Get access to the resource library for free printables, resource guides and more!

Jonesin' For Taste

Exploring the world one easy recipe at a time

  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Podcast
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Gallery
    • Cooking With Kids
    • Food Explorers
    • Bake Like Mary
  • DIY & Crafts
    • Crafts
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Printables
    • Holiday Crafts
  • Shop
  • Travel
  • Family Activities
Home » Podcast » 15: Christmas Traditions in Ukraine

January 7, 2021 / Updated January 14, 2021 / By Jade

15: Christmas Traditions in Ukraine

This post contains affiliate links where I earn a small fee when purchases are made through these links. For more info see my disclosure policy.
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard
  • Mix
a picture of Kateryna with a text graphic below with the podcast title

Learn about the rich cultural traditions for Christmas in Ukraine. Kateryna shares about what kinds of foods you will find at Sviata Vecheria (Christmas Eve) dinner, the beautiful tradition of Schedryi Vechir (Caroling), and some of the religious symbolism of their traditions. 

a picture of Kateryna with a text graphic below with the podcast title

Ukraine has been separated from Russia for over 20 years but Kateryna expressed how misconceptions about Ukraine being part of Russia and general misunderstandings about Ukraine led to her desire to be an ambassador of her country. 

Since Ukraine follows the Gregorian Calendar, their Christmas festivities run from January 6th to the 7th. Whenever you decide to celebrate Christmas you can learn about their traditions and foods.

Once you have listened to the podcast, take a virtual field trip with your family to learn a little more about Ukrainian Christmas.

Table of contents

  • Christmas food traditions for Sviata Vecheria
  • Schedryi Vechir
  • Other episodes you may like
  • Listen to this episode
  • Show notes links

Christmas food traditions for Sviata Vecheria

Borscht and holubtsi are very well known dishes from Ukraine.  Although they are made at Christmas time, there are also many other dishes.  There is also a perception that Ukrainian dishes are all based around pork or fish, but this is not the case.  

Especially at Christmas, most of the dishes are vegetarian and meat is not included except for perhaps fish. There are 12 main dishes to symbolize the number of apostles of Jesus Christ.  


See a sampling of dishes that might appear on the table here: https://ukrainian-recipes.com/12-traditional-meals-for-sviat-vechir-ukrainian-christmas-eve.html

Or here https://ukrainian-recipes.com/fasting-dishes-in-the-ukrainian-cuisine.html?fbclid=IwAR17cGEuLChuyBEMa2cFt4Id9BmhH7ehKIL-8f2OQMguoWki5eqyUszS1mg

Pies are also popular desserts served at Christmas.  There is also a type of cinnamon roll without icing but instead of cinnamon sugar filling, itś poppy seed.

The most important dish of Christmas is Kutia.  It is a very simple but nourishing dish consisting of grains, poppy seeds and honey without any fat or any special ingredients.  Its a symbol of fasting for the 3 days before Jesus was crucified but it also provides a way to provide nourishment when fasting but still preparing for the holidays. 

Christmas Eve is a chance for all of the family to come together. Although family gatherings were not such a challenge in the past, as families become more spread out, the Christmas Eve dinner is a chance for the whole family to gather and talk and visit together.

Want to raise children who appreciate other cultures?

Signup to receive the guide “How To Teach Your Children About Other Cultures” for resources and so much more.

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Schedryi Vechir

There is no direct translation for Schedryi Vechir which is a special performance and caroling that has some similarities to American Trick or Treating where participants visit from house to house.

Koliada, caroling, is a tradition that now mainly happens in villages and has been forgotten in the cities. Although kolyaduvannya used to be done only by adults, it is now often done by children. Participants who are dressed up walk from house to house singing carols and offering greetings and well wishes for the new year and role playing the Nativity story.  In return, listeners offer small gifts of money, food, or candy. 

One of the most popular songs is one you might be familiar with. The famous Christmas carol, Carol of the Bells, is a Ukrainian folk song. In its original Ukraine it tells the story of a swallow who visits a family and tells them of all the bounty they will have. New lyrics were written by an American composer and the song was popularized around the world.

Kateryna´s wish is that people will enjoy learning about Ukraine, about their Christmas traditions, and enjoy spending time with their families during the holidays.

Thank you for joining me on this journey! Happy exploring!

Other episodes you may like

  • Celebrating Kwanzaa
  • Celebrating Day of the Dead
  • Exploring Hawaiian Culture
a collage with a photo of a Ukrainian Christmas ornament text graphic at the bottom calling for people to subscribe to the podcast

Listen to this episode

Show notes links

Join the Jonesin’ For Taste community on Instagram where we talk about food, cultural traditions, life as an expat and so much more.

Additional learning for families: Ukrainian Christmas Virtual Field Trip For Kids

Read more about Ukrainian Christmas traditions: https://ukrainianpeople.us/ukrainian-christmas-traditions/

https://ukrainian-recipes.com/why-should-you-celebrate-christmas-with-your-family-12-lean-ukrainian-dishes-for-christmas-eve-and-10-interesting-old-christmas-traditions.html?fbclid=IwAR2ZJjzO3Sfbt-VSpDxYsAHRmK6kFWx5XaOvTK1bDnd7JRfgwxC3EItbsv0

https://tusib.org/language/en/christmas-in-ukraine-is-celebrating-january-7/

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard
  • Mix

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Ukraine

« Ukrainian Christmas Virtual Field Trip For Kids
Sweet Potato Honey Cornbread Muffins »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

About Me

I’m a mom to 4 very busy world explorers and budding chefs. My blog is inspired by my mixed heritage and the many places my family has lived so far (4 states and 2 countries).

I help families learn about new people and places from around the world through food, travel, and education. I empower families to look beyond their comfort zone and embrace the diverse world around them. Read More…

a tablet with an ebook and a text graphic saying available now

Easy Slow Cooker Meals

Butternut squash, apples, fresh cranberries, and a pork roast combine together in the slow cooker for a perfect fall roast.

Slow Cooker Harvest Roast

A Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken on an onion roll topped with cranberry BBQ sauce.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken Sandwiches

Looking down on two bowls of Slow Cooker Cherry Coconut Steel Cut Oatmeal with blue napkins on a wooden table.

Slow Cooker Cherry Coconut Steel Cut Oatmeal

Slow Cooker Luau Meatloaf

Sweet, rich, and hearty this Root Beer Beef Stew is simple to make on the stove or in the slow cooker and is sure to satisfy even the biggest eaters.

Root Beer Beef Stew

Sweet and sticky Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Chinese Chicken gets crispy from a brief stint under the broiler which makes them perfect for game day.

Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Chinese Chicken

More Slow Cooker Recipes

Resource library

Most Popular

Give your favorite Harry Potter fan some fun products to use in the kitchen- everything from mugs and aprons to some fun cookware and dishes.

35 Gifts under $35 for the Harry Potter Fan

Sourdough English Muffins are a delicious use for sourdough starter removed when feeding!

Sourdough English Muffins

A slice of Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Brownie Cake on a plate.

Easy Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Brownie Cake

Whip up a simple marinade and grill or broil this chicken for a juicy El Pollo Loco knock off. Pair with tortillas and rice and beans for an easy dinner.

Loco Pollo- El Pollo Loco Chicken Knock Off

Disney Felt Potato Heads

Disney Felt Potato Heads

various media logos

Copyright © 2021 Jonesin' For Taste Divine theme by Restored 316