For Ukrainians, Christmas is one of the most important holidays of the year. Ukrainian Christmas festivities begin on Christmas Eve (January 6) and conclude on the Feast of the Epiphany (January 19) following the Julian calendar.
The Christmas Eve Supper or Svyata Vecherya (Holy Supper) brings the family together to partake in Lenten foods and begins the traditional holiday celebrations. The customs of Christmas Eve are dedicated to God, to the welfare of the family and to the remembrance of one’s ancestors.
In preparation for Svyata Vecherya, the floor is covered with straw and fresh hay is placed upon the table. This is to recall the birth of Christ, born in the stable and laid in a manager. A white or embroidered table cloth is then spread over the table. A didukh (sheaf of wheat stalks) which means “grandfather,”', ' is placed in the corner under religious icons as a sign of a prosperous harvest and the gathering of the family.
A kolach (special loaf of bread) is placed on the table with a lit beeswax candle placed in its center. This is to remind the family of the Star of Bethlehem. The kolach is braided from three rings of dough symbolizing the Holy Trinity and is circular in form representing eternity.
The departed of the family are remembered on this day by the placing of an extra table setting. The extra setting is also there as a reminder that a passing stranger is welcome. The Holy Supper cannot begin until the appearance of the first star in the eastern sky. It is the role of the children to search the night sky for the first star as well as decorate the Christmas tree.
Once the star has been seen, the didukh is positioned in its place of honor by the head of the household and everyone gathers at the table. The head of the household raises a spoonful of kutia (cooked wheat, ground poppy seeds and honey) asks for God’s blessing on his family and extends his best wishes and greetings with “Khrystos Rodyvsya” (Christ is born). Everyone replies “SlavimoYoho” (Let us glorify Him). The partaking of the kutia is the most symbolic ritual of the entire Svyata Vecherya and everyone must have at least a spoonful.
The meal itself consists of twelve meatless dishes symbolizing Christ’s twelve apostles. During the supper it is customary for carolers to enter the home and wish the family happiness and blessings of the Infant Child by the singing of traditional carols (Koliady).