Question

Розповісти як святкують Різдво в Україні на англійській мові . 5 клас

Answer 1

Christmas is a beautiful winter holiday. In Ukraine they believe that how you celebrate Christmas, so you will spend the year. It is the most important religious holiday in the country along with Epiphany and Easter. According to the Orthodox Church, Christmas is celebrated on the night of the 6th of January. On this night people sit around the festive table and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The tables are generously set with delicious, but meatless dishes. The evening of January 6th is considered to be holy. That’s why before this evening people try to clean their houses, to restore order in everything, to purify spiritually by confessing and to make peace with their enemies. Only after that they can start preparing the holiday meals. It is necessary to have twelve dishes on the table in honor of the twelve apostles. Traditional dishes include soup, cabbage rolls, fish, beans, uzvar and, of course, Kutya - sweet rice pudding with dried fruits. No one is allowed to swear or argue on this day. All family members are supposed to be at home for supper. During the meal nobody is allowed to talk or leave the table. People don’t open the doors to keep evil spirits away. As soon as supper comes to an end, children can go outside and sing carols for their neighbors or just passers-by. They can also show a short theatrical performance. For diligence they are generously treated with sweets and pastry. That’s why children are especially fond of this holiday. The carol singers should be at home by midnight. It’s not allowed to celebrate Christmas on the road. Otherwise the year will be spent in hardship.

Answer 2

Sure! Here's how Christmas is celebrated in Ukraine in English, suitable for a 5th-grade audience:

Christmas in Ukraine is a special and joyous time celebrated with various traditions and customs. The holiday is known as "Різдво" (Rizdvo) in Ukrainian. It is usually celebrated on January 7th, following the Julian calendar, as the majority of Ukrainians belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Before Christmas, people prepare by cleaning their houses, decorating them with festive ornaments and a special type of decoration called "pavuk" (a spider web) to bring good luck. One of the most important traditions is the "Didukh," which is a sheaf of wheat or other grains that symbolize the spirits of ancestors. Families place the Didukh in their homes as a sign of prosperity and unity with their ancestors.

On Christmas Eve, which is called "Святвечір" (Sviatvechir), families gather together to share a festive meal known as the "Holy Supper" or "Свята Вечеря" (Sviata Vecheria). The table is set with 12 traditional dishes, symbolizing the twelve apostles. A place is also left empty at the table for any unexpected guests who may arrive.

The Holy Supper begins with the lighting of candles and the saying of prayers. Then, the family shares the blessed bread called "Кутя" (Kutia), made from wheat, honey, poppy seeds, and other ingredients. After the meal, caroling is an important tradition where groups of children or adults visit homes, singing traditional Christmas carols and spreading good wishes for health and prosperity.

In Ukrainian villages, you might also see young people dressed in traditional costumes performing "Vertep" – a nativity play that reenacts the story of Jesus' birth. These performances often include funny and entertaining elements.

Another popular custom is "Коляда" (Kolyada), a winter festival that starts on Christmas Eve and lasts until Epiphany on January 19th. During this time, groups of young people, called "Kolyadnyky," go from house to house singing Kolyadkas (traditional carols) and wishing blessings for the household in exchange for treats, sweets, or small gifts.

Christmas in Ukraine is a time of togetherness, faith, and spreading joy to one another. It's a celebration of traditions passed down through generations and a time for sharing love and warmth with family and friends.