Holy Evening 2024: how to celebrate, signs, traditions and prohibitions.

On December 24, Ukrainians celebrate Holy Evening according to the Julian calendar. This day has its own traditions and prohibitions related to the Nativity of Christ.

Traditions on Holy Evening

The main tradition of Holy Evening is to gather at one table with family when the first star appears in the sky.

However, it is worth noting that on this day a strict Christmas fast continues, so eating meat dishes is prohibited. The dinner must be lean, and the main ritual dish has always been kutya. Some pious people may fast throughout the day. Tradition says that if a girl wants to successfully get married, she must fast on Holy Evening until the festive meal.

On the table, straw or hay is usually spread, and a tablecloth is placed on top. Under the tablecloth, at the corners of the table, garlic cloves are laid out to protect the home from evil forces and diseases.

The whole family gathers at the festive table, which should have 12 dishes. Usually, one additional empty plate is placed on the table - in case an unexpected guest arrives. Some beliefs say that this plate is set for a family member who did not survive until Holy Evening.

The host must read a prayer before the meal starts, light the Christmas candle, and be the first to taste kutya. Tradition states that on Holy Evening one should try all 12 dishes.

Also, on Holy Evening, the host brings a didukh into the house and places it under the images. This sheaf (rye, wheat, or oat ears) symbolizes well-being, good harvest, and abundance.

There is also a folk belief that if the lit candle on the table crackles and has a restless flame, the next year will be just like that. After the meal, one must pray again. The youngest family member gathers all the forks and ties them with hay. It is believed that this will keep the family united.

There is an ancient belief that on Holy Evening, the souls of the deceased come to visit their relatives. Therefore, uneaten dishes are left on the table overnight to treat the dead.

After dinner, the host must walk around the house - go out to the garden with an axe and symbolically threaten the non-fruit-bearing trees that they will be cut down next year if they do not bear fruit. Ancestors also believed that on Holy Evening, domestic animals could speak human language, but if the host hears such conversations, he will attract death to himself.

Signs on Holy Evening

• A rich kutya with stars in the sky - hens will lay well, and peas will yield a good harvest.
• A moonlit night - there will be a generous harvest of vegetables.
• If the trees are covered in ice - nuts will be of good quality.
• If it is warm on Holy Evening - spring will be cold.
• If it snows on the holiday - the year will be successful.

Prohibitions on Holy Evening

It is worth remembering that one should not sit at the festive table in old and ugly clothes. The outfit should be not only clean and tidy but also preferably in light colors. On this day, it is also prohibited to cut hair and shave.

During Holy Evening, one must observe the fast - it is prohibited to eat meat, eggs, and dairy products, but fish is allowed. It is also advisable not to overeat. Moreover, it is necessary to prepare for the holiday, as if you are greedy on this day, you will live in poverty for the entire next year. Furthermore, on Christmas, it is forbidden to eat kutya that stood on the Holy Evening table.

It is strictly forbidden to curse, lie, or speak poorly about other people. Holy Evening should take place in a friendly atmosphere. It is also prohibited on this holiday to refuse alms.

Since Holy Evening is a quiet holiday, loud celebrations should be postponed. However, after the meal, one can begin to carol to celebrate the birth of Christ.