❄️ New Year's Eve is one of the most traditional and favorite holidays not only in Ukraine, but all over the world. Elegant Christmas trees in garlands, gifts and sweet anticipation of the new calendar year. Almost everyone knows the different traditions associated with winter holidays, but not everyone will be able to explain their origin and meaning.


Where did the tradition of celebrating the New Year come from?

❄️ Initially, the New Year's arrival was celebrated in the spring – on March 1. This holiday was associated with the renewal and revival of nature, and meant the beginning of agricultural work. In those days, the agricultural business was the basis of people's lives.

❄️ After the adoption of Christianity in Kievan Rus and the entry of the Julian calendar, March 1st officially became a New Year's holiday, especially since according to Christian teachings, the world was created on this day. In the 15th century, Orthodoxy adopted the Greek-Byzantine ritual, according to which the New Year is celebrated on September 1st. According to church teachings, it was at the beginning of September that the first sermon of Christ fell


New Year traditions of Ukraine

❄️ According to ancient tradition, when the New Year still fell on March 1, the didukh – a "bouquet" of hay decorated with flowers, ribbons and wreaths - was considered the symbol of the holiday. It was placed in the corner of the table, which has always been the main tradition of the New Year celebration. Back in pagan times, setting a table rich in dishes for the whole family was one of the main rules, because a generous table symbolized fertility for the next year. This tradition is still alive.

❄️ There were also traditions associated with attracting a good harvest and protecting the household – it is customary to sow on New Year's Eve. By the way, in modern realities, this tradition takes place, only they do not sow the land as in those days, but right in the house, symbolically.

❄️ Among other things, one of the ancient Ukrainian rites of New Year holidays is carols. Ritual songs are performed by getting together and making a kind of detour of neighboring houses. As a rule, it falls on the holy evening before Christmas, which has become an integral part of the New Year holidays.