Ukrainian traditions of celebrating Christmas go back to pre-christian times and have a lot of magic. Dishes of the Holy Supper are very special as they all are meatless (it is still Advent)
2.
Christmas in Ukraine is
celebrated on the 6th of
January. It is necessary to
decorate the house, to
send congratulations to
the relatives and friends,
and to prepare a festive
table. It is a family holiday,
when the close people are
sitting at the holiday table,
sharing good wishes and
singing Christmas songs
(kolyadky).
3.
The table on Christmas Eve is not just dinner on
Christmas Eve . 12 meatless dishes that are
traditionally cooked for dinner (symbolizing 12
apostles) provide a full range of vitamins and
minerals.
Only after the appearance of the first star ,
bearing good news , family sits at the festive
table. Although it consists of meatless dishes it
really looks great.
4.
Kutya is one of the
main Christmas dishes
Based on wheat,
barley or rice with
adding raisins, grated
nuts, honey and
stewed fruit.
5.
Christmas uzvar is
traditionally prepared for
kutya.
Actually, dried fruit
compote was formerly one
of the most traditional
drinks. It can be prepared
in summer with fresh
berries, in autumn, winter
and spring dried cherries,
apples, pears, apricots, etc.
6.
Traditionally, the salad is
prepared with cooked
(potatoes, beets, carrots,
beans), raw (onions and
parsley) and pickled or
salted (cucumber) fruit
Vegetables cut into cubes
are mixed and dressed with
vinegar, spices and oil.