Didukh

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A diduch, or didukh (Ukrainian: дідух) is a Ukrainian Christmas decoration; made from a sheaf of wheat, it is a symbolic sacrifice taken from the best of the autumn harvest. "Diduch" literally means "the spirit of ancestors". Diduchy are traditionally made from the first or the last stalks of wheat reaped during the year. It symbolizes the household's wish for an abundance of nature and a bountiful harvest for the upcoming year.[1] Before the holidays, wheat ears or stalks are gathered with colorful threads, then the bunches are tied with ribbons.[2] A diduch is placed in most Ukrainian homes before Christmas, and kept until Maslenitsa (Carnival).

Spiritual meaning

It is believed that the spirits of the household's ancestors reside in diduch during the holidays[3] While it is at a place of honor inside the house, the souls of all ancestors will unite and bless the family. On Christmas, koliva is traditionally being prepared in front of the diduch. On Maslenitsa, diduch is burnt symbolizing the end of the winter.

References

  1. ↑ The Ukrainian Weekly Magazine PDF Version, November 2012 Issue Retrieved 27 April 2013
  2. ↑ Christmas Eve January 6 by the Julian Calendar Retrieved 27 April 2013
  3. ↑ Ukrainian Christmas Retrieved 27 April 2013

External links

  • Ukrainian Women Share Christmas Eve Feast Scanned copy of Our Fabulous Cooks column of The Hour newspaper on Google News dated 17 December 1980. Retrieved 27 April 2013
  • Ukrainian Christmas Retrieved 27 April 2013

See Also

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