2. Traditions
of
celebrating
Christmas go back
to the pre-Christian
times and have
many unique
customs and rituals
The most important
thing – it has always
been a family
holiday!
4. But
still in many
regions, especially in
the west and north
the main decoration
of the Holy Eve is
DIDUKH – a sheaf of
wheat or rye, put at
the holiday table or in
the corner under the
icons
5. Many
families
follow the old
tradition to
prepare 12
meatless dishes
and to sit at the
table when the
first star appears
in the sky.
6. Many
religious
people especially
in the villages
even don’t eat
anything till the
supper time.
In such a way they
show their
appreciation to
the important
event
7. The main dish of
the Holy Supper is
kutia.
It is prepared of
wheat and raisins,
nuts, poppy seeds
and fruit.
8. In
many parts of
Ukraine there is a
tradition to share
kutya with
domestic animals
like cows, horses
and sheep as they
were the first to
see little Jesus…
9.
10. One
of the most
amazing traditions
is singing
Christmas carols.
These are usually
children who start
caroling since
early morning on
the 6th of January
11. Children
gather in
groups and wear
old clothes
dramatizing the
scenes from the
Bible.
These groups are
called Vertep.
