In Ukraine, Santa Claus is known as “Did Moroz”–literally meaning “Father Frost”. According to Ukrainian folklore, he is accompanied by an entourage of helpers known as “Grandfather Frost”, “Snow Maiden”, and other icy figures.
He delivers presents to children on the night of January 6th (the traditional Ukrainian Christmas). He is usually portrayed as an attractive old man with a long white beard and a fur-trimmed blue robe, which is carrying a staff and a big red bag filled with presents.
He also wears a head-dress made of feathers and wears kind of shoes made of straw. He is often accompanied by horses or horses-drawn sleigh. Children in Ukraine are taught to honor him, and obediently leave their straw shoes on the windowsills for him to fill with presents.
Does Ukraine celebrate Santa?
Yes, Ukraine celebrates Santa (also known as Grandfather Frost) on New Year’s Eve! He does not bring gifts, but is seen as a symbol of joy and a harbinger of good fortune for the new year, especially for children.
On New Year’s Eve, people usually dress up in colorful costumes of Grandfather Frost and Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden) who bring presents and greetings to the children who eagerly await their arrival.
Parents also tell their children that Grandfather Frost and Snegurochka will leave something in the kitchen or living area of the house if the young ones behave. This is also a fun, age-old tradition that is still popular amongst Ukrainian families.
Additionally, many Ukrainians choose to buy or make decorations and New Year’s greeting cards that feature Grandfather Frost(Santa) and Snegurochka. Today, both younger and older generations celebrate the holidays in this way, keeping the traditions and customs alive.
What is the Ukrainian Santa called?
The Ukrainian Santa is known as Ded Moroz, which translates to “Grandfather Frost. ” He is sometimes depicted as an old man wearing a long and fluffy coat, boots, and a fur hat, and is accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka, known as “the Snow Maiden.
” Ded Moroz carries gifts for children and is said to visit homes on Christmas Eve. Typically, Ded Moroz looks more white-haired and beardy than Santa Claus, and his transportation mode is often a troika, a vehicle drawn by three horses in tandem.
He is believed to bring joy and happiness to children and families and his tales are particularly popular in the Ukraine and throughout Slavic countries.
What countries dont celebrate Santa?
Not all countries celebrate Santa Claus. In countries such as Japan, Greece, India, and Nigeria, Western traditions like Santa Claus have not infiltrated their cultures on a large scale. Instead, cultural figures and stories vary depending on the location.
In Japan, for example, a deity of fortune, luck, and prosperity called Hotei-osho is believed to bring happiness and fortune to people. In Greece, St. Basil brings presents to children on January 1st.
And in India, children wait in anticipation of gifts from Lord Vishnu, who is widely celebrated around Diwali. In Nigeria, there is no specific figure like Santa Claus, however, people exchange gifts during Christmas and other important occasions.
Overall, while Santa Claus has become a global icon, countries around the world celebrate their own range of cultural figures and stories in lieu of him.
Do you celebrate Christmas in Ukraine?
Yes, Christmas is an important religious holiday in Ukraine, and is widely celebrated throughout the country. Christmas Eve on 6th January is the most significant part of the holiday, when the whole family gathers at home for a big feast.
A traditional Christmas meal usually includes 12 different types of food, such as cabbage rolls, boiled fish with garlic, or carp with garlic and onion.
Christmas Day is usually celebrated at home together with family as well. People often go to churches, open gifts and sing Christmas carols. Ukrainian Christmas traditions also include preparing a festive table, called ‘sviata vechir’, adorned with icons and candles, and decorations made of fruits, nuts and dried flowers.
Ukrainians also celebrate Epiphany on 19th January, which is known as the feast of the Baptism of Christ. This is the day when many Ukrainians go to the river to take a holy plunge and bless themselves for the new year.
It’s a very traditional and religious custom in Ukraine, and it’s widely celebrated throughout the country.
Do Ukrainians say Merry Christmas?
Yes, Ukrainians do say “Merry Christmas” in Ukrainian. Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on January 7th, which is the same date that Eastern Orthodox churches recognize Christmas. In Ukrainian, “Merry Christmas” is “Веселого Рiздва” or “З Рiздвом.
” The traditional greeting for Ukrainian Christmas is “Khrystos Razhdayetsya,” which means “Christ is born. ” People often respond to this greeting with “Voistinu Razhdayetsya,” which means, “Verily He is born.
” Ukrainians also often say “May your home be full of joy and prosperity this Christmas”, which translates to “Нехай буде повним радiсть i благополуччя твiй дiм на Рiздво”.
What traditions does Ukraine have for Christmas?
Ukraine has a rich history of traditions surrounding Christmas. Legend tells that the Ukrainian Christmas tree was introduced to the country in the 16th century, and ever since the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree has become a cornerstone of the holiday.
In Ukraine, December 19th marks the start of the Christian Christmas season. Ukrainian families gather under the Christmas tree and light the Holy Fire, which is said to bring joy to the family. On January 6th, Christmas Eve, most Ukrainian families join in a 12-dish supper known as ‘Sviata Vechera’ (Holy Supper), which includes a variety of fish, mushrooms, cold meats, cabbage rolls and borscht (or Ukrainian soup).
Another tradition associated with Christmas is caroling. Ukrainian carolers called ‘Koliady’ call door-to-door to perform traditional tunes and Christmas rhymes. Neighbors exchange gifts, including toys and traditional foods such as honey and nuts.
Ukrainians also have a special tradition known as ‘Did Moroz’ (Grandfather Frost), in which children write letters to Moroz and throw them into the fireplace or a candle. After Christmas Day, Ukrainians celebrate the 12 days of Christmas until January 6th, the Epiphany, when God is said to be born.
During this time, families in Ukraine spend time together, playing games and singing carols. On the last day, children give out treats and sing carols while adults decorate the room with garlands made of holly and ivy.
Why does Ukraine celebrate Christmas on January 7th?
Ukraine celebrates Christmas on January 7th because it follows the Julian calendar, rather than the Gregorian calendar which is observed in the majority of countries worldwide. This dates to 1582 when the Catholic Church adopted the Gregorian calendar as the standard and the Eastern Churches, including the Ukrainian Church, did not accept this change and kept using the older Julian calendar.
As a result, Ukrainians celebrate Christmas 13 days later than most of the world, as the difference between the calendars is 13 days. This holiday is an important part of Ukrainian culture and tradition, and requires a large family gathering, sharing traditional foods and exchanging Christmas gifts.
What is the traditional Ukrainian greeting?
The traditional Ukrainian greeting is Вiтаю! (Vitayu!). This expression literally translates to “I welcome you” and is used to greet friends, family, strangers, and new acquaintances alike. It is considered to be a warm and friendly phrase to express one’s love and joy at encountering someone.
In some parts of Ukraine, a hug is incorporated with Вiтаю! as well as the phrase Здоровенькі були! (Zdorovenki buly!), which translates to “Be healthy!”.
How do you say happy holidays in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, the traditional way to say happy holidays is “Веселих свят!” (Veselikh sviat!). This essentially translates to happy holidays! As a form of festive greeting, you can add “Хороших” (khoroshikh) at the beginning, which means good.
Therefore an appropriate phrase would be “Хороших Веселих свят!” (Khoreshikh veselikh sviat!).
What are the 12 dishes of Ukrainian Christmas?
The 12 dishes of Ukrainian Christmas, also known as the “Holy Supper” or “Sviata Vecheria,” are an important part of Ukrainian culture and tradition. They are typically served on Christmas Eve before attending church services.
The 12 dishes represent the 12 Apostles that attended the Last Supper and their significance centers around the story of Christ’s coming. The following is a breakdown of the 12 dishes and the symbolic purpose for each dish:
1. Borshch – a soup made of beets, cabbage, onions, potatoes, carrots, and various meats or fish. The red color of Borshch symbolizes the blood of Christ.
2. Kutya – a porridge-like dish made from wheat berries, usually topped with honey, poppy seeds or pine nuts. The sweetness of the honey symbolizes the sweetness of Christ’s love, while the grains symbolize the body of Christ.
3. Kutia – a sweet, pudding-style dish made from wheat berries and boiled in honey, with some nut or dried fruit such as raisins or walnuts. It symbolizes the hope of good rewards to come in the New Year.
4. Holubtsi – cabbage rolls filled with a ground meat and rice mixture. They represent a wish for plentifulness and abundance.
5. Varenyky – boiled dough filled with potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, or other ingredients. They may also be made with sweet fillings such as farmers cheese or fruit, and symbolize the variety of the world’s blessings.
6. Fish – usually carp, baked or fried. It is a reminder that Christ fasted for 40 days, and the fish also represents abundance and fertility.
7. Herring – usually served in a sour cream sauce or as part of a pickled vegetable salad. The herring symbolizes a wish for a fruitful New Year.
8. Kholodets – a jellied meat dish also known as Salyanka, this dish is intended to bring health and strength to those who eat it.
9. Salo – cured and salted pork fat, sometimes served with rye bread, garlic, and onions. The salo represents wealth and prosperity on the dinner table.
10. Compote – a drink made of fruit cooked with water and sugar. It symbolizes life and rebirth.
11. Uzvar – a stew made with dried fruits, such as apples, pears, plums, and raisins. It symbolizes health and fertility.
12. Babka – a traditional Ukrainian cake made with sweet dough, cream, and fruit. It symbolizes the sweetness of life.
How do you translate Santa to Russian?
In Russian, Santa is known as Дед Мороз (Dyed Moroz), which literally means “Grandfather Frost. ” He is often depicted wearing a long blue or silver robe and a furry hat with a long, white beard. He usually carries a staff and arrives in a troika (a decorated three-horse sleigh) accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka (“Snow Maiden”) and his magical sidekick, a living snowman named Brovka.
In Russia, gift-giving is traditionally the job of Dyed Moroz rather than Santa Claus. He usually travels around the country on a series of magical journeys, visiting children, who often eagerly await his arrival, to bring them presents and toys on New Year’s Eve.
Was Christmas illegal in Russia?
Yes, Christmas was illegal in Russia for most of the 20th century. From 1922 to 1992, celebrating Christmas and other religious holidays was forbidden in the Soviet Union, following the official state policy of state atheism.
At this time, Christmas was replaced by New Year’s Eve celebrations and other Soviet-created holidays. Religious holidays were completely banned after the Russian Revolution, and only recognized once again following the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.
During this time, it was illegal to publicly celebrate religious holidays, attend religious services, or even display religious symbols and decorations. Following the end of state atheism in the early 90s, Christmas has regained many of its traditions and is now widely celebrated in Russia.
What are 3 Russian Christmas traditions?
1. Setting up the Christmas tree – On Christmas Day, families will gather to decorate their tree with paper decorations, tinsel, lights and other festive ornaments. Special decorations (like a star at the top of the tree) will also be added to represent the Star of Bethlehem.
2. Celebrating with a Festive Meal – The Christmas dinner, or “Holy Supper”, is a time for the entire family to come together. On the menu are traditional dishes like beef, pork and boiled potatoes. This meal will be blessed before being served.
3. Christmas Carolling – Folk poets will go from house to house singing traditional Russian Christmas carols. These carols will usually tell stories about Jesus’ birth, and the people will be called upon to join in the singing.
The songs are often accompanied by the playing of traditional Russian instruments like the balalaika.
Do Russians celebrate St Nicholas Day?
Yes, Russians celebrate St Nicholas Day. It is usually celebrated on December 19, although the exact date may vary depending on the region. The day is celebrated by churches and families, particularly those with children.
It is a religious holiday that honors the patron saint of children, St Nicholas of Myra, and is associated with gift-giving and children’s games. On St Nicholas Day, churches often hold special services, people visit relatives and exchange gifts.
Children receive gifts from St Nicholas, who is said to travel by sleigh with an entourage of helpers around the country during the celebration. Gifts that he leaves can be anything from candies and nuts to toys, books and even money.
People also decorate their houses with lights and Nativity Scenes, typically featuring St Nicholas.
