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Ukrainian Community in North Ayrshire
Ukrainian Christmas
A Journey Through Tradition
Ukrainian Christmas is more than just a holiday — it's a heartfelt experience, filled with warmth, music, light, and faith. Unlike the western celebration on December 25, Ukrainians traditionally celebrate Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar. The season officially begins on Sviat Vechir (Holy Evening), marked by a magical family dinner and deep-rooted customs passed through generations.
Our Story
Ukrainian Christmas is more than a holiday – it is a living story passed down through generations. It is the warmth of family, the sparkle of stars, the sound of ancient carols echoing through snowy streets.Our community holds these traditions close to heart. On January 6th, as the first star appears in the sky, families gather for the Sviata Vecheria – a sacred Christmas Eve dinner of twelve symbolic dishes. The table is set with love, a candle lit in memory of ancestors, and the smell of kutia and borscht fills the air. Children dress in embroidered shirts and sing joyful Kolyadky — carols that tell the story of Christ’s birth. They carry stars, bring laughter, blessings, and the spirit of giving to every home they visit.We created this page to share our story with you — not only the story of a celebration, but the story of a people united by hope, song, and light in the darkest winter.May this spirit bring warmth into your heart, wherever you are in the world."Khrystos Narodyvsia!" – "Slavite Yoho!"
In Ukrainian villages, children go door to door singing kolyadky, bringing joy, blessings, and good fortune. Families reward them with sweets, fruits, or coins — a tradition that connects past and present.
"Shchedryk" — From Ukrainian Tradition to World Stage
"Shchedryk" is a centuries-old Ukrainian New Year’s chant, known globally as "Carol of the Bells."
Originally arranged by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych in 1916, this magical melody tells the story of a swallow flying into a household to bring blessings and prosperity for the year ahead.
While the Western version is often associated with Christmas bells, the original “Shchedryk” is about hope, harvest, and happiness.
Fun Facts About "Shchedryk"
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The melody is over 1000 years old — it originates from a pre-Christian folk chant.
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It was performed at Carnegie Hall (USA) in 1922 by the Ukrainian National Choir, bringing Ukrainian culture to the world stage.
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The English lyrics ("Hark how the bells...") were written much later by Peter J. Wilhousky.
Ukrainian Christmas Cuisine
The 12 Traditional Dishes of Sviata Vecheria
On Christmas Eve, Ukrainian families gather around a beautifully set table for Sviata Vecheria — the Holy Supper. This meal consists of 12 meatless dishes, symbolizing the 12 apostles, and is rich in history, spirituality, and family warmth. Each dish carries its own meaning and showcases Ukraine’s deep agricultural roots and respect for tradition.
