A guide to the world of Christmas and New Year traditions
It is impossible to imagine the end of the year without decorating Christmas trees, rustling gifts, the smell of tangerines, singing Christmas carols, nativity scenes, thematic decor, and a sense of wonder. We believe that St. Nicholas will visit us and leave a guest. It doesn't matter, under the pillow, under the bed or on the windowsill...
Later, we will gather as a family for Christmas - with kutia, twelve dishes, and carols: some on December 25, others on January 7, as usual. For the New Year, some may still be waiting for Santa Claus, some for Santa, and others will simply exchange gifts, greetings, and wishes. But for everyone, this is a special period when we sum up the year, try to set goals for the next 365 days, and feel the magic of unity, hope, and love.
In addition to magic, there are always questions of a historical component surrounding the whirlwind of winter holidays. What symbols are traditional and modern Ukrainian Christmas full of? Why are we waiting for Nicholas and what is his connection with Santa? Who is Santa Claus and is it true that he is entirely a product of Soviet culture? When did Ukrainians start to decorate the Christmas tree and can we say that it took the place of grandfather? How did the practices of celebrating Christmas coexist in cities and villages? How were the new canons of the holiday formed under the influence of Soviet power and in the times of independence?
Winter holidays are family traditions, faith in miracles, goodies, and gifts. An in-depth study by anthropologist Daria Antsibor's "Under the Pillow or the Christmas Tree" will help you find out how and when these ideas took hold.
Why should you read the book?
- You will find answers to questions about how the traditions of winter holidays in Ukraine arose and developed.
- It will help to understand the myths that have formed around the figure of Santa Claus.
- Gives a feeling of nostalgia for the magic of the holidays, which everyone looked forward to in childhood.
About the author:
Daria Antsibor is a folklorist, anthropologist, candidate of philological sciences, author of the Telegram channel "Mushrooms, Graves and Dissertations", and co-author of the podcast "Porobleno" ("Hoodoo"). Research associate of the State Scientific Center for the Protection of Cultural Heritage from Man-made Disasters. Writes and publishes popular science articles in the publications "Kunsht" and "Yizhakultura".
