Holidays

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Ukrainians, like other nations, have many traditions and holidays. During the Soviet era, some of the religious based holidays such as Easter and Christmas were officially discouraged. The celebration of these two holidays was ignored for many years, but have made a resurgence in the post Soviet era. Here is a list of some of the more popular Ukrainian holidays:

November 7. This former Soviet holiday has lost its political meaning and is now a traditional day off.

New Year's Day. This holiday serves as the Ukrainian equivalent to Christmas in the United States . It is a wonderful time for children as well as for grown-ups, and is often called the family holiday. On New Year's Eve, children decorate a fir or a pine tree with shining balls and toys. The mothers cook a festive dinner. On New Year's Day there is an exchange of presents.

January 7, Eastern Orthodox Christmas. Unlike Christmas in America , this is primarily a religious holiday.

Second weekend in February, Easter. The traditional Easter greeting is "The Lord has resurrected!" On Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning people put an Easter cake, painted eggs, butter and cheese into a basket and go to church for the blessing of the food. "Pysanky" (a painted Easter egg) is one of the most interesting sorts of Ukrainian decorative art.

March 8, Women's Day . This is an occasion to display love, tenderness and gratitude to those who care for us most - to mothers and grandmothers, sisters and daughters.

May 1-2, Spring and Labor Days. These primary Soviet holidays have lost their political meaning and are now traditional days off.

May 9, Victory Day. This is the day of commemoration of those who perished in the war against fascism.

August 24, Ukrainian Independence Day.