This audio is created with AI assistance
Unlike the rest of the Christian world, most Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7, not Dec. 25.
This is because most of Ukraine’s Christian denominations use the Julian calendar, according to which Christmas falls on this date.
But that is not the only tradition that makes Ukrainian Christmas celebrations stand out. Both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are filled with festive rituals that are hundreds of years old, and which many Ukrainians follow to date.
The Kyiv Independent teamed up with the Shadows Project – an initiative for young Ukrainians to interact with their culture and history in a contemporary way — to quiz your knowledge of these traditions.
Member of the Shadows Project Maryna Kryvoruchko contributed to this story.
Three years of reporting, funded by our readers.
Millions read the Kyiv Independent, but only one in 10,000 readers makes a financial contribution. Thanks to our community we've been able to keep our reporting free and accessible to everyone. For our third birthday, we're looking for 1,000 new members to help fund our mission and to help us prepare for what 2025 might bring.
Three years. Millions of readers. All thanks to 12,000 supporters.
It’s thanks to readers like you that we can celebrate another birthday this November. We’re looking for another 1,000 members to help fund our mission, keep our journalism accessible for all, and prepare for whatever 2025 might bring. Consider gifting a membership today or help us spread the word.
(Updated: )
