Tuesday, December 24, 2024 – Christmas Eve/ Святвечір – The Nativity of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Great Compline @ 9:00 p.m. the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil @ 10:00 p.m.
About certain Christmas Season celebrations or Traditions you can read on our Eparchial of Edmonton Website and Christmas Traditions: https://eeparchy.com/?=christmas+traditions
For those unfamiliar with the Ukrainian Catholic Church traditions, the Holy Supper on Christmas Eve holds a unique and significant place in Ukrainian households. In response to a query about this cherished tradition, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of the Holy Supper, its symbolic dishes, and the rich customs that accompany this festive occasion.
Diverging from typical evening meals, the Holy Supper features twelve Lenten dishes, symbolizing the twelve Apostles who gathered at the Last Supper. These dishes are meticulously prepared with vegetable shortening or cooking oil, excluding all animal fat, milk, and milk products. This dietary restriction aligns with the period of fasting leading up to Christmas Day, culminating after the midnight or morning church service on Christmas Eve.
While the basic structure of the Holy Supper is preserved, each household incorporates its unique touch. One common practice is placing straw under the tablecloth and the table itself, accompanied by a sheaf of wheat called “didukh.” Tied with a vibrant rushnik (embroidered towel), the didukh is placed on the table by the father or senior male present at the beginning of the dinner, symbolizing the gathering of the clan.
To add depth to the fasting experience, many households embrace the practice of praying with a Pylypivka wreath. This circular arrangement symbolizes the eternal nature of God, with evergreen branches representing the eternal life brought by Jesus. Candles on the wreath symbolize Christ as the light of the world, each with a specific meaning such as love, faith, and hope.
The order of dishes varies, but common elements include the prosphora (blessed at the Vigil), kutya, and twelve other meatless and dairy-free dishes such as fish, varenyky, and kapusta. A significant tradition involves leaving one place empty at the table, both in remembrance of those departed before us and in the belief that an angel might appear in the guise of a beggar.
Three loaves of bread, known as kolach, are baked and stacked with a candle in the middle, symbolizing Christ. The candle is lit during the meal blessing and remains so until the end of dinner.
The timeline of St. Philip’s Fast, leading up to Christmas Eve, includes various feasts such as the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, the Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple, and the Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Beyond the Holy Supper, additional traditions include flinging kutya on the ceiling for good luck, walking around the house three times with kutya while singing the Christmas troparion, and providing extra feed, straw, and kutya to livestock.
One enduring tradition emphasizes hospitality to those in need. Families ensure that no one spends Christmas Eve alone, inviting neighbors, friends, and anyone without family to join in the celebration. This practice is rooted in the belief that on this holy night, Mary and Joseph were given hospitality in a cave, setting an example for extending kindness to others.
Variations of the Holy Supper exist, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of Ukraine. Some families scatter straw under the table to remember the poverty of the Holy Family, while others emphasize the symbolic act of everyone wearing shoes or slippers, signifying wealth in celebrating the birth of the Savior.
In some homes, a chain wrapped around the table legs is believed to keep the abundance found on the table within the family throughout the coming New Year.
The celebration extends beyond the dinner table, with joyful caroling playing a significant role. Ukrainian Christmas songs or carols, known as koliadky and shchedrivky, are sung throughout the Christmas season, bringing festive melodies to communities.
Another lively tradition is the Vertep, a Ukrainian puppet theater that enacts the Nativity and includes merry interludes depicting secular life. Originating in the late 16th century, Vertep performances declined in the mid-19th century but have seen a revival in the 20th century as a zhyvyi ‘live’ Vertep, re-creating the traditional village performances.
In conclusion, the Holy Supper on Christmas Eve is a culmination of rich traditions, symbolic dishes, and heartfelt customs that embody the spirit of Ukrainian Christmas. It is a time of joy, reflection, and hospitality, inviting both family and strangers to share in the festive celebration of the birth of Christ. As we delve into the depths of these cherished practices, we witness the enduring cultural and spiritual significance that makes Ukrainian Christmas a truly special and meaningful occasion.
In the enchanting realm of Ukraine, where spirituality dances with mysticism and the joy of communal feasting holds profound significance, Christmas celebrations unfold as a captivating blend of rich traditions and symbolic rituals.
Ukrainians, known for their deep spiritual connection and a hearty appetite for life, bring these elements together in a harmonious symphony during the Christmas season. Christmas Eve, a day of great importance, is ushered in by a six-week lenten period commencing on the Feast of St. Philip. During this time, the air is void of pre-Christmas celebrations, and carols remain unsung until the eve of Christmas.
In a departure from the mainstream European celebration on Christmas Day, Ukrainians reserve their grand festivities for Christmas Eve, lovingly referred to as Vilia. It is a time of abundance, spirituality, and an almost magical ambiance, seamlessly weaving together pre-Christian customs, the realities of hardworking peasant life, and the essence of Christian faith.
For Ukrainian peasants, burdened by the hardships of their daily lives, Christmas becomes a respite—a time of plenty and joy. Vilia revolves around two central events: the Midnight Divine Liturgy and the holy supper, or sviatyj vechir, featuring 12 meticulously prepared meatless dishes symbolizing the 12 Apostles. Some believe these dishes mirror the 12 months of the year, echoing ancient pagan influences.
The preparations for Vilia traditionally commence before sunrise, with the father or hospodar taking center stage in crafting the most important dish, kutya. Made by boiling whole wheat until tender and combining it with honey, poppy seeds, and nuts, kutia symbolizes the people’s connection to the land, their dependence on it, and serves as a reminder of Holy Communion. Poppy seeds, regarded as a magical herb, add an extra layer of symbolism.
The culinary journey continues with the kolach, a braided circular loaf of bread representing eternity. Placed at the center of the table with a candle, borsch (beet soup) follows, setting the stage for the remaining 12 dishes, a delightful mix of fish, pyrohy (dumplings), holupchi (cabbage rolls), and traditional dishes featuring dried summer vegetables and fruits.
Beyond the culinary extravaganza, meticulous preparations unfold throughout the day. Homes receive a thorough cleaning, with no housework undertaken for the next 12 days. On farms, animals receive extra care as a gesture of appreciation for their contribution to the family’s welfare and recognition of their role as the first witnesses to the newborn Baby Jesus.
Symbolic elements such as hay under the tablecloth, straw on the floor, cloves of garlic at table corners, and an extra place setting left empty during the meal, symbolizing departed family members, reflect ancient traditions and protect against evil spirits. No one is turned away on Christmas Eve, and a candle burning in the window welcomes not only Baby Jesus but any passerby.
The didukh, a sheaf of wheat specially reserved during the harvest, takes center stage during Christmas. As the hospodar recites a prayer, the didukh, symbolizing the family’s ancestors and the bounty provided by the earth, is placed in a corner of honour. Traditionally burned on Jordan or Epiphany, it releases spirits who return to heaven.
As the magical moment approaches, the youngest child eagerly watches for the first star, reminiscent of the star over Bethlehem. Only upon spotting it does sviatyj vechir begin. A prayer is shared, followed by the traditional Christmas greeting “Christ is Born!” Kutia is served individually to each person, mimicking Holy Communion. The leisurely meal is followed by gift exchanges and carol singing, culminating in the Midnight Liturgy.
In celebrating Ukrainian Catholic Christmas traditions, it’s crucial to recognize the rich tapestry of variations that exist. Folk traditions, by nature, are diverse, and this is just one variation among many.
In essence, Ukrainian Christmas Eve is a celebration that transcends time, a delightful fusion of spirituality, symbolism, and culinary delights—a cherished journey into the heart of tradition, love, and joy.
