Ukraine celebrates Christmas Eve today

Christmas is a unique and festive family holiday among Ukrainians. On Christmas Eve families gather for the traditional Christmas Eve Holy Supper which begins when the first star appears in the eastern sky.

The supper consists of a variety of twelve dishes cooked without meat and other animal originating products. Twelve dishes are a symbol of twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The main dish of the Holy Supper is Kutia, made of wheat, honey and raisins. The recipe of Kutia may vary depending on the region of Ukraine, Joinfo.ua reports.

The departed of the family are remembered on this day by the placing of an extra table setting. The extra placing is also there as a reminder that a passing stranger is welcome.