Today is Christmas. Traditions and prohibitions of the holiday
Today, December 25, Ukrainians celebrate Christmas, one of the most important Christian holidays. On this day, families gather at one table with the warmest feelings, and Christmas songs are heard everywhere.
Ukrainian News Agency will tell you what traditions Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants observe on Christmas.
Before Christmas, Christians fast for 40 days. The Christmas fast lasts 40 days and ends in the first minutes of the holiday. Therefore, a table is traditionally prepared with rich dishes, of which there should be 12 - this is the number of apostles Jesus Christ had.
In Ukraine, kutya [traditional ritual dish of the Slavic New Year and Christmas cycle, consisting of boiled wheat or barley grains with honey - ed.] is served to the table, which should be tasted first. Also among the usual Christmas dishes are borscht, cabbage rolls, various pies, vareniki [dumplings], fish dishes, jellied meat, sausages, salads, pastries with cottage cheese, pancakes or gingerbread, wine. Catholics traditionally prepare a baked turkey or duck and Christmas pudding.
It should be remembered that on Christmas Day you cannot work - only obligatory matters are allowed. This day should be completely devoted to celebration, prayers, it is advisable to visit church, and also to focus on the brightest feelings. Therefore, it is best to prepare treats and decorate the house on the Christmas Eve.
Decorating the home is one of the important elements of the holiday. Ancient Ukrainians preferred straw decorations, but today the Western European tradition of setting up a Christmas tree is more common. But today's Ukrainians have something in common with their ancestors, because among the holiday decorations there are still figures of angels, snowflakes and stars. Catholics pay great attention to decorating the home - they decorate with wreaths and mistletoe, under which everyone exchanges kisses.
Among Orthodox Christians, caroling is very common on Christmas. It also exists among Catholics, but it does not have the same popularity. Usually, Catholics sing carols only in the family circle, while Orthodox Christians go to homes to announce the birth of Christ.
At Christmas, it is worth paying attention to the family, being friendly and focusing on the warmest feelings, not bypassing those in need and giving smiles to those around you.
What you should not do:
- wear old clothes and shoes;
- work;
- do household chores;
- quarrel, conflict;
- tell fortunes and play cards;
- refuse help;
- take out the trash.
Folk signs:
- snowy - spring will be early;
- warm day - frosts in the spring;
- severe frost - rich harvest;
- cloudy morning - warm spring;
- what weather will be on December 25 - the same will be on January 1.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center told what the weather will be like in December.