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Talk of the Town on Changing Ukrainian Traditions
Talk of the Town on Changing Ukrainian Traditions
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Everyone celebrates occasions differently. People who follow the Julian calendar have the traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve on January 6 and Christmas Day on January 7.
On Christmas Eve, a sheaf of wheat called the didukh is brought in when the first star appears in the night sky.
The straw from the wheat is placed under the table, which symbolizes the manger in which Christ was born. A meatless supper of 12 dishes is served which represents the 12 apostles.
On Christmas Day, people go to church, sometimes visit homes, and go Christmas caroling.
However this year, Aljazeera News stated that Ukraine celebrated Christmas for the first time on December 25. This was a method to remove Russian influence from their country. This change represents Ukrainians’ displeasure over the 22-month Russian invasion against Ukraine.
This revision was enforced by a law signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July 2023 to celebrate Ukrainian Christmas on December 25, 2023.
CBC wrote on July 29, 2023, that the explanatory note attached to the law mentioned its goal is to abandon Russian heritage which includes that of imposing the celebration of Christmas on January 7.
When residents of Vegreville and area were asked if they were going to celebrate on January 6 and 7, they answered.
Mary Finch commented, “My grandmother was born and raised in Odesa Ukraine. My mom was born in Canada and to honor them and my heritage I will still celebrate on the 7th. The church or government cannot, will not ever tell/ order me to do anything regarding my heritage. People can still celebrate anything where and when they want. Stay peaceful people. Remember the actual reason for the season. Has nothing to do with church/ government it has to do with your heart/ soul. Be who you are.”
Georgina Malin-Frankiw expressed that she is very much against Russia's war with Ukraine but it is her heritage and background to celebrate according to the Julian calendar. “I will always celebrate Christmas on Jan 6 and 7. Christmas isn’t about presents and cheer it is about the birth of our Lord Jesus. When I was a kid, I got a bag with nuts and a Jap orange and a few candies, and maybe a rubber doll, and I will always keep those memories alive. But I will still have our meatless supper on the 6th of January.”
Yuliia Kalutska, a Ukrainian evacuee who made Vegreville her home commented, “I will be celebrating twice on December 25 and January 7 just because I want to feel a connection to my family from the older generation. Maybe, my son will start celebrating only one Christmas. All my life I have celebrated Christmas on January 7. Even though the change now feels weird and uncomfortable, I support the change to December 25 for several reasons.
Firstly, it is historically correct. Before 1582, the whole world celebrated Christmas on December 25. When the calendar was changed in 1582 to the more accurate Gregorian calendar, with 365 days, five hours, 48 minutes, and six seconds, most countries adapted their celebrations to this new calendar. However, in Ukrainian territories, we started celebrating Christmas on January 7.
Because of this, New Year's felt like a more significant celebration. The Soviet Union supported the celebration in January, undermining Ukrainian traditions and imposing their own. This change to December 25 will bring value back to Christmas and Ukrainian traditions for the younger generation.
On a personal level, this is my second year in Canada, and being away from my family during the holidays is very hard. However, I've found a new Canadian family here who warmed my heart. I truly love them and feel included in each of their family celebrations.
On behalf of Ukrainian newcomers, I want to express how friendly and welcoming the people of Vegreville and the surrounding area are. They greeted us with open hearts, offering help and support. I continually hear about community members inviting us to their family celebrations.”
