Carols and shchedrivki are an indispensable part of Ukrainian winter holidays. The custom of giving is more common at Christmas, and caroling at New Year.. However, in some regions of Ukraine these traditions are also common during the celebration of Epiphany on January 6. These ritual songs symbolize the completion of the Christmas cycle and the onset of a new stage in the life of the community.. The trick tells how the customs of generosity and caroling differ during the Jordan.

Shchedrivkas are considered traditional ritual songs. They have special significance because they complete the cycle of winter holidays. The songs usually call the family, sing about prosperity, wish for a good harvest, livestock and prosperity. They are performed by the housewives, the owner, their children and the whole family in general..

Usually these songs are performed by dressing up as various characters, in particular Malanka, Goat, Bear, Gypsy or Devil. People go from house to house, entertaining the owners with their songs and dances..

Carols sung at Epiphany differ from Christmas carols in their content.. They are performed with special enthusiasm, because it is believed that on this day the water acquires healing properties, so the singing of carolers brings blessings to the house. The custom of caroling at Epiphany has been preserved in many regions of Ukraine, especially in Pokuttya.

Traditionally, carols for the Jordan are sung after the festive liturgy and blessing of the water.. Carolers - usually young people or church fraternities - go around neighbors' houses, singing songs and congratulating them on Epiphany.

Focus previously wrote that due to the transition to the New Julian calendar in Ukraine, the dates for celebrating a number of traditional winter holidays have changed. If earlier Epiphany was celebrated on January 19, then from now on the date of the holiday is moved to January 6.

It should be added that on this day believers celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism, which Jesus Christ performed at the age of 30 on the Jordan River. On this day water is considered sacred. She can cleanse the soul and body from diseases and sins. That is why believers have a tradition of swimming in an ice hole on this day..