Christmas Traditions in Ukraine
In Ukraine, on December 25th, Christians celebrate Christmas, which is a significant event for many.
This day marks the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, a key event in Christian faith. Christmas is recognized as an official holiday in over 100 countries worldwide.
According to biblical accounts, the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus during a census in Bethlehem. Due to the crowd, Mary and Joseph could not find a place to stay and settled in a stable. At the moment of the Savior's birth, the Bethlehem star appeared in the sky, guiding the wise men who brought gifts to the newborn Jesus. Christians commemorate this event annually by gathering for festive services.
The evening before Christmas, known as Christmas Eve, is the last day of the Christmas fast. Traditionally, the fast ends with the appearance of the first evening star. A lit candle is placed on the festive table, and 12 meatless dishes are prepared, each of which people are encouraged to taste. The main dish is kutya.
On Christmas Eve, families usually come together, singing carols. Christmas morning begins with the traditional greeting: "Christ is born!" to which the response is: "Glorify Him!".
This year, Ukraine officially celebrates Christmas on December 25 for the third time. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church transitioned to the revised Julian calendar on September 1, 2023, which means that most fixed church holidays are now celebrated 13 days earlier than on the Julian calendar.
Most Orthodox churches around the world, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, use the revised Julian calendar. However, the Julian calendar is still observed by churches such as the Russian, Serbian, Georgian, and Jerusalem Orthodox Churches. Some believers in Ukraine will continue to celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar on January 7.
In July 2023, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law changing the dates of state holidays, under which January 7 is no longer a public holiday, and December 25 has been officially established as the date for Christmas celebrations.
