About the book
When the first star rises on Christmas Eve, a Ukrainian family gathers for Sviata Vechera — the Holy Supper of twelve meatless dishes, beginning with kutia. Carols (koliadky) move from house to house, hay is laid beneath the tablecloth, and a sheaf of wheat — the didukh — stands in the place of honour.
Christmas in Ukraine opens the door on these traditions: the dishes, the carols, the didukh and the famous legend of the Christmas spider. A warm, illustrated guide to one of the most beautiful holidays in Ukrainian culture, for families near and far from home.
Traditions inside
The customs that make a Ukrainian Christmas.
The Holy Supper
Sviata Vechera — the Christmas Eve dinner that begins when the first star appears.
The 12 Dishes
Twelve meatless dishes — one for each apostle — with sweet kutia served first.
Carols (Koliadky)
Carolers who travel house to house, often carrying a bright star.
The Didukh
The sheaf of wheat that honours the family’s ancestors and the harvest.
The Christmas Spider
The gentle legend behind why Ukrainians decorate the tree with shimmering webs.
- Publisher
- Mountain Mill Editorial
- Series
- Ukrainian Heritage
- Languages
- English, Ukrainian, Spanish