their houses. (Sometimes they are called also Novorichna Jalynka - New-Year s firtree here). Another tradition exists in some regions of Western Ukraine to decorate the table with Didukh - a sheaf of oats or wheat of special shape : with four legs and numerous little bundles. It symbolizes prosperity for the next year. . Nicolas (Santa Claus) also called here Did Moroz is an ubiquitous Christmas character and is supposed to bring some gifts under the Christmas tree this night. in some regions people make decorated Christmas eggs very similar to Easter eggs - Pysanky . is not celebrated in Ukraine but some similar traditions are performed here for Christmas. Children this evening come around their neighbors with torches and sparclers (called here Bengal lights) spreading grains and colored seeds. They wish people good health and abundant harvest for the next year and ask for some donations. Also they perform some Christmas songs called in different parts of Ukraine Koliadky or Shchedrivky like these:
"Radujsia zemle, radujsia. Syn Bozhyj narodyvsia. "- Joy, Earth, Joy. The Son of God was born. p align="justify"> "Dobryj vechir, Sviaty vechir. Dobrym liudiam na zdorovja. "- Good evening, Holy evening. To good people for good health. day in some villages in Western Ukraine people organize some folk performances which obviously were inspired by ancient pagan habits. They dress up themselves as monsters with pelts and horns and run through the village trying to scare people. After that they run to the special place on the outskirts of the village and there happens the main act: they fight with all people of the village and finally are defeated. The scarecrows are burned in the big fire. And all people are dancing around this fire. This symbolizes the fight of Good and Evil and that Good defeated Evil for the whole next year. p align="justify"> celebrate christmas holiday
2. Sviat Vechir
To commemorate Christ's birth, the evening before Rizdvo, Sviat Vechir, a ritual meal is prepared with 12 meatless dishes. The recipes differ between the regions of Ukraine, here are the ones which my family will be preparing. br/>
Kutya
2 cups cleaned wheat
-4 quarts water
cup cleaned poppy seed
/3 cup sugar
/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
/3 cup honey, dissolved in
