Christmas - one of the most important holidays for Ukrainians. Each family has its own traditions of celebrating Christmas, as well as each region. What are the customs and traditions in different regions of Ukraine?
All regions have a common tradition: on the table served kutyu and uzvar, adults and children singing carols. But there are many differences in the celebration of Christmas Eve and Christmas. Of course, historically the most tradition survived in Western Ukraine.
Transcarpathia
Christmas Eve here called Karatchoun, This name was preserved with paganism. A Christmas loaf of bread, which is baked mistress of the house for the holiday, also called Karatchoun. By tradition, the preparation Karachun no one except the hostess, should not it be in the home.
For the holiday table on Christmas Eve sit down with the first star. In mountainous areas, the main dish of the table - kutya, other parts - bobalki - it is baked and steamed-cooked dough, sprinkle with poppy seeds and nuts. Besides it decided to put on the table and lean pancakes "galambets" - sausage made of corn porridge with fried onions.
On the windowsill owners of the house left a glass of wine with a slice of bread - thus inviting the dead to the meal.
Volyn
On Christmas Eve, the first meal to begin the landlord. If within one year before the birth of the family who had died, he put a separate plate on the table. After a meal, food is not clean, thus invite souls of the dead at the table. On Christmas Eve caroling is not accepted, but the children have to bring the cross dinner.
skirts
On the skirts of the Holy Supper begins with the fact that the head of the family fills in Didukh house - a prototype of a straw god Kolyada, which has been preserved since pagan times. It is put before the icon in the corner. On the floor a little scatter straw. On the festive table must put 12 dishes on the window left a glass of water and a slice of bread.
Halychyna
Halychyna on the table necessarily served 12 dishes, among them will be dumplings with potatoes, cabbage or mushrooms, cabbage with beans, fish, donuts. Before you sit down, a senior member of the family prays. In addition, all family members should be divided church prosphora. Everyone eats a piece, wishing all good.
marshy woodlands
There is not served 12 dishes. We put on the table as many meals as we could. Once in Polesie on Christmas Eve dish up the so-called "naked soup." His cooked porcini diluted cabbage ferment. On the table, put the dumplings with potatoes, wheat, beans. On the edges of the table left of the head of garlic. It was believed that they do not let the evil spirits to the meal. Dead relatives after a meal left on kutyu table, which was covered with bread.
You will also be interested to know 12 Christmas carols in Ukrainian and Russian language (text and video).
Picture text: istockphoto.com
