In Ukraine, the Eve of Theophany, known as Schedry Vechir (Generous Evening), is a joyous occasion, often referred to as “Small Christmas” due to its festive spirit and many similarities to Christmas Eve. On this evening, families gather for a special meal featuring twelve meatless dishes, symbolizing the twelve Apostles or the twelve months of the year. This meal reflects both spiritual and cultural traditions, with dishes prepared from humble, natural ingredients like grains, vegetables, and honey, embodying the spirit of fasting and anticipation. Central to the celebration is the blessing of the water, a sacred tradition where holy water, sanctified during the Vespers service, is used to bless the meal, the home, and the faithful. The water is believed to carry divine grace, bringing purification and blessings for the year ahead. The dishes are often adorned with straw crosses, symbolizing Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River and His redemptive mission. The evening is filled with caroling (shchedrivky) and joyful fellowship, as families celebrate not only the preparation for the feast of Theophany but also the spiritual renewal that Christ’s baptism brings to all creation. The next day, on Theophany itself, the blessing of the water takes place outside, often at rivers or bodies of water, symbolizing the actual baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. This outdoor blessing is a grand and communal event, contrasting with the intimate and indoor blessings held the night before. Schedry Vechir is a time for reflection, joy, and a deep sense of community, as families gather in gratitude and hope for the blessings of the coming year.
In Eastern Christian traditions, particularly within the Eastern Orthodox and Greek Catholic Churches, the Blessing of the Water on the Eve of the Feast of Theophany (January 5th) is an integral part of the liturgical observance. The Theophany itself celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, which is considered a manifestation (or “epiphany”) of the Holy Trinity: the Father (God’s voice from heaven), the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit (the dove).
The Blessing of the Water on the eve of Theophany (January 5th) holds several theological and liturgical significance:
1. Preliminary Purification
- The practice reflects a symbolic preparation for the feast of the Theophany itself. By blessing the water, the Church symbolically prepares the faithful to receive Christ’s blessing and grace, much like the waters of the Jordan were sanctified by Christ’s own baptism.
- The water becomes a means of spiritual renewal and purification. It signifies the renewal of creation and the sanctification of the world through Christ’s baptism.
2. Liturgical Timing
- In many liturgical traditions, evening services are considered as part of the beginning of the next day’s feast. This is why the Eve of Theophany is marked by the Blessing of the Water. It is seen as a way of welcoming the feast in anticipation, as the liturgical day begins the evening before.
- The evening liturgy, called Vespers, includes the Blessing of the Water. This blessing is tied to the theological understanding that on the Eve of Theophany, the waters of creation are set apart to be sanctified in preparation for the following day’s feast.
3. Symbolic Role of Water
- In Christian theology, water holds deep significance. Water is a symbol of life, purification, and regeneration. Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River symbolizes the sanctification of all creation, and the Church uses the blessing of water as a way of invoking divine grace upon the faithful and the world.
- The Blessing of the Water on the Eve of Theophany is a reminder of the divine transformation of ordinary water into a sacred means of grace, echoing the spiritual renewal that baptism brings to believers.
4. Historical and Liturgical Tradition
- Historically, the practice likely developed to mirror Christ’s own baptism on the feast day. By blessing the water on the eve of the feast, the Church emphasizes the connection between the actual event of Christ’s baptism and the sanctification of the faithful through water.
- It also allows the faithful to take home blessed water, which they may use throughout the year for personal blessings, spiritual renewal, and healing.
In conclusion, the Blessing of the Water on the Eve of Theophany serves multiple purposes: it prepares the faithful for the feast of Theophany, sanctifies creation, and offers a tangible means for the faithful to receive God’s grace through water. It is deeply embedded in the Eastern Christian liturgical and theological context, emphasizing Christ’s role in the renewal and sanctification of the world.
This tradition, while common in Eastern Christianity, holds particular importance in Ukrainian culture, especially in relation to the Eve of Theophany and its connection to the blessing of water and the meal. Let’s now focus on the Ukrainian context, including the name Schedry Vechir, and its deeper significance.
Ukrainian Tradition: Schedry Vechir and “Small Christmas”
In Ukraine, the Eve of Theophany (January 5th) is traditionally referred to as “Schedry Vechir” (Седрий вечір), which translates to “Generous Evening” or “Bountiful Evening.” This is a festive, joyful occasion that includes many elements of Ukrainian customs and is closely linked to the celebration of Theophany, though it also draws upon aspects of the Christmas traditions.
