Ukrainian Christmas is celebrated according to the Julian calendar. It starts on January 6th, Christmas Eve (Christmas is on January 7th) and ends with January 19th, 'Jordan'. In many parts of Ukraine, especially in the country's rural areas, there are many people, who still stage so-called 'vertep' or nativity scenes. The vertep originated from the puppet theater performances that thrilled audiences in Ukraine from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Ukrainian Vertep

'Vertep' – this word comes from the Greek word for 'cave' and refers to the miniature stage, in which the scenes take place. The vertep tableaux depicts little Jesus in the manger, Mary, strangers offering their gifts and the star of Bethlehem shining in the sky. Ukrainian vertep was a kind of portable puppet theater. Centuries ago, vertep was a wooden box. It was constructed as a multi-level building. The sacred act took place on the upper level and the secular one - only on the lower floor. Nowadays, the vertep scenes are exhibited not only in public areas, but also near or inside churches.

Ukrainian Shedrivky & Koliadky

Ukraine celebrates Christmas all together, as one big family. One of traditions, that demonstrates this, is so called schedrivky and koliadky - religious Christmas carols. Nowadays, children and young people keep tradition alive and visit every house in the village and sing: 'DObruy vEchir, sviAtuy vEchir, dObrum lyUdyam na zdorOvya!' It means 'Good evening, holy evening, health to you, good people!' Residents also wish them health and reward them with some treats.

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