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Thursday, 01 December 2011 09:16 |
According to the old Ukrainian tradition, prior and serious preparation was very important for the proper celebration of Christmas and New Year.
It was always necessary to keep a reaped Ray-Didukh since the time of the harvest, which was made of the stems of different cereals (rye, wheat, oats, etc.) and soft sweet-smelling hay.
Before the holidays, almost all important work on the farm was completed and the houses were thoroughly cleaned - rooms were whitewashed and the chimney was painted with flowers, new or well-washed tablecloths, sackcloths and towels were laid.
People tried to buy new things (new clothes) for all family members and new tableware (makitras, pots, pokers and makogons).
People made festive candles of wax from their own apiary, saying special prayers and charms.
Old and young were involved in the preparation for Christmas and New Year's holidays.
Grandmothers, stripping feathers for pillows, taught the kids to sing carols at the same time.
Boys and girls, preparing for the carols, gathered together, made ritual costumes, learnt the performances of Nativity scene and Christmas dawn.
They also elected their chief Ataman ("Beryoza" - birch), "pobazhalnikov" – those who will give wishes), Kaznachey - treasurer, mіhonosha (who will keep the bag) and other performers. |
