Festivals & Celebrations
Ukrainians have many of the same holidays we have, only on different days. On May 9th they celebrate Victory Day, a day to honour soldiers. They celebrate Independence Day (similar to our Canada Day) on August 24th with fireworks, parades, festivals and special foods. Ukrainians also celebrate Valentine's Day, April Fool's Day, and Mother's Day just like we do.
Ukrainian children receive presents twice near Christmas, but not on Christmas day which is celebrated on January 7th! On December 9th they receive gifts from St. Nicholas and his angels and on New Year's Day they receive gifts under a New Year Tree. On Christmas eve, children go caroling wearing traditional costumes and are given food, drinks, candy or money as a reward. September 1st is called the Day of Knowledge in Ukraine. Students celebrate their return to school by carrying flowers.
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Easter
Easter is the biggest Christian holiday in Ukraine. During the 40 days before Easter, a time called Lent, Ukrainians don't eat any meat or milk products to keep their body and mind clean. On Easter Sunday they eat a special bread called paska. On June 6th, Ivan Kupala Day is held and people often jump over bonfires holding hands for good luck. The person who will jump the highest, will get the most happiness during the year. Before the Ukraine became a Christian country, Ivan Kupala Day marked the first day of Summer. After they adopted Christianity, the holiday marked the birthday of St. John the Baptist – Ivan in Russian. |
http://int.rgo.ru/media/photo-media/reportage-travel-photo/ivan-kupala-day-midsummer-celebrations-in-russia/
Solski, Ruth (2007). Countries Around the Globe Series: All About Ukraine People and Places. Niagra Falls, NY: On the Mark Press.
Solski, Ruth (2007). Countries Around the Globe Series: All About Ukraine People and Places. Niagra Falls, NY: On the Mark Press.