Family values and traditions: the sacred significance of Christmas.

Christmas is primarily a celebration of goodness, peace, and mercy, observed by Ukrainians on December 25 according to the Gregorian calendar and January 7 according to the Julian calendar. On this day, it is customary for families to gather around the table and spend the evening with their closest ones, as reported by "Vydomo."

Since ancient times, Ukrainians have been considered a deeply religious nation. There is a belief that on Christmas, the heavens open to the earth, and the celestial forces fulfill all that is wished for. However, the desires must be good.

At the same time, it is worth noting that Ukrainians do not create or adhere to religious stereotypes that would confine them to specific actions related to faith. This leads to the unique characteristics and so-called "highlights" of Christmas celebrations in each region of the country, making the festivities even more familial, personal, and at the same time, unifying and enlightening.

The night before Christmas is known as the Holy Evening. It is customary that when the first star appears in the sky, the family sits down for the Holy dinner. This wonderful tradition is rich in symbols and beliefs and is revered in every Orthodox family.

The festive dinner typically consists of 12 lean dishes. Again, according to beliefs, the number of dishes corresponds to the number of apostles, or as many Ukrainians think — to the number of months in a year.

The table must include: kutya, compote, bread, salt, garlic, borscht with ears (tiny dumplings with mushrooms), fish, beans, cabbage, donuts, kalach, or other lean dishes.

Special attention should be given to kutya. It is usually made from whole grains of wheat, though it varies by region: it can be rye, barley, rice, etc.; the important thing is that the grains should be whole, as they symbolize people united into humanity. The "glue" is honey, and to ensure that the next year is generous and the family lives in health and abundance, nuts, raisins, poppy seeds, dried fruits, etc., are added to the kutya.

An honored place in the home is given to Didukh — a sheaf of rye or wheat, symbolizing the harvest, prosperity, and a guardian of the family.

The entire family gathers for dinner. It is customary that wherever someone may be, they should return home at this time to ensure that the next year is inseparable.

The first day of Christmas is regarded as grand and solemn, which Ukrainians spend in church for a festive service, visiting relatives and friends, and hosting guests.

The dishes on this day are varied: each family strives to prepare the most delicious food, which is also associated with prosperity for the coming year.

In the past, a piglet was specially slaughtered for Christmas, and the thigh was roasted, sausages were made, aspic, rolls, hocks were prepared, and lard was smoked.

Additionally, pies, babkas, and kissels were constant dishes on Ukrainian Christmas tables.

Since ancient times, traditions have been upheld during Christmas. Only new clothes are worn, nothing is done on this day; sewing, washing, cleaning, especially taking out the trash, is prohibited.

On this day, special attention is given to guests: everyone is joyfully welcomed and generously treated, as well as visiting others. However, this usually takes place in the evening, as the morning and day are dedicated to prayers and family.

It is considered a good omen when a man is the first to enter the house on Christmas. Therefore, women tried to create a cozy family atmosphere at home on this day.

The most desired guests on Christmas have always been carolers. They can be either children or adults. Adults usually organize into groups — entire theatrical performances with special attributes, the main one being the Bethlehem Christmas star.

Carolers sing congratulatory songs and perform humorous sketches. However, in these playful scenarios, serious aspects of Ukrainian life are also depicted, sincerely wishing the family happiness, health, and abundance. The hosts reward good guests with gifts and money.

One of the obligatory traditions of Christmas celebration is divination. Ukrainians have long been interested in their future, wanting to know what awaits them, and believing in the heavenly signs they receive during this time.

During the period of Holy Days, from Holy Evening to Epiphany, our ancestors would divine their fate.

Girls usually divined about their intended. To this day, many interesting forms and customs of their divination remain, which modern youth still follow.

Boys also engaged in divination, not wanting other suitors to approach their beloved, going to the mill, taking three beams from the sluices, and secretly sticking them in the yard of their girl.

But most of all, everyone wanted to know whether life would be long. To find this out, they would stand between a lamp and a candle and observe the shadow: if it was double, they would live long and happily.

The main attributes of Christmas remain: Didukh, candles, the Christmas star, and the Christmas wreath.

However, since ancient times, the most important aspect of Christmas has been family values.

The editorial team of "Vydomo" wishes you to celebrate Christmas surrounded by your dearest and most beloved people! Merry Christmas! May peace and love be in your home!