While it may be difficult to perfectly trace back the centuries-old roots of Ukrainian customs, we without doubt know that they're still popular today. Most Ukrainian traditions are influenced by the Eastern Orthodox Church, Slavic mythology, and events that differentiated Eastern European culture from the West.

On January 6th, Ukrainians celebrate Christmas Eve, known as Holy Night. It's filled with many joyful customs and traditions, such as caroling and Christmas Eve Supper (Holy Supper). Kutia, or sweet grain pudding, is a main traditional dish served during this meal that is rarely eaten at other times of the year. It's served alongside 11 other dishes, making 12 dishes in total to represent Jesus' 12 disciples.

While Ukrainians still celebrate New Year's Day on January 1st, they also celebrate a more unusual holiday known as the Old New Year on January 14th. This holiday is the result of switching from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar.

Since the difference between the two calendars isn't very drastic (13 days), Ukrainians decided to celebrate the New Year twice, according to both calendars.

On January 19th, Ukrainians celebrate an Orthodox Christian holiday called Epiphany. Traditionally, this event involves blessing bodies of water that feature a cross made of ice. The water represents the Jordan river, where Jesus was baptised by John, and is thus believed to bring forth happiness and health. After the blessing, those present drink the water and take some home to keep for the rest of the year. These days, however, water is commonly blessed in a church setting.

Ukrainians celebrate Easter after completing a period of fasting, prayer, and penitence known as Lent, and a week of preparations known as Holy Week. Ukrainians prepare for Easter celebrations by dyeing Easter eggs (pysanky), baking Easter bread (paska), and preparing non-Lenten foods like meat and cheese. These foods are placed in Easter baskets, lit with candles, and are blessed
by a priest during Easter mass. Families gather together and eat the food the next morning, breaking the Lent.