Katharine's dad came to the UK after the Second World War having left the Ukraine during the war. He created a new life here, but brought with him some Ukrainian traditions. They celebrate Christmas on 6th and 7th January, so today is Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve is the focus of celebrations, with a 12 course evening meal. The first course is eaten when the first stars become visible, and the meal lasts until very late, with a break between courses.
This shot shows samples of several Ukrainian dishes, on crockery with a design reminiscent of Ukraine designs, all on a table cloth with a Ukrainian design. The model at the back is of a traditional wooden Ukrainian cottage.
We will be celebration this evening, but not with the full 12 courses - I couldn't manage that much food now!
Interesting to hear about traditions. Here in Italy the 6th is also celebrated, with kids waking up to see what the befana (a witch) has put at the foot of their bed! (Often cheap sweets from a local supermarket, what a surprise).
That is really interesting. I like the tradional cloth and crockery. In Italy they give a lot of importance to 6th January (Epiphany - when the Church celebrates the visit of the Three Kings to see The New Born Child, Jesus, which is the day they exchange presents. They call it La Befana. It was also a very important feast in Malta up to 2/3 decades ago.
The sky was cloudy so we couldn't see the first star in the sky, so we looked at the star on the Christmas tree. It was a modest affair, with just Katharine and I. The original plan had been for Katharine to go to Sheffield and see her dad in his care home, but visits have been suspended because of the very high infection rates in the area where the care home is located. Neither of us wanted to tackle all 12 courses. I managed small helpings of three courses, while Katharine managed four.
Good idea Richard - I have added that tag!
Ian
We say: Lands wijs lands eer. +/- Each country has it`s one traditions,
Thank you all for your lovely comments.
The sky was cloudy so we couldn't see the first star in the sky, so we looked at the star on the Christmas tree. It was a modest affair, with just Katharine and I. The original plan had been for Katharine to go to Sheffield and see her dad in his care home, but visits have been suspended because of the very high infection rates in the area where the care home is located. Neither of us wanted to tackle all 12 courses. I managed small helpings of three courses, while Katharine managed four.
Ian
Thank you - when I was younger I could have tackled 12 courses, but not now!
Ian