Soon, Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas and the Christmas Eve that comes the day before. Find out more about why 12 dishes are prepared for Christmas in Ukraine, the significance of this tradition, how the customs of Christmas Eve were formed, and what features have survived to this day

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Christmas is one of the most important holidays in the Christian tradition, with deep religious and cultural roots.

In Ukraine, it is accompanied by rich customs and traditions that have been formed over the centuries. One of the most iconic traditions is the preparation of 12 meatless dishes on Christmas Eve, the evening before Christmas, which falls on December 24.

Why 12 dishes? In order to understand the meaning of this tradition, we need to look at the religious, cultural and everyday life of the Ukrainian people. Let's take a look at them below.

Religious symbolism of the number 12

The number 12 has a sacred meaning in the Christian tradition. It symbolizes the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, his closest disciples who witnessed his earthly life, death, and resurrection.

On Christmas Eve, when the family gathers around the table, each dish symbolizes one of the 12 apostles. This also reminds us of unity, cohesion, and spiritual communion.

In addition, the number 12 appears frequently in the biblical tradition: 12 tribes of Israel, 12 gates in the Heavenly Jerusalem, 12 months in a year.

Thus, this number represents order and harmony, which should be present in both spiritual and everyday life.

Lenten nature of the dishes

Christmas Eve is the last day of the Christmas fast, which lasts 40 days and ends with the solemn celebration of the birth of Christ. Therefore, all the dishes served on the festive table are lean. In this way, believers demonstrate humility and spiritual preparation for the holiday.

Among the traditional dishes on Christmas Eve are:

• Kutia, the main ritual dish that symbolizes life, prosperity, and family unity;

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• uzvar, a drink made from dried fruit that symbolizes purification and new life;

• other dishes: dumplings, stuffed cabbage, borsch with mushrooms, fish, mushrooms, cabbage soup, baked apples, etc.

Each dish has its own symbolic meanings and is prepared from products provided by nature.

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Tradition as a way of family unity

Christmas Eve is a special time when the whole family gathers around the table.

Cooking 12 dishes becomes a way to involve all family members in the festive preparations. Everyone has a role to play: someone makes dumplings, someone cooks a soup, and someone decorates the house. This process brings the family closer together, promotes communication and passes on traditions from older to younger generations.

A deep connection with nature

Ukrainian traditions are often intertwined with natural cycles. Christmas holidays coincide with the winter solstice, which symbolizes the beginning of a new cycle in nature.

The 12 dishes can also be associated with the 12 months of the year, each of which brings its own fruits. Thus, through the dishes, people thank God for the harvest and blessings.

The evolution of the tradition

Although the basic principles of a festive dinner remain the same, the set of dishes may vary depending on the region and family preferences. For example, in western Ukraine, mushroom dishes are popular, in the south, more fish, and in central Ukraine, kutia with poppy seeds is preferred.

Despite these differences, the general idea remains: 12 dishes as a symbol of harmony, prosperity, and spiritual connection with God.

The tradition of preparing 12 dishes for Christmas in Ukraine is a unique combination of religious symbolism, cultural heritage, and everyday customs. Preserving this tradition is not only a tribute to the past, but also a way to preserve national identity and pass it on to future generations.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

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