A Children’s Guide to Ukrainian Christmas
Welcome to A Children’s Guide to Ukrainian Christmas! Christmas in Ukraine is a magical time filled with joy, traditions, and family. From the excitement of Sviatyi Mykolai bringing gifts to the warmth of sharing a special meal on Sviatyi Vechir, every tradition has a story to tell. In this guide, we’ll explore the meaning behind these customs, meet the Didukh, hear about carol singers called Kolyadnyky, and learn how Ukrainians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Let’s discover how Ukrainians around the world keep these beautiful traditions alive!
Contents
Christmas in Ukraine
Різдво в Україні
Christmas, or Різдво (pronounced: riz-d-voh), is one of the most cherished holidays in Ukraine, celebrated with deep-rooted traditions and a spirit of joy and togetherness. It’s a time when families come together to honour our Ukrainian heritage, share festive meals, and reflect on the meaning of the Christmas. Ukrainian Christmas stands out with its unique customs, from singing carols (колядки, kolyadky) to preparing symbolic decorations like the дідух (Didukh). For children, it’s a magical season filled with stories, songs, and the anticipation of festive surprises. Let’s explore some of these beautiful traditions that make Rizdvo so special!
Sviatyi Mykolai
Святий Миколай
Sviatyi Mykolai (Saint Nicholas) is Ukrainian Father Christmas. He is a kind and loving saint who brings joy to children every year! On the night of December 5th, he visits homes and leaves little gifts under the pillows of children who have been good all year.
Waking up on December 6th is so exciting because you might find treats, toys, or special surprises waiting for you! Sviatyi Mykolai is like a helper of kindness, reminding everyone to be caring and generous to others. Have you been good this year? Maybe Sviatyi Mykolai will visit you, too!
Carol Singers (Kolyadnyky)
Колядники
Carol singers, or колядники (kol-ya-d-ny-ky), bring Christmas cheer to everyone they visit! They go from house to house, singing beautiful Christmas songs called колядки (kol-ya-d-ky) and sharing warm wishes for happiness and good health. People love hearing their songs and often give them treats like sweets, fruits, or even a little money as a thank you.
Being a kolyadnyk (carol singer) is so much fun – you get to spread joy, sing with your friends, and celebrate the spirit of Rizdvo!
The Didukh
Дідух
The Didukh is a very special Christmas decoration in Ukraine! It’s made from wheat and represents our ancestors – the family members who came before us. Bringing a Didukh into your home is a way to remember them. It’s also a symbol of good luck, hope, and a bountiful harvest for the year ahead. The Didukh reminds us to be thankful for our family and the blessings we have. Have you ever seen a Didukh? It’s like a bundle of love and tradition!
The Nativity
Вертеп
The Nativity scene is a special way to remember the the story of Christmas. It shows baby Jesus lying in a manger, with Mary and Joseph by His side, surrounded by animals, and sometimes the Wise Men who travelled to bring Him gifts. The nativity reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas: love, kindness, and the birth of a new hope for the world. Many families in Ukraine set up their own nativity scene in their homes during Christmas to share the story of Jesus’ birth and keep the spirit of Christmas alive.
The First Star
Перша зірка
The first star is a sign that the holiday celebrations can begin. Families gather together to enjoy a meal filled with delicious foods and share moments of love and joy. Seeing the first star is like a little Christmas magic, marking the start of a very special evening! Can you spot me in the sky this year?
Christmas Eve (Sviatyi Vechir)
Святий Вечір
Sviatyi Vechir, Ukrainian Christmas Eve (also Holy Evening), is one of the most important nights in Ukrainian Christmas traditions. Families gather to share a special dinner with 12 dishes, each one representing the 12 apostles. The meal is meatless and often includes borscht, varenyky (dumplings), kutya (a sweet wheat dish), and other delicious foods. Before the meal begins, everyone waits for the first star to appear in the sky, marking the start of the celebration. It’s a night filled with love, gratitude, and family togetherness!
Download Our Free PDF Guide
Bring the magic of Ukrainian Christmas to life with our free printable PDF! Click the button below to download A Children’s Guide to Ukrainian Christmas. Use it at Sviatyi Mykolai parties, Ukrainian Christmas celebrations, or to teach kids about these beautiful traditions at home. It’s a fun and easy way to share and celebrate your heritage!
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