Schedry Vechir has earned the nickname of “Small Christmas” in some parts of Ukraine because it shares many similarities with Christmas Eve (which is celebrated on January 6th, according to the Julian calendar). The reason for calling it “Small Christmas” is due to the joyous, feast-like atmosphere that mirrors the anticipation and joy of Christmas. Just like Christmas Eve in Ukraine (which is called Svyat Vechir or Holy Supper), Schedry Vechir marks a spiritual time of preparation, thanksgiving, and family togetherness. However, unlike Christmas Eve, Schedry Vechir specifically anticipates the feast of Theophany and celebrates the manifestation of the Holy Trinity through Christ’s baptism.
Key Traditions on Schedry Vechir
- Twelve Meatless Dishes:
- Much like Christmas Eve, Schedry Vechir also features twelve meatless dishes. These dishes, symbolizing the twelve Apostles (or, depending on interpretation, the twelve months of the year), are prepared with humble, traditional ingredients—grains, vegetables, borscht, and mushrooms, and often a special dish like kutya (a wheat-based dish with honey and poppy seeds).
- The twelve dishes represent both spiritual completeness (through the Twelve Apostles) and a connection to the cycle of the year, marking the passage of time and the renewal that comes through Christ’s presence.
- Blessing of the Water (Holy Water) on Schedry Vechir:
- Ukrainian tradition places great importance on the Blessing of the Water on the eve of Theophany. The blessed water is used not only during the Vespers and divine services but also in the home during the Schedry Vechir meal. Just as I mentioned before, this water becomes a means of spiritual renewal. It is often sprinkled over the dishes, the home, and sometimes the members of the household, seeking God’s blessing and protection for the upcoming year.
- Ukrainians believe that the blessed water holds divine power and is a way to invite God’s grace into the home, aligning with the broader theological meaning of the feast, which emphasizes renewal and sanctification through Christ’s baptism.
- Straw Crosses and Decorations:
- On Schedry Vechir, Ukrainians also decorate the dishes with straw crosses, which are a significant symbol of Christ’s baptism and sacrifice. These crosses are typically made from wheat straw, which is sacred in Ukrainian culture, as it represents the harvest and God’s provision.
- The crosses are a way of connecting the Eve of Theophany with Christ’s redemptive mission—His baptism in the Jordan River and His death on the cross. The symbolic use of these crosses also connects the joy of the feast to the deeper understanding of Christ’s salvific mission.
- Caroling and Festivity:
- In Ukraine, Schedry Vechir is also a time for caroling (called “koliadky” or “shchedrivky”), and often young people visit homes, singing songs of joy and blessing. The carols are an expression of the joyous anticipation of the feast and the arrival of God’s revelation through the baptism of Christ.
- This tradition of caroling on Schedry Vechir is a way of sharing happiness, extending blessings, and reinforcing community bonds.
Why “Small Christmas”?
- The term “Small Christmas” (or “Little Christmas”) is not an official liturgical name, but it reflects the similarities between Schedry Vechir and the Christmas Eve traditions in Ukraine.
- Both occasions include twelve dishes, prayerful meals, and a focus on family and community. However, Schedry Vechir specifically anticipates Theophany (the Baptism of Christ) and centers on the baptismal blessing of the waters.
- The idea of “small” is also linked to the humble nature of the meal itself, as well as the joyful and celebratory mood that mirrors the Christmas Eve feast.
Incorporating Theophany Water into the Meal and Traditions
- As with many other Eastern Christian traditions, the blessed water is more than just a ritual element; it plays an important role in the spiritual life of the family. After the water is blessed at church, families might take it home and sprinkle it over the food, or even drink it, believing it will bring blessings for the year to come.
- It’s also customary to dip bread or other food items into the blessed water, seeking to receive the spiritual grace and blessings Christ offers. This act brings a sense of renewal to both the home and the soul.
Conclusion: Schedry Vechir and Theophany
In Ukrainian tradition, Schedry Vechir (or “Small Christmas”) is a beloved and joyful celebration that shares many customs with Christmas Eve but centers around the anticipation of Theophany and the Blessing of the Water. The twelve meatless dishes, straw crosses, caroling, and the use of the blessed water reflect a deep connection to spiritual renewal, the baptismal mystery, and the manifestation of God’s presence through Christ’s baptism.
This evening, marked by festivity, is also a time for spiritual reflection, as the faithful look forward to celebrating the feast of Theophany—a celebration of God’s revelation and the sanctification of creation through Christ. The name “Small Christmas” beautifully captures the essence of this moment of joyful anticipation that, like Christmas itself, prepares the hearts of the faithful for a deeper encounter with the divine.
