Christmas Celebrations: Traditions and Changes in Ukraine
In Ukraine, on December 25, the majority of Christians celebrate Christmas. This holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.
Christmas is a significant event celebrated in over a hundred countries around the world.
According to the Gospel, Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus during a census, and due to the lack of lodging, she and Joseph stayed in a stable. At that moment, the Bethlehem star appeared, guiding the wise men to the newborn. This event is honored with solemn services every year.
The day before Christmas, Christians observe Christmas Eve, marking the last day of fasting. Traditionally, the fast concludes with the appearance of the first evening star. A lit candle and 12 meatless dishes are placed on the festive table, each of which is sampled. The main dish is kutya.
On Christmas Eve, families usually gather together, and carols are sung. 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 new Julian calendar on September 1, 2023, meaning most fixed church holidays are now celebrated 13 days earlier.
The new Julian calendar is used by most Orthodox churches worldwide, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Meanwhile, some churches such as the Russian and Serbian Orthodox churches continue to follow the Julian calendar. Therefore, some believers in Ukraine will 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, establishing December 25 as the official date for celebrating Christmas, while January 7 is no longer a holiday.
