Gearing up for Ukrainian Christmas 2011
For some Ukrainian Canadians and Americans, Christmas was celebrated on Sunday – but the majority are still preparing to celebrate on the traditional date of January 7th. If you’re a little unclear on the details why or want a refresher on what to serve feel free to read up on our very popular Introduction to Ukrainian Christmas. And while the malls may not play ’Carol of the Bells’ anymore, you should know it’s a Ukrainian song! As well you can download some Ukrainian Christmas music for your holiday enjoyment. If you need some additional inspiration, check out some photos of a traditional Christmas meal.
And when your Christmas dinner is done and you’re still wanting more, don’t fret as Ukrainian New Years ‘Malanka’ – is right around the corner!
With the break of dawn on Easter Sunday a special Ressurection Service is held with a procession around the church. The most beautiful aspect of th service is the joyful heralding of a risen Christ in the singing of the traditional Ukrainian hymn “Christ is Risen” (Khrystos Voskres). The whole congregation sings in unison with a heightened feeling. At the conclusion of the service, rows and rows of food-laden baskets with a lighted candle in each are blessed by the priest. In favourable weather this impressive ceremony is performed outside on the green church lawn. Food baskets covered with richly embroidered napkins contain Easter bread called “paska” and a selection of various Easter foods along with the multi-coloured pysanky. This custom is treasured in Canada. People greet one another with the traditional Easter greeting “Voistyno Voskres!” (He is risen indeed!). It is the custom to exchange or give Easter eggs with this Easter greeting.
One of the most beautiful of all Ukrainian easter traditions is decorating eggs with artistic designs of a symbolic nature. In Ukrainian the decorated eggs are called “pysanky” from the word “pysaty” which mean to write. The design is actually written on the egg with a fine-pointed stylus dipped in wax, after which follows a series of dye baths. Pysanky are not eaten. The origin of this art is both ancient and obscure. Archeological excavations in Ukraine show that it was practiced several thousand years before the Christian era. Originally pysanky symbolized the release of the earth from the shackles of winter and the coming of spring with its promise of new hope, new life, health and prosperity. They were associated with mythical beliefs and talismanic powers. Folklore has it that a decorated egg can avert any evil, bring good crops, and help a young maiden to win the man of her desire. After the advent of Christianity, the decorated eggs took the new symbols of the Resurrection with its promise of a better world.
