therefore, Ukrainians do not have loud parties or celebrations
on Christmas Eve but gather in a large family circle for dinner. It used to be believed that on Christmas Eve, the souls
of deceased relatives also flock to the festive dinner, so it is a tradition to put one extra plate with food and light a
candle next to it so that the souls of relatives can join the family dinner. Honestly in my family we have never put
extra plate, but before dinner, we always pray (although I am an atheist).

Attributes of Christmas in Ukraine

At the holy dinner on Christmas Eve, Ukrainians prepare 12 Lenten dishes(they must be without meat, eggs and milk
or something related with milk) that symbolize the 12 apostles. The main sacred dish made from grain as a symbol of
life and rebirth is kutya, prepared from wheat with the addition of honey and poppy seeds.

Traditional didukh - a sheaf of wheat or rye, decorated with dried flowers and ribbons, symbolizes fertility and
wealth.

The tradition of vertep

Vertep - a traveling theater and drama which participants glorify the birth of Christ in theatrical productions and
songs. Caroling, the participants visit people's homes, and the owners thank them for good wishes with gifts, sweets,
or money. You can see on the photo indispensable attribute of the nativity scene is the Christmas star. It was
considered a symbol of happiness and joy, because it conveys the news of the birth of Jesus.

The most famous Christmas song from Ukraine

At Christmas, Ukrainians sing traditional Christmas songs - koliadky (Christmas carols) and shchedrivky (New Year's
songs). One such song has become known throughout the world - it was written more than 100 years ago by the
Ukrainian composer and is based on an ancient Ukrainian national music. Then, the Ukrainian government, as part of
cultural diplomacy, sent the Ukrainian ‘’music band’’ on a tour of the countries of Western Europe and America with
its major hit, "Shchedryk." So, in 1922 "Shchedryk" was performed in the USA, and in 1936, its English version, "Carol
of the Bells," was born. On this photo you can see performing this song in New York in December 2022. The concert
was held in honor of the 100th anniversary of the first performance in USA and to support Ukraine during the war.
This song is known by everyone in Ukraine. It`s also used in Harry Potter, Home Alone, Simpsons and other popular
films.

The ban on Christmas in Soviet times

The Soviet system established an anti-religious policy, so the celebration of the religious holiday of Christmas was
under an official ban. And that’s why it`s more popular to celebrate New Year than Christmas in many families
(government at that time replace Christmas by New year). However, Ukrainians still kept to most Christmas
traditions.

For example, in 1972, Ukrainian writers and artists gathered to celebrate Christmas with Ukrainian tradition. But
within a few days, the Soviet security service arrested 19 participants of the celebration. Since then, the tradition of
public Christmas vertep was postponed until Ukraine's independence.

Christmas of Ukrainians in 2022

Family celebrations remain unchanged, although many Ukrainian families are now separated - some have gone
abroad, some are in occupation, and some are at the front line.

This year there are no usual Christmas fairs, concerts, or decorations. For example, a Christmas tree put up in
Mykolaiv is made of military camouflage nets.

And the main Christmas tree of Kharkiv is installed underground at a metro station because the city suffers from
almost daily Russian shelling. In addition, Christmas tree lights are lit by generators, only for a few hours a day, to
save electricity, which is currently in short supply in Ukraine after the Russians shelled energy facilities throughout
the country.