Fasting part of Ukrainian traditions

"There are always 12 dishes served Christmas Eve, symbolic of the apostles," recalled Father Mazurky, who left the western part of Ukraine three years ago to serve in America.

"Where I grew up, people fast all day leading up to Christmas Eve," he adding that women traditionally spend Dec. 24 cooking while men and children clean the farmsteads. Duties include spreading straw on the floor of the home as a reminder that Jesus was born in a stable, and sometimes placing a thin layer of fine straw between the table and the tablecloth.

Family service

"The father does not cut the bread; he breaks it with his fingers as Christ did, and then he distributes it to those gathered at the table," said Father Mazuryk.

Ukrainian families then eat raw garlic and kernels of wheat (known as "wheat berries") that have been cooked to resemble a porridge that may be sweetened with honey. The garlic symbolizes protection against getting lost while the wheat is symbolic of Christ.

Father Mazuryk said that in some families, children are permitted to toss a small spoonful of the cooked wheat up on the ceiling: "If it sticks, it means there will be a good harvest in the New Year."

Abstinence

No desserts are offered until Christmas Day, at which time families may enjoy sweet breads or traditional Ukrainian cookies after partaking of a holiday meal that includes meat, usually either baked ham or roast pork.

Families in Ukraine traditionally set a place at the Christmas Eve table in memory of deceased loved ones. According to Father Mazuryk, there is usually only one plate, but the number of spoons equals the number of loved ones who have passed on. A candle that is lit at the start of the Christmas Eve supper is not extinguished by family members or guests, but rather is allowed to burn itself out beside the memorial place setting.

St. Nicholas

"We will have the Divine Liturgy at 5 p.m. followed by a visit from St. Nicholas at around 6:15 p.m.," said Father Mazuryk. "At that time, light holiday refreshments will be enjoyed by the parish family."

The priest noted that in Ukraine, St. Nicholas leaves a small present under the pillows of sleeping children on Dec. 6, but no gifts are received or exchanged on Christmas Day. Instead, activities center on the Christ Child and the gifts that He gave to the world.

(11-27-97) [[In-content Ad]]