On December 25, Ukraine officially celebrates Christmas for the third time — one of the greatest and most solemn Christian holidays, established in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. This is a state holiday celebrated by over 100 countries worldwide.
After the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church transitioned to the New Julian calendar on September 1, 2023, the dates of Orthodox and Catholic Christmas coincide. The Verkhovna Rada adopted a law in July 2023 changing the dates of state holidays, according to which January 7 is no longer a holiday, and December 25 was established as the official date for celebrating Christmas.
Biblical history and symbolism
According to the Gospel, the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ in Bethlehem during a population census. Due to the city's overcrowding, Mary and Joseph could not find lodging and stayed in a stable, next to livestock. At the moment of the Savior's birth, the Star of Bethlehem shone in the sky, which showed the way to the wise men from the East.
Now, at the place of Christ's birth, a 14-pointed silver star is installed as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem. The cave also contains the Altar of the Nativity and the Chapel of the Manger. This shrine is accessible to pilgrims from around the world.
Celebration traditions
On Christmas Eve, Christians observe Holy Evening — the final day of the Christmas fast. By tradition, the fast ends with the appearance of the first evening star in the sky. In Ukrainian folk tradition, a lit candle is placed on the festive table and 12 Lenten dishes are served, each of which is customary to taste. The main dish of Holy Evening is kutia.
Christmas morning begins with the traditional greeting: "Christ is born!", to which they reply: "Glory to Him!". According to ancient folk tradition, carol singers visit homes, glorify Christ and the hosts, and receive treats in return. It is believed that this tradition helps protect the home from evil and attract prosperity to it.
Prohibitions and omens
During this holiday, there have long been strict prohibitions: one must not curse and swear, engage in heavy work or household chores. According to folk beliefs, it is forbidden to take out garbage or do cleaning — otherwise you will carry out or sweep away luck and prosperity. It is also not advisable to visit cemeteries, go hunting or fishing.
According to an omen, a man should be the first to enter the house — then there will be peace and harmony in the family. The brightest omen of the day: if it snows on Christmas, the year will be prosperous in every sense.
Calendar features
Some believers in Ukraine will still celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar on January 7. The New Julian calendar is now used by most Orthodox churches worldwide, including the Patriarchate of Constantinople. At the same time, the Russian, Serbian, Georgian, and Jerusalem Orthodox churches adhere to the Julian calendar.
Historians believe that Jesus was born between 6 and 4 BC, and the date of December 25 is connected to ancient winter solstice celebrations and the Roman festival of the sun god Sol.
