First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko invited the wives of diplomats and heads of international organizations’ offices in Ukraine to a meeting to acquaint them with Ukrainian Christmas traditions. This