Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Eve

KYIV, January 6 /Ukrinform/. Today, the Orthodox Christians celebrate one of the most solemn Christian holidays - the Christmas Eve.

Christmas is preceded by a four-day fasting - a time of spiritual purification. The Christmas evening is the culmination of the holiday preparations - a day of prayers and fasting.

On the day of the Christmas Eve there is a strict fast before the Holy Supper. The Christmas worship begins on the night before Christmas (usually at a very early hour).

In different regions of Ukraine there are some differences in the customs of celebrating Christmas, but everywhere on the Christmas evening they usually cook 12 meatless dishes, the main of which is the Rich Kutia (coliphia). Also, on the holiday table there should be borshch, fish, mushrooms, pies with beans and cabbage, potatoes and stewed fruit. The kutia is viewed as the main ritual meal, so, a lot of ceremonials are connected with it. After its preparation, by removing the pot they usually looked if the grain climbed over the edge - this was for welfare and if it sank - it was a harbinger of bad.

Once the first evening star appeared on the horizon, the whole family sat down to a rich table. First, according a custom, the host takes his place, followed by other family members. During the festive dinner, people are trying not to leave the table and to talk quietly. Standing, the head of the family offers to pray for the dead and invites them for the Christmas evening. It was believed that at this time all the near and distant relatives should come to the house, so they freed space for them on the benches and chairs and put the dishes and spoons for them.