Remember the thrill of Ukrainian Christmas as a child? The scent of kutya wafting through the air, the anticipation of Sviaty Mykolai’s visit, and the joyous carols echoing in the frosty night. Join us on a heart-warming exploration of Ukrainian Christmas traditions, where each festive moment unfolds like cherished memories of yesteryears.
When is Christmas in Ukraine celebrated?
Коли святкувати Різдво: 25 грудня чи 7 січня?
In the past, Christmas in Ukraine was always celebrated in January: The Holy Evening (Святий Вечір) took place on the 6th, and Christmas Day (Різдво Христове) on the 7th. However, from September 1, 2023, both the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church switched to the new calendar. This means that now most holidays are celebrated 13 days earlier.
Following the adoption of the new calendar, День Святого Миколая will now fall on 6 December, Святий Вечір on 24 December, and Різдво Христове on the 25th. For a more in depth look at the date changes, you can view our blog post and updated calendar here.
St Nicholas Day
День Святого Миколая
Unlike gift giving in most western countries, well-behaved Ukrainian children will receive a Christmas gift a few weeks prior to Christmas Day – on St Nicholas Day!
Traditionally falling on December 19, but now on December 6, this day typically marks the beginning of the festive period for most Ukrainian families. Святий Миколай (Sviaty Mykolai) visits the children on the evening before, and leaves a gift under their pillow.
Christmas Eve
Святий Вечір
Святий Вечір (Holy Evening) is the Ukrainian version of Christmas Eve, and one of the most important family holidays. This holiday is highly symbolic in Ukrainian culture, with the celebration beginning once the first star has been spotted in the sky.
Ukrainians traditionally cook 12 meat and dairy free festive dishes to represent the 12 disciples.
The meal begins when the children see the first star in the sky, symbolising the journey of the Three Wise Men.
Christmas Day
Різдво Христове
Christmas Day in Ukraine is known as Різдво Христове [Rizdvo Chrystove] which means “The Birth of Christ”, or simply just as Різдво.
On the morning of December 25 there is a special greeting: «Христос народився!» – Christ is Born! To which the response is «Славімо його!» – “Let us glorify Him!”
'Old' New Year - Malanka
Маланка
Маланка, sometimes called Щедрий вечір (generous evening) or ‘Old New Year’, is a traditional Ukrainian holiday signifying New Year in the Julian Calendar. This festive occasion marks the end of the winter holiday season. Participants engage in a colourful and spirited procession, donning elaborate costumes that often include masks and whimsical outfits representing various characters from Ukrainian folklore. Malanka is characterised by vibrant music, energetic dancing, and the clinking of glasses as revellers come together to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with enthusiasm and merriment.
Food is important at Malanka, as it is believed that the greater variety of dishes the more generous the coming year will be. Just like at Sviaty Vechir, one of the most symbolic dishes for Malanka is Кутя [Kutya]. Baked goods are also of a high significance, with the belief that the more golden the bake, the more happiness you will have in the New Year.
The Baptism of the Lord
Хрещення Господнє
The Baptism of Jesus Christ is the final major holiday of the Christmas-New Year cycle for Orthodox and Greek Catholic Christians, taking place on January 19. Folk celebrations held on the day of Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord are called Водохреще [vodochreshche], a Water Baptism. This holiday absorbed many pagan and Christian rites, the central place among which is occupied by rites related to water.
On this day, people throughout the country will go swimming or take baths. They use the ice holes on the rivers for water consecration during the frosty weather.
Ukrainian Christmas Traditions
Традиції святкування Різдва в Україні
Within the celebratory days mentioned above, there are several Ukrainian Christmas traditions that are interwoven into the festivities.
The Didukh | Дідух
The Didukh is a highly symbolic Ukrainian Christmas decoration – and one of the oldest – which is made with wheat stalks from the autumn harvest.
“Didukh” literally means Grandfather’s spirit & it is believed that the spirits of the household’s ancestors reside in didukh during the holidays.
The sheath is brought inside & placed under religious icons on the evening of the 6th, usually after the first star is seen in the sky. It remains inside for the whole Christmas period until the Malanka celebrations take place, when it is burnt on a bonfire. The talisman also protects the household from any unkind spirits or evil, as goes the saying “Didukh goes into the house, trouble goes out of the house.”
Carolling | Колядування
Christmas Carols, Колядки, are a major part of Ukrainian Christmas celebrations. Carolling begins on Святий Вечір and typically continues for the following two weeks.
Traditionally, a group of carol singers travel from door to door singing, and it is customary to treat the carollers and give them money. The group leader carries a large bag for gifts and donations, while another member holds a large star resembling the Star of Bethlehem.
Vertep | Вертеп
Vertep is a Ukrainian Christmas portable puppet theatre and drama, which presents the Nativity and other scenes. In the past, the nativity scene was a two-tiered box – representing Heaven & Earth – performed using puppets. Today it can also be a live Nativity scene accompanied with carols, with both actors and children taking part.
Connecting Generations: Share Your Ukrainian Christmas Tales
Зв'язок поколінь: Поділіться своїми українськими різдвяними казками
There are so many different traditions associated with Ukrainian Christmas festivities, some possibly handed down through generations within your own family. The preservation of both Ukrainian and family traditions holds significant importance, especially in today’s context. It’s also a fun way to celebrate and remember your heritage!
Why not try lighting a candle on the windowsill to remember lost ones, cooking some Ukrainian dishes, or listening to some traditional Ukrainian carols over this festive period?
Connect with our team at Little Ukrainian Blog and let your stories become part of the rich tapestry of Ukrainian heritage!
