Christmas in Ukraine: A Blend of Tradition and Change

In a historic shift, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is ushering in a new era by allowing worshippers to
celebrate Christmas on December 25th, aligning with the Gregorian calendar. This departure from the
traditional Julian calendar date of January 7th is seen as a symbolic move, signaling a desire to align with
the West and distance itself further from the Russian Orthodox Church.

Christmas Eve
The heart of Ukrainian Christmas lies in Christmas Eve, also known as Holy Eve. Families gather for a
traditional evening feast called Sviata Vecheria, starting with the appearance of the first star. Preparations,
however, begin at dawn, with the table set for 12 dishes symbolizing the 12 apostles. The star dish of the
evening is Kutia, a sweet porridge made with boiled wheat, poppy seeds, and honey.

Christmas symbols
The main house decoration that you’ll see is the didukh

— the most crucial household element on Christmas. When the sun is about to set, the home altar is
decorated with a sheaf of rye as a symbol of the harvest, prosperity, and wealth that personifies the spirit of
ancestors That is also why some Kutia and other dishes should be left on the table – as a treat for deceased
relatives.

Ukrainian Christmas songs

Christmas carols, or Koliadky, are an integral part of the festivities. They're traditionally sung on Christmas
Eve and during Generous Evening, which falls on January 13th in the Julian calendar. You might even
recognize the melody of "Carol of the Bells," originally a Ukrainian carol called "Shchedryk"!

Vertep
Much like koliadky, vertep is also a significant attribute of Ukrainian Christmas traditions and a very
colourful way of performing the koliadky themselves! The vertep is considered to have emerged between
the end of the 16th century and the start of the 17th century when the Ukrainian national liberation
movement began to gain ground in the face of Polish-Lithuanian rule and the influence of Moscow.

Vertep previously was in the form of a puppet theater that had the form of a two-story wooden house. Over
time, the vertep turned into a real street theater, occasionally still featuring dolls, portraying interactions
between figures like the three kings, Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, an angel, a devil, a koza (see below), and
others.

Baptism of Jesus Day

The day of Jesus Christ`s baptism is also important for Ukrainians. They celebrate it on January 19. On this
day, it is customary to bless the water and swim in an ice hole in a river or in another body of water. Locals
have faith that on this day it is impossible to fall ill from such bathing, because the water acquires
redemptive power and protects a person. Such water does not spoil and can stay fresh for a year, or even
longer. After the priest sanctifies the water in the ice hole, those who wish to do so, immerse themselves
three times and say a prayer.
Ukrainian Christmas is more than just traditions and rituals; it's a time for family, feasting, and celebrating
faith and community. So, whether you're joining a Sviata Vecheria or simply listening to Koliadky, let the
spirit of Ukrainian Christmas warm your heart this holiday season.