The Sviata Vechera or The Holy Supper begins when the children see the first star in the sky that symbolizes the trek of the three wise men.
Kolyadky are Ukrainian Christmas Carols that are sung by the family members at the end of the Sviata Vechera. Groups of young people and members of churches carry Ukrainian tradition of caroling by calling at home and collecting donations.
The church services in Ukraine begin before midnight on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morning. The people in Ukraine regard Christmas as a joyous occasion. The people visit churches and offer prayers on Christmas.
Kolach is Christmas bread that is braided into a ring. Three such rings are placed one on top of the other with a candle in the center of the top one. The three rings symbolize trinity.
One of the important Christmas traditions in Ukraine is placing the sheaf of wheat stalks that are made of mixed grain stalks under the icons in the house. | |
The sheaf of wheat stalks is called the didukh meaning grandfather. Tradition has it that in Ukraine the stalks of wheat symbolize all the ancestors in the family and their spirits reside in it during the Christmas celebrations.
The Christmas Eve supper has twelve courses. Each course according to the Christian tradition is dedicated to one of Christ’s Apostles. All these courses are meatless as there is a period required by the church till Christmas. The main Christmas celebration in Ukraine is on January 7th. Boh predvichny is one of the most popular Christmas carol. It means God eternal.
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