Holiday Traditions of Ukraine

"Merry Christmas"

Christmas in Ukraine: Traditions and Celebrations

Christmas in Ukraine is celebrated on January 7th, following the Julian calendar used by the Orthodox Church for religious festivals and holidays. Unlike in many Western nations, Christmas in Ukraine is a deeply solemn and religious occasion. St. Nicholas' Day, celebrated on December 19th, more closely resembles the Western Christmas, when St. Nicholas visits children and gives them presents.

Sviata Vecheria - The Holy Supper

The Christmas meal, known as Sviata Vecheria, or Holy Supper, takes place on Christmas Eve, January 6th, and is conducted with much ceremony. After a month-long Advent fast, the final day includes an outright fast that is broken only when the first star appears in the sky, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to the baby Jesus.

Before the meal begins, the head of the household brings a sheaf of wheat stalks called “didukh” into the room. The didukh, meaning “grandfather,” symbolizes Ukraine’s vast wheat fields and the spirits of the family's ancestors, who are believed to partake in the celebration. An empty place setting is also left in memory of any family member who passed away during the year.

12 Lenten Dishes

The Holy Supper consists of 12 traditional Lenten dishes, symbolizing the 12 apostles, and contains no meat, eggs, or dairy products. The centerpiece of the meal is Kutia, a sweet wheat porridge made with honey, ground poppy seeds, and chopped nuts. Before the meal begins, the head of the family raises the first spoonful, says grace, and greets the family with “Khrystos Rodyvsya” (“Christ is born”), to which the family replies, “Slavim Yoho!” (“Let us glorify Him!”). Other dishes may include:

• Mushroom and sauerkraut soup
• Borsch (beet soup)
• Pierogi (dumplings filled with potatoes, onions, and cheese)
• Holopchi (cabbage rolls)
• Pyrizhky (buns filled with cabbage)

A special Christmas bread called Kolach is placed in the center of the dining table. It consists of three layers of bread braided into a ring, representing the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Caroling and Koliadky

After the meal, it is common for families to sing Christmas carols either around the table or outdoors. Ukrainian carols are divided into two types: Koliadky, sung on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and Shchedrivky, sung during the Feast of the Epiphany. While many carols celebrate Christian themes, others retain roots in ancient pagan traditions. In some regions, carolers carry brightly colored stars on poles as they go from house to house.

Unique Christmas Decorations

In addition to traditional Christmas decorations like pine trees, lights, and garlands, Ukrainians often decorate their homes with paper snowflakes and spider webs. A popular decoration called Pavuchky, meaning "little spider," is made from paper and silver wire and resembles a spider web. This tradition comes from the Legend of the Christmas Spider, which tells the story of a poor family whose Christmas tree was decorated by a spider with webs that turned to silver and gold when the sun shone on them the next morning.

Holiday Traditions in Ukraine

Video by The 700 Club

Traditional Ukrainian Christmas Recipes

Kutia (Sweet Wheat Porridge)

Kutia is a traditional Ukrainian dish served as the main course during the Holy Supper on Christmas Eve. It's made of wheat, honey, poppy seeds, and nuts, symbolizing unity and prosperity.

• 1 cup wheat berries
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

1. Soak wheat berries in water overnight. Drain and rinse.
2. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add wheat berries, reduce heat, and simmer for about 1 hour or until tender. Drain any excess water.
3. Meanwhile, soak poppy seeds in hot water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
4. Mix honey, poppy seeds, chopped walnuts, and raisins (if using) with the cooked wheat berries. Stir well and serve chilled.

Borscht (Beet Soup)

Borscht is a classic Ukrainian dish enjoyed year-round but also commonly served during the Christmas Holy Supper. This rich beet soup is known for its deep, earthy flavor and vibrant color.

• 1 lb beets, peeled and grated
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 potato, peeled and cubed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Fresh dill (for garnish)

1. In a large pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add beets, onion, carrot, and potato. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
2. Stir in tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
3. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill for garnish.

Holubtsi (Cabbage Rolls)

Holubtsi, or cabbage rolls, are stuffed with a flavorful filling of rice, vegetables, and sometimes mushrooms. This dish is often prepared as part of the 12 Lenten dishes served on Christmas Eve.

• 1 medium cabbage
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 cups tomato sauce

1. Boil the cabbage in a large pot for about 10 minutes until the leaves are soft. Drain and separate the leaves.
2. In a skillet, sauté the onion, carrot, and mushrooms until softened. Mix with cooked rice, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon the filling onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides.
4. Place the cabbage rolls in a baking dish, pour tomato sauce over them, and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

Kolach (Ukrainian Christmas Bread)

Kolach is a traditional braided bread served during the Christmas Holy Supper. It symbolizes prosperity and unity and is often placed in the center of the table.

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and knead until smooth.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Divide the dough into three equal parts and braid them together. Shape the braid into a ring and place it on a baking sheet.
5. Brush the top with egg yolk for a golden finish. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

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