About
Koliada is the Slavic midwinter season of carolling, mumming and feasting, now closely joined with Christmas. The name most likely comes from the Latin calendae, the first day of the month, though modern Slavic pagans often treat Koliada as a solstice festival of the reborn sun. Carollers carry a star from house to house singing kolyadki and receive food and small coins in return.
Customs
- Carolling from house to house with a star on a pole
- Mumming in masks and costumes, including goats and bears
- Setting out a meatless supper of twelve dishes on Christmas Eve
- Placing hay under the tablecloth and a sheaf of grain in the corner
- Fortune telling for the year ahead
Food
- Kutia (wheat berries with honey and poppy seeds)
- Pierogi or varenyky
- Borscht
- Uzvar (dried fruit drink)
- Honey cakes
A simple ritual
- Place a little hay or straw under your tablecloth.
- Light a candle safely and welcome the returning sun.
- Share a simple supper and set aside the first spoonful of kutia for the ancestors.
- Sing a song or carol together, or visit a neighbour with good wishes.
- Put out the candle and keep the straw until the season ends.
Never leave candles or fires unattended, and keep them away from pets and children.