The Sviata Vechera (Holy Supper) is a Ukrainian celebration of ancestors, and ancient customs and traditions. This twelve course, meatless meal occurs on Christmas Eve.

Ukrainian life is steeped in both Christian and pagan traditions, dating back over one thousand years. One of the most important customs of this eastern European nation is the Sviata Vechera, or Holy Supper, observed on Christmas Eve - January 6 (Ukrainians typically follow the Julian calendar).

What is the Sviata Vechera?

The Holy Supper brings family together to observe ancient customs and traditions, and to eat unique foods prepared specifically for the occasion. Rituals are dedicated to God, the welfare of the family, and in remembrance of ancestors.

The meal itself is comprised of twelve courses, in honor of Christ’s Apostles. The courses are meatless because the Church requires a period of fasting until Christmas Day. According to ancient pagan beliefs, the twelve courses correspond to each of the year’s full moons. Pagans believe the meatless dishes are a form of bloodless sacrifice to the gods.

Meal Preparations

Dinner tables are typically covered with two embroidered tablecloths, one for ancestors, and the other for living family members. A few wisps of hay may be placed between the tablecloths or underneath the table as a reminder that Christ was born in a manger.

An extra place setting is always included at the table for deceased family members. According to ancient beliefs, these loved ones visit the home on Christmas Eve and partake of the food.

A kolach (Christmas bread) is placed in the center of the table. Three loaves, each braided in a ring, are placed on top of each other, with a candle placed in the center of the topmost bread. The three rings symbolize the Trinity, and the circular form represents Eternity.

Sheafs of whet stalks, known as didukh, are placed under the home’s icons or in a vase on the table. This symbol represents the family’s ancestors, whose spirits are believed to reside in the didukh during the holidays.

Traditionally, dinner begins when children see the first star in the eastern sky. This is the star of Bethlehem and symbolizes the trek of the three wise men.

Sviata Vechera Meal

The special first course is called kutia, also known as God’s Food. This dish is boiled wheat kernels sweetened with honey and flavored with poppy seeds or nuts. All family members are required to partake in the kutia, which symbolizes prosperity in the coming year.

The second course is borsch, a beet soup. Honoring tradition, the soup for this meal is made without meat or meat stock. Besides beets, the soup may contain onions, carrots, cabbage, and potatoes.

The meal’s main portion consists of various fish and vegetable dishes, including white beans mashed with onions and garlic, sauerkraut and onions (kapusta), salads, marinated beets, and mushrooms. Of course, no special Ukrainian meal would be complete without varenyky, doughy dumplings filled with potato and onion, sauerkraut, or different fruits.

Prior to dessert, a compote of dried fruits is served. This dish is cooked with honey and may include prunes, apricots, apples, or figs. Dessert is usually an assortment of small, deep-fried pastries known as pampushky, containing various fillings such as poppy seeds or dried fruit.

This very large, sacred meal takes place over many hours. Since the dinner is a link to centuries of tradition, after the meal, people typically remain seated at the table. In many homes, the celebration goes long into the night, complete with storytelling and the singing of Christmas carols.

References

“Christmas - Rizdvo.” Ukrainian Holidays and Traditions - Ukraine and Ukrainian Christmas. Brama, Inc.

“Christmas in Ukraine.” WorldofChristmas.net.

Gregorovich, Andrew. “Christmas Traditions of Ukraine.” FORUM Ukrainian Review. Ukrainian Fraternal Association. No. 52. Fall 1982.

Serre, Michele. “Christmas in Ukraine.” The Worldwide Gourmet. 1996-2007.