Kutya, uzvar and ceremonial bread: which dishes are a must-have for Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is one of the most important holidays before Christmas. On this day, the whole family gathers around the table to pray, honor ancestors, and feel the connection between generations through a shared dinner.

This is reported by “ Pryamiy “.

According to the New Julian calendar, Holy Evening is celebrated on December 24. On this day, Ukrainians try not to eat until the first star shines in the sky.

Only in the evening did the hosts set the table with 12 dishes. This number was not accidental and meant the number of holy apostles.

The food had to be lean, as the Christmas fast was still in progress, so it was forbidden to eat meat, eggs, or dairy products, but fish was allowed.

Kutya was the main dish and symbol of the Christmas holidays. It was prepared from grain, which since ancient times has meant eternal life, wealth and abundance. By how kutya was prepared, one could determine what to expect from the new year: a well-cooked dish meant good things, a poorly cooked dish meant bad luck.

The family would always start the meal with three spoons of kutia and only then move on to other dishes.

Another important element of the festive table was uzvar . The drink symbolized new life. It was prepared from dried fruits and water with the addition of honey.

Ceremonial bread was also placed on the table as a symbol of the newborn Jesus.

These three dishes played a key role in the festive rituals, so the hosts of the house gave them a place of honor under the icons.

In addition, hot soup or lean borscht, bean dishes, dumplings, pies, cabbage rolls, sauerkraut or stewed cabbage, mushrooms, fish, and pancakes were placed on the table.

During dinner, the family remembered their deceased relatives. Ukrainians have long believed that extraterrestrial guests descend from heaven on Christmas Eve, so they always left food for them overnight.

Previously, “Pryamiy” talked about the traditions and prohibitions on Christmas Eve , which Ukrainians have tried to observe since ancient times.

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