Discover the 12 traditional dishes prepared on Christmas Eve, along with their significance and meanings.

Before Christmas, Ukrainians prepare 12 traditional dishes for the Holy Evening, each with its own symbolic meaning. The dinner does not begin until the first star appears in the sky, symbolizing the birth of Jesus Christ. The list of dishes that should be present at the festive dinner and their significance is detailed by “Your World.”

What 12 dishes are typically prepared for Holy Evening

Kutya – the main dish made from boiled grains (wheat, barley, or rice), poppy seeds, honey, nuts, and raisins. Kutya has historically been a ceremonial dish (unity with God, a sacrifice to Christ) and a memorial dish (honoring ancestors). After Holy Evening, it is left on the table overnight so that the souls of deceased ancestors can join in the festive meal.

Uzvar – a drink made from dried fruits. In Christianity, uzvar symbolizes the cleansing of the soul and body. Honey, which is sometimes added to uzvar, signifies a sweet life and health.

Kalach – a round bread symbolizing the Trinity and eternity. Associated with prosperity and blessings, kalach is sweetened and sprinkled with poppy seeds. This ceremonial bread symbolizes the newborn Jesus Christ, eternal life, and resurrection from the dead.

Pampushky – sweet “doughnuts,” usually filled. Pampushky symbolize the saints who have earned a place in heaven. This dish is one of the oldest in Ukraine, although the first mentions of it are recorded in Cossack chronicles.

Borscht – a lean dish made from beets, beans, cabbage, and dumplings filled with mushrooms. Borscht symbolizes peace and harmony within the family.

Dumplings – with lean fillings (cabbage, potatoes, mushrooms), often served with fried onions.

Holubtsi – cabbage leaves filled with rice, onions, and carrots. Cultural experts claim that holubtsi first appeared in the 18th century and have remained on the Ukrainian festive table ever since. Their name comes from the word “dove,” which symbolizes tranquility and peace.

Stewed Cabbage – a tasty and hearty dish. Cabbage symbolizes simplicity, family strength, and unity around God. On Holy Evening, this dish may be prepared using sauerkraut, with the addition of mushrooms or crushed peas. Additionally, festive cabbage can be diversified with dried plums, honey, and a pinch of ground pepper.

Herring – pickled fish. In Christianity, fish has symbolic significance and is a staple of Ukraine's rich festive cuisine.

Canned Vegetables and Mushrooms – preserves that add variety and flavor to the festive table.

Baked Potatoes – baked in their skins, often with herbs and spices, served with pickled vegetables.

Fish – fried, baked, or jellied, is an important dish that symbolizes Jesus Christ.

First, kutya is eaten, followed by holubtsi, dumplings, fried fish, cabbage, and others, washed down with uzvar. According to tradition, children carry the dinner to, for example, their godparents, as well as to their grandparents.

What else can be prepared for Holy Evening

The list of dishes for Holy Evening is not mandatory, except for kutya and uzvar. “Wikipedia” states that depending on traditions and family customs, other alternative dishes may also be prepared for the Holy Evening table:

• peas;
• pickled mushrooms;
• mushroom soup;
• cabbage soup, thickened with oil and millet;
• beans;
• pancakes (to accompany borscht);
• stewed cabbage with mushrooms;
• buckwheat porridge;
• millet porridge with mushroom seasoning in oil;
• lean pies with cabbage, plums, pears, etc.;
• beet salad with cleaned herring;
• salad made from pickled cucumbers or cabbage with onions, dressed with oil;
• kalachi;
• stuffed beets;
• vegetables (carrots, beets, cabbage), apples, pears, plums (sometimes pickled);
• honey cakes;
• pea cutlets;
• Christmas stars;
• potato pancakes;
• garlic;
• galambets;
• droplets.