Khrystos Rodyvsha (Christ is Born!). Slavim Yoho (Let us Glorify Him!).
For many, the Christmas celebrations have come to a close but, for those following the Julian calendar, Jan. 6 is Christmas Eve.
The traditional Ukrainian celebration features a variety of symbolic items placed throughout the dining area. Hay is placed underneath the embroidered tablecloth to represent the Christ's birth in the manger. A sheaf of wheat, didukh, can be found in the homes of agricultural communities to symbolize the family's ancestors and the importance of the wheat crops that have been the staff of life throughout history. In urban homes, stalks of wheat are arranged in a vase to represent the sheaf.
The traditional holy supper, Sviata Vechera, is begun at the sighting of the first star, which symbolizes the historic trek of the three wise men to see the newborn son of God. The head of the household leads the family in the recitation of the Lord's Prayer, followed by a blessing.
The supper breaks the nativity fast and consists of 12 meatless dishes symbolic of the 12 apostles who gathered with Jesus at the Last Supper. No meat, eggs or milk (including cheese) are permitted during the supper. Fish, mushrooms and various types of grain are the main offerings. Poppy seeds are used for Christmas Eve dishes as they symbolize abundance and prosperity.
This is considered a sacred meal by all Ukrainians following the tradition. A traditional Ukrainian bread called Kolach is placed in the centre of the dining table. This bread is braided into a ring and three rings are placed one on top of the other with a candle in the center of the top one. The three rings symbolize the Trinity.
The meal begins with traditional kutia, a combination of wheat, honey and poppy seed followed by other dishes such as borscht, pickled herring, fish, holubtsi or cabbage rolls with rice and buckwheat, pyrohy or perogies with sauerkraut and potato, mushroom sauce, cooked dried peas or beans, pampushky or buns with filling, kolachi or bread, poppy seed roll and the meal concludes with stewed dried fruit.
The evening is spent socializing and singing traditional carols including Boh Predvichny (God Eternal) which is an all-time favourite carol.
