Comparing Christmas Celebrations in Russia and Ukraine
Do Russians and Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on the same day? Yes! Although this has not been the case for the past year, Ukraine adopted the Revised Julian calendar and now celebrates Christmas on the same day as the rest of Christianity. The only significant difference is Russia's continued use of the Julian Calendar, a practice rooted in the Russian Orthodox Church. This means that Russians celebrate Christmas in January.
New Year Traditions in Russia and Ukraine
Interestingly, despite their different calendars, both countries still celebrate Christmas, and parts of the population in both Russia and Ukraine continue this tradition. In Ukraine, the holiday is often celebrated with the song "New Joy has come" (Нова радсть стала) sung by a children's choir, which is a traditional Christmas carol.
Ukrainians are more likely to attend church and engage in traditional holiday activities compared to Russians. According to online statistics, Ukrainians are roughly twice as likely to attend church and other holidays than their Russian counterparts. This highlights a cultural contrast between the two nations, particularly in the preservation of religious traditions.
Modern Cultural Differences
In modern times, Ukrainian culture places greater emphasis on traditional religious holidays. This is evidenced by the prominent role of St. Nicholas, the "original" Santa Claus, in Ukrainian celebrations and the traditional practice of children going door-to-door to sing carols and share well wishes. Although Ded Moroz, a secular figure popularized during the Soviet era, exists, he is not as central in modern Ukrainian Christmas traditions.
In contrast, Russia has a strong influence of Soviet-introduced civic holidays, particularly in the secularized holiday canon. This is exemplified by the prevalence of Ded Moroz in Russian Christmas traditions, which is more of a Soviet-era figure. These differences in cultural practices reflect the varying approaches to holiday celebrations in the two countries.
Folk Traditions and Celebrations
The importance of Christmas holidays in Ukraine can be seen in its rich traditions, including carols (koliadky) and plays dedicated to the holiday season. One of the world's most famous Christmas tunes, "The Carol of the Bells", originates from a Ukrainian folk song that was initially dedicated to New Year celebrations. Many Ukrainian children still celebrate by going from house to house singing carols and wishing for well-being.
Additionally, popular Christmas plays known as verteplez (vertep) are being revived in modern Ukraine, despite being suppressed under Soviet rule. These plays have a deep cultural significance and reflect a more traditional and authentic celebration of the holiday season.
On the other hand, Russia has a limited folk tradition of celebrating Christmas and New Year, largely due to the efforts of the Communist regime and the Russian Orthodox Church to eradicate genuine folk holiday traditions. Instead, government-approved celebrations are prioritized. This absence of folk traditions in modern Russia makes the Christmas season in Ukraine stand out as a more popular, traditional, and authentic celebration.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences in Christmas celebrations between Russia and Ukraine reveals a fascinating contrast in cultural practices, religious significance, and historical influences. While both countries celebrate Christmas, the unique traditions and cultural emphasis in Ukraine provide a more vibrant and traditional celebration of the holiday season.