Christmas is a time of joy, love, and togetherness. It is a time when families come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to create cherished memories. One of the most beloved traditions of Christmas is the celebration of Christmas Eve, also known as the «Rich Evening» or «Bogaty Vecher» in Russian.
The tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve on December 24th dates back to ancient times. It is believed that the early Christians adopted this date as it coincided with the pagan festival of Saturnalia, a celebration of the winter solstice. Over the years, this tradition has evolved and has become an integral part of Christmas celebrations in many countries around the world.
In many Eastern European countries, including Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, Christmas Eve is known as «Bogaty Vecher» or «Svyatyi Vechir» which translates to «Holy Evening.» It is a time when families gather together to share a special meal, exchange gifts, and attend church services. The name «Bogaty Vecher» comes from the traditional belief that on this night, the heavens open up and all the animals are given the ability to speak. It is also believed that the spirits of deceased family members return to their homes to join in the celebrations.
The preparations for Christmas Eve begin weeks in advance. Families start by cleaning their homes and decorating them with traditional Christmas decorations such as garlands, lights, and a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is usually adorned with handmade ornaments and a star on top, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. It is also customary to place a Nativity scene or «manger» under the tree, depicting the birth of Jesus.
On the day of Christmas Eve, families fast throughout the day, abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs. This fast is broken in the evening with a special meal known as the «Holy Supper.» The Holy Supper consists of twelve dishes, representing the twelve apostles, and each dish has a symbolic meaning. The dishes are typically meatless and include traditional dishes such as kutia (a sweet wheat pudding), borsch (beet soup), varenyky (dumplings filled with potatoes or cabbage), and holubtsi (cabbage rolls). The meal is accompanied by a special bread called «korovai,» which is decorated with intricate designs and symbols of prosperity and abundance.
After the meal, families exchange gifts and sing Christmas carols. In some countries, such as Ukraine, it is also customary for children to go from house to house, singing carols and receiving treats in return. This tradition is known as «kolyadky» and is a way to spread joy and cheer throughout the community.
Attending church services is an essential part of Christmas Eve celebrations. Many families attend the «Vespers» service, which is a special evening prayer service. The service is filled with beautiful hymns and readings from the Bible, reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas Eve is a time for families to come together and create lasting memories. It is a time to reflect on the past year and to be grateful for the blessings in our lives. The tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve in a family setting has been passed down for generations and continues to be an important part of Christmas celebrations.
In today’s fast-paced world, where families are often separated by distance, Christmas Eve is a time to reunite and strengthen family bonds. It is a time to disconnect from the outside world and focus on what truly matters — spending quality time with loved ones.
In conclusion, the tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve on December 24th has been a part of our culture for centuries. It is a time to gather with family, share a special meal, and attend church services. This tradition reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas — love, togetherness, and giving. So this Christmas, let us all take a step back from the hustle and bustle of life and embrace the joy and warmth of «Bogaty Vecher» with our loved ones.
