Ukrainian Christmas Carolers outside Save-On-Foods

<p>The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Thompson Okanagan branch invites all to join them in singing Ukrainian Christmas Carols outside Save-On-Foods, Village Green Mall in Vernon on Sunday, January 7th, 2024. <br />Ukrainian Christmas Caroling, also known as koliadky, is a traditional and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, groups of carolers, often dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing, and take tradition Christmas star and then go from house to house singing traditional Christmas carols and receiving treats in return. <br />The carols that are sung during Ukrainian Christmas Caroling, known as koliady, are based on ancient customs that are meant to bring good luck and prosperity to the households that they visit. In order to announce the good news – the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The lyrics of these carols usually tell stories of the birth of Jesus, and the melodies are often accompanied by the playing of traditional Ukrainian instruments such as the bandura or the sopilka. <br />In addition to caroling, Ukrainian Christmas Carolers dress up in costumes and perform plays or skits, often reenacting the story of the Nativity. Its called VERTEP, “??????” – a wandering theater that glorifies the newborn Jesus Christ in Bethlehem from house to house. <br />The Christmas star is an attribute associated with the birth of Jesus Christ: it was the Star of Bethlehem that announced the miraculous birth. Octagon star is often put on top of the Christmas trees and brought along by the carolers.The Didukh is a symbolic sheaf of wheat traditionally placed in Ukrainian homes during the festive season. It embodies the spirit of the harvest and serves as a connection to ancestral spirits, symbolizing prosperity and the continuity of life. Families adorn the Didukh with various grains and symbolic elements, creating a beautiful and meaningful centerpiece that reflects the deep-rooted cultural importance of celebrating the Christmas season. <br />Canada has become home to more than 200,000 displaced persons from Ukraine who are celebrating Christmas in Canada, with thousands more expected by March 31, 2024. This is a time to remember those who are fighting for their freedom! <br />Join us in exploring the rich tapestry of Ukrainian traditions, where each element, like the Didukh, weaves a story of heritage and continuity. <br />United, we believe that Light will triumph over Darkness! <br />May the new year bring us victory! May we find strength in the memories we hold dear and may those departed ever be in God’s memory. <br />????? ???????! Glory to Ukraine! <br />? ????? P???? ?? ??????? ?????????! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! <br />Donations will be accepted to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation for Humanitarian Aid.</p>