6
Jan
Ukrainian Christmas Eve, celebrated on January 6th, is a special night when families gather to enjoy a big dinner together. It's a time to remember Jesus' birth. People eat 12 different dishes, but no meat is allowed. One important dish is a sweet grain pudding called "kutia." Before eating, families say prayers and sometimes sing Christmas songs. A white tablecloth is used, with hay underneath to remind them of the manger where Jesus was born. Everyone waits for the first star to appear in the sky, which symbolizes the star that led the Wise Men to Jesus.
How to celebrate Ukrainian Christmas Eve?
Celebrate Ukrainian Christmas Eve by setting up a special dinner called Sviat Vechir with your family. Prepare a big table with 12 dishes, like borscht, fish, and dumplings. Light a candle to symbolize peace. Place a piece of straw under the tablecloth to remember baby Jesus in the manger. Dress nicely and share blessings. Sing traditional Christmas songs, called carols, and enjoy time together. Leave an extra chair for unexpected guests to symbolize generosity. Finally, look for the first star in the sky before starting the feast, as it represents the Star of Bethlehem guiding the Wise Men.
Where Ukrainian Christmas Eve is celebrated?
- - International
- - Ukraine
- - Russia
- - Belarus
- - Serbia
- - Bulgaria
- - North Macedonia
- - Montenegro
- - Bosnia and Herzegovina
- - Georgia
- - Ethiopia
- - Egypt
- - Kazakhstan
- - Uzbekistan
- - Latvia
- - Lithuania
- - Poland
- - Cyprus
- - Lebanon
- - Jordan
- - Palestinian territories
- - Syria
- - Eritrea
