On this evening, 5 January, fasting is introduced, and the main dish at dinner is kutya. People also call this day hungry kutya, which emphasises the importance of this humble traditional dish.
With the first evening star the family sits down to the festive table. They light a candle, thank God for the past year, wish each other health, prosperity and joy. They remember those who have gone to the eternal reward to the born Christ. And the first dish, which they start to dine with, is kutya.
12 dishes for the Holy Evening
1. Kutya
Kutya is the most important of the 12 dishes on Christmas Eve. The meal begins with it. Each ingredient of the kutya is symbolic and has different interpretations. Wheat is a symbol of abundance, honey is a symbol of health, poppy is a symbol of family.
2. Uzvar
The second most popular of the 12 dishes on the table at the Holy Dinner is uzvar. It symbolises new life, birth, which was given to man by God.
3. Borscht
Lenten borscht is prepared on Christmas Eve. Only vegetables and beetroot kvass leavened in advance are added to it. That is why the dish turns out rich and has a dark red colour. Borscht in Ukrainian tradition was considered a symbol of the blood of innocent children that King Herod killed in Bethlehem.
4. Kapustnyak
Among Ukrainians, there is another of the 12 dishes for Holy Evening that was very popular. It is made from sauerkraut (as a symbol of simplicity, strength and unity around Jesus Christ). The dish is called kapustnjak.
5. Karachun, kalach or bread
Our ancestors called it a symbol of death and subsequent resurrection. This was explained by the fact that the grain is first sown in the ground, where it “dies” and then sprouts and gives fruit (as if “resurrected”).
6. Fish
The fish is a special symbol of Christians. Three intertwined fish or a fish with three heads is a symbol of the Holy Trinity in many nations. Therefore, it is always present in the list of 12 dishes for the Holy Supper.
7. Beans and peas
In Christians, this simple dish is considered a symbol of God’s spring, rebirth. And it also symbolises the unity of all family members, because on Christmas Eve they all gather around the same table to celebrate Christmas.
8. Stuffed cabbage with millet
The name of this dish from 12 on Holy Eve is consonant with “dove”, which is considered to be a symbol of the Holy Spirit who brings God’s love to people. Throughout the world, this bird symbolises peace, friendliness and tranquillity.
9. Mushrooms
They can be cooked in any form. Of the 12 dishes for Christmas, only they symbolise the two natures of Jesus Christ at once: the earthly (stem) and the divine or heavenly (cap).
10. Doughnuts
Among our ancestors, it was impossible to imagine a 12-course meal on Holy Evening without doughnuts. They were considered a symbol of the saints who believed in Jesus Christ and received eternal life in heaven. The common people saw in the Doughnut a symbol of happiness, prosperity and joy, which everyone is looking for at Christmas time.
11. Dumplings
Since ancient times dumplings have been symbols of nourishment and prosperity. Also, our ancestors often said that the Lord gave man the opportunity to live on Earth “like a dumpling in butter”, which meant “very good”.
12. Porridge
For our ancestors, porridge symbolised the continuation of the family, unity. That’s why it was added to the list of 12 dishes for the Holy Evening. Porridge was also considered to be a symbol of a harvestable land, a hard-working master and fertile cattle.
In addition to the traditional kutya, uzvar and dumplings, housewives used to prepare real culinary masterpieces – bean pâtés, borscht with pears, Lenten stuffed cabbage and even kalacha with kalina. These dishes will not only diversify the Christmas Eve menu, but also preserve the spirit of Ukrainian traditions!