Ukraine to Celebrate Christmas Day on December 25 for the First Time in Over a Century
Ukraine is set to ring in Christmas Day on December 25, aligning with the Gregorian calendar followed by most of the world’s Christians. This marks a significant departure from tradition, as for over a century, Ukraine has celebrated Christmas on January 7, according to the Julian calendar adopted by Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church.
The decision to change the date is not merely a matter of convenience but is seen as a symbolic move away from Russia. The Ukrainian government passed legislation in July of this year, viewing the date change as a snub to their neighboring country and its grip on Ukrainian cultural and religious practices.
This shift affords Ukrainians the opportunity to “live their own life with their own traditions and holidays,” with officials emphasizing the importance of asserting Ukraine’s independence and autonomy. The move was also supported by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which broke away from the Russian Orthodox Church in 2014, and has now synchronized its Christmas date with the rest of the world.
In addition to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, another prominent religious group in the country, will also hold Christmas services on December 25. However, it is worth noting that the historically Russia-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church will continue to celebrate Christmas on January 7, maintaining its ties to Russian heritage.
The decision to change the Christmas date is part of a broader effort by Ukraine to distance itself from its Russian and Soviet past. As the country strives for greater independence and cultural identity, altering significant cultural practices like Christmas celebrations becomes a crucial component of this movement.
Christmas holds great significance in Ukraine, and their festive traditions include a dinner on Christmas Eve featuring 12 meatless dishes, caroling, and the decoration of homes with wheat sheaves. These customs, deeply rooted in Ukrainian heritage, are now being celebrated in alignment with the majority of Christians worldwide.
As December 25 approaches, Ukraine prepares for a historic Christmas celebration, cementing its break from Russian influence and embracing its own unique traditions. This move signifies a new chapter for the country and its journey towards shaping its own identity separate from its neighbors.
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