The Christmas traditions of the Ukrainian people are a unique combination of ancient beliefs and deep Christian content, uniting generations. However, over the years, many stereotypes and folk superstitions have formed around the rituals of caroling, generosity and sowing..

Many people still argue whether girls have the right to enter the house first or at what age is it appropriate to sing under neighbors’ windows?. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine notes that most of these restrictions are only the result of ignorance or false faith. In fact, the joy of the birth of the Savior has no boundaries - neither age nor gender. Understanding the true meaning of these rituals helps to free yourself from the fear of “doing something wrong” and focus on the main thing - a sincere desire for peace and well-being.

According to the explanations of the OCU, any prohibitions like “women cannot sing carols” or “a boy must enter the house first” are only a consequence of social prejudices. The Lord teaches love for all people, regardless of their gender or social status. In the New Testament, women are given a special, honorable role, because it was the Virgin Mary who became the Mother of the Son of God.

Moreover, it was the myrrh-bearing women who remained with the Savior during the most difficult moments of His earthly life and were the first to receive the news of the Resurrection. They became " Therefore, there is simply no theological basis for prohibiting girls or women from celebrating Christmas.. Although the church does not restrict women, folk customs in different parts of Ukraine have their own characteristics. For example, in the Hutsul region, male gangs are traditionally formed and go around every house, while in Podolia girls are more often involved in generosity.

Kolyada has an extremely long history, reaching back to pre-Christian times, when the Slavs celebrated the “turn of the Sun towards spring”. The winter solstice was considered the moment when light begins to conquer darkness and the days become longer.. It was a celebration of the birth of a new life cycle.

With the advent of Christianity, this astronomical act received a new, deeper interpretation.. St. Augustine explained that believers do not celebrate the birth of the physical sun, but the birth of the One who created this sun. This is how ancient folk songs were transformed into majestic hymns in honor of the Savior’s coming into the world. Modern Christmas songs differ significantly from archaic folklore samples. Since the 17th century, carols have become part of the “book culture”; they were composed by priests, monks and clerks. They distributed texts by handwriting, introducing them into people’s everyday life after services..

The first significant printed collection of spiritual songs was “Bogoglasnik”, published in Pochaev in 1790. It is thanks to this work that today we know and sing such masterpieces as “A New Joy Has Become” or “Heaven and Earth Now Triumph”. These works have become a true national treasure that has survived centuries..

The church charter provides that Christmas carols begin to be heard in churches on December 4 - the feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary.. This is the time to prepare the heart for a great event.. The carols and shchedrivki themselves accompany Ukrainians throughout the entire winter holiday cycle.. Traditionally, this period lasts from Christmas Eve to the Presentation of the Lord, which is celebrated on the 40th day after Christmas.. During all this time, it is appropriate to wish well to the owners who open the doors of their homes to the light of God's love. Each song like this is a prayer for peace and prosperity of the family.

Folk tradition says: there are no strict restrictions. Children usually begin their journey as carolers at the age of 5-6 years, studying simple texts, while adults can continue this throughout their lives..

In many regions of Ukraine you can see entire family groups, where gray-haired grandfathers sing together with their grandchildren. This is not just entertainment, but an act of transmitting cultural code. Adults often participate in charity caroling, where the goal is to raise funds for the needs of society or troops. In the modern city these boundaries have almost disappeared. Today, caroling has become an inclusive process, where teenagers organize theatrical nativity scenes, and women lead artistic groups. What is important is not who exactly sings, but with what intentions and mood a person enters the house. If you are planning to go caroling for the first time, you should start with a classical repertoire, for example, “Good evening to you, Mr. Host”. To create a festive atmosphere, prepare authentic clothes - embroidered shirts, scarves or a homemade Christmas star. This will add special magic to your performance..

Etiquette is very important: always ask permission before singing and sincerely thank them for their hospitality.. In apartment buildings, try not to carol too late to respect the peace of your neighbors. Remember that your goal is to bring joy, not cause inconvenience..

The tradition of caroling is a two-way process. Owners should prepare food or money in advance. The main thing is to open the doors with a smile and an open heart, because carolers bring blessings into the house for the whole next year. Even if you are unable to give a generous reward, a simple word of gratitude and sincere consideration is extremely important.. Christmas is a time when intangibles become a priority and singing together brings strangers together into an extended family..

In recent years, carols in Ukraine have acquired a powerful charitable meaning.. A large number of nativity scenes and groups raise funds not “for their own pockets,” but to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine or help displaced people. This returns the ritual to its original essence - service to one’s neighbor and mutual assistance.. When adults in uniform or volunteer clothing sing Christmas carols, it is perceived as a symbol of the indestructibility of the nation. Such caroling has no age limits, because every contribution to the common cause is valuable and blessed.

Despite the war or life's difficulties, the Ukrainian carol continues to sound in dugouts, shelters and cozy living rooms.

This testifies that our spirit cannot be broken, and our faith in the victory of light over darkness is unshakable.

Everyone who comes out to carol this year - either a child with a star, or an adult with a nativity scene - becomes part of a large chain connecting the past with the future. Therefore, do not pay attention to prejudices about age or gender, but bring the good news to every home, because the joy of Christmas belongs to everyone without exception..