In our time. Ukrainians are used to decorating houses with various garlands, toys, and, of course, a Christmas tree (it can be artificial, in the trend of eco-friendly movements. or live). However, whatever one may say, the Christmas tree is not a true Ukrainian symbol of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In Ukraine, traditional home decorations during the winter holidays were made mainly from straw. You can use this unique, environmentally friendly material to make the incredibly beautiful decor. In modern Ukraine, this tradition is being revived: at the peak of patriotism and national pride, many Ukrainians prefer traditional straw decorations.
By the way, spruce and straw decorations perfectly combine each other. For instance, you can hang straw ornaments on your Christmas tree and enjoy the perfect tandem of tradition and modernity.
Decor in the Ukrainian style
With such a rich history, the Ukrainian people know how to decorate their homes for the holidays. It is important to note that for Ukrainians, Christmas decorations are not just decorations but significant attributes of the celebration and symbols of good wishes.
The ancestors of modern Ukrainians attached importance to every detail in the house. And since many families’ lives were closely connected with agriculture, it is not surprising that the materials for the festive decor were also environmentally friendly. That is why straw became incredibly popular.
It’s important to know. Used for holiday decorations, the straw was by no means destroyed in the process of its growth. It was collected when harvest time came. Didukh and other national decorations were made using this straw.
More importantly, straw decorations were left in the house from Christmas to Christmas, that is, a whole year. The old decor was burned and replaced with a new one made using a fresh crop. It was believed that such amulets retain their power for a year, and after that time, they need to be taken out of the house. Not only because of beliefs but also because straw decorations were gathering dust and wearing out for such a long time.
The main elements of holiday decor
The main elements of Christmas decorations for Ukrainians are didukh and spiders. Other figures were also popular, for example, angels, snowflakes, birds, and animals.
Didukh straw amulet
Didukh symbolizes the grandfather’s spirit, the spirit of ancestors, which was identified with your kin. According to traditions, on Christmas, all ancestors are united into one whole, so the ritual of making didukh emphasizes the significance of your family. Furthermore, according to beliefs, the souls of ancestors sat on the branches of the didukh when they returned home to celebrate Christmas.
Initially, didukh was just a bundle made from the first harvest. Over time, didukh decorations became more diverse and unique. For this, Ukrainians used dried flowers in addition to straw. That is why for Ukrainians, it is important not the shape of the decoration but the materials it is made of. The fantasy allows you to create unsurpassed masterpieces. However, the materials symbolize a close connection with the ancestors and the family.
Straw decorations differed greatly in their look. Even in the neighboring villages, one could see a completely different didukh. This is another reason why the secrets and principles of creation were so carefully guarded and passed down from generation to generation.
However, it was considered normal that traditions for decorating the didukh changed from time to time. The ideas of craftswomen and the exchange of traditions between families justified this. Therefore, there is no such thing as a wrong didukh: folk art has no boundaries.
As a result, the didukh was used as a talisman. Although in ancient times, no one called it a talisman. Ukrainians believed that this sheaf protects the family’s peace, prosperity, and happiness.
Straw geometric spiders
Straw spiders are another interesting decor for Christmas. Such decorations did not resemble the look of insects, but were made in a geometric style and hung on the ceiling. With each airflow, the spiders moved, thereby driving away evil spirits.
During the Christmas holidays, when there was much less work around the house and in the field than in the warm season, Ukrainians looked at decorations for a long time. At such moments, people usually read a prayer or dreamed, making plans for the year.
Another important component of making decorations in the family circle is the possibility of passing on knowledge from generation to generation. It was a family pastime that allowed all family members to hone their skills year after year. For example, when the youngest first tried to take part in making Christmas straw decorations, the elders showed them in practice what to do and how to do it. So, adults set an example for children and teach them to repeat everything correctly, preserving the family traditions of preparing for Christmas.
These straw decorations look original and cozy and carry a deep symbolic meaning. Therefore, it is unsurprising that in recent years, many Ukrainians have begun using straw decor at home.
