Christmas in Ukraine

Every year, on January 7th, the Ukraine celebrates Christmas.  Their

celebrations are centered around Sviata Vechera, which means “Holy Supper” in English.  This celebration starts when the children see the first evening star in the eastern sky; the significance of the star is the symbolism of the journey of the 3 Wise Men who journeyed by following a star.

After the father says the prayer, he says, “Khristos rodyvsya!”, which means “Christ is born!” in English.  The family responds with “Slavite Yoho!”, or “Let us glorify Him!”  At the end of the Sviata Vechera, the family sings Ukrainian Christmas carols called “Kolyadky.”  Some even go caroling around to peoples’ homes.

The Ukrainian Santa is called “Father Frost”.  He visits and leaves the children gifts, but his sleigh is pulled by only three reindeer.  He is accompanied by a little girl called “Snowflake Girl”.  She is dressed in a silvery-blue gown with a white fur trim.  A crown in the shape of a snowflake is worn on her head.