Question

Розповідь про різдво в Україні ( На англійській мові) дуже треба​

Answer 1

The celebration of Christmas in modern Ukraine has long been accompanied by colorful folk customs, where it was considered one of the main family holidays, which have been waiting for a whole year.  People have long been preparing to celebrate Christmas. Forty days before Christmas, the Christmas fast began so people ate fish, but it was customary to cook meat for Christmas.  In Ukrainian culture, Christmas begins to be celebrated on January 6, on Holy Evening. On this day you should also fast with complete abstinence from food until the first star. The evening meal ended with a strict pre-Christmas fast. It is accepted that the whole family gathers at the table immediately after the appearance of the first star in the sky. Starting in the evening of January 6, it was customary to sing carols. Carolers sang Christmas carols - carols and Christmas carols. For their songs, carolers asked the owners of the surrounding houses for coins. This tradition has survived to this day.

Answer 2

Title: Christmas in Ukraine

Christmas in Ukraine is a cherished and vibrant celebration that blends ancient traditions with modern customs. It's a time of great joy, deep spirituality, and family togetherness. Let's take a journey through the enchanting traditions and festivities that make Ukrainian Christmas unique.

1. Sviatyi Vechir (Holy Supper): Christmas Eve, known as Sviatyi Vechir, is the heart of Ukrainian Christmas celebrations. Families gather around a beautifully set table covered with straw or a white tablecloth symbolizing the hay in the manger. The meal begins after the first star appears in the sky, and it's traditional to have twelve meatless dishes to symbolize the Twelve Apostles. Kutia, a sweet grain pudding, is a must-have dish.

2. Caroling (Kolyadky): On Christmas Eve, children and adults go caroling from house to house, singing traditional Ukrainian carols called "kolyadky." They receive small treats or money in return, and it's believed that these carolers bring good fortune and blessings to the households they visit.

3. Didukh: A central part of the Christmas Eve table is the Didukh, a sheaf of wheat stalks or other grains, adorned with ribbons and symbolic items. It represents the spirit of the ancestors and the harvest, reminding Ukrainians of their connection to the land and their history.

4. Midnight Church Services: After the Holy Supper, many Ukrainians attend a midnight church service, known as "Pasterka." This service celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and worshippers often carry candles to illuminate the way.

5. Christmas Day: Christmas Day in Ukraine is a quieter affair than Christmas Eve. Families attend church services, and there is a focus on spending quality time together. Many people exchange gifts, but the emphasis remains on the spiritual aspects of the holiday.

6. Divination: Ukrainian Christmas traditions also include divination games, where people attempt to predict their future or seek answers to questions. For example, one popular divination activity involves pouring wax into cold water and interpreting the shapes formed.

7. The Legend of the Spider and the Christmas Tree: In some regions of Ukraine, it's customary to include an artificial spider and web on the Christmas tree. This tradition is based on a legend that tells of a poor widow who couldn't afford to decorate her tree. When she woke up on Christmas morning, she found the tree covered in sparkling spiderwebs, which turned into silver and gold threads, bringing her good fortune.

8. Malanka: While not directly related to Christmas, the Malanka festival is often celebrated on New Year's Eve in some regions of Ukraine. It involves colorful parades, traditional masks, and lively music and dancing, adding an exuberant touch to the holiday season.

Ukrainian Christmas is a time of deep spiritual reflection and joyful festivities, blending the Christian faith with rich cultural traditions. It's a time when families come together to celebrate the birth of Christ and to cherish their heritage, creating enduring memories and a sense of unity.