Ukrainian Christmas - Kolach
Photo by Christina Pikas, Flickr

Not everyone has celebrated Christmas, yet. The, mostly Eastern European, Orthodox Christians are looking forward to January 7^th, the day they celebrate Christmas–according to the Julian calendar. Different countries, even different regions have different traditions. Ukrainian fits this mold.

Some Ukrainian Christmas customs have historical roots reaching back to the Neolithic Era and are connected with the agricultural way of life of their ancestors. After the official introduction of Christianity, many of these customs have been accepted by the Church, and adapted to the spirit of the Christian religion.

The most important and colourful part of these traditions and festivities happens on Christmas Eve, which revolves around the gathering of family, the commemoration of the ancestors and the religious observation  of Jesus Christ’s birth.

For the Christmas Eve Supper, the table is strewn with a small handful of hay in memory of Christ’s birth in a manger and over it is spread the very best tablecloth adorned with richly decorated embroidery.

The central table decoration is what is a called a Kolach – fancy braided bread. This word means round or circular and it is the symbol of the sun and eternity.

The Christmas Eve “Holy Supper” itself consists of twelve meatless dishes which are prepared with vegetable oil. The main dish is Kutya, is served first and it is cooked from whole wheat with honey and ground poppy seeds, which symbolizes the “fertility of God’s nature.” This is a ritual dish which has an ancient symbolic and agricultural meaning, while at the same time reflecting the continuance of family unity. Kutya symbolizes peace, prosperity and good health.

Everything starts at dusk. Typically the mother calls the children to look and see if the first star has appeared in the evening sky. The star is the first sign and call to the “Holy Supper.”   Then the father comes into the house and offers his good wishes to his family.

From then on the family gathers around the table and begins their meal. As they eat carolers come in and sing Christmas songs. After the singers are done they collect donations from the father, thank the family and continue on their merry way, leaving the family to celebrate on their own.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because many North American Christmas traditions derive from the very festivities happening in Orthodox homes all over the world in the next couple of days.

Somewhere around the world, it’s Christmas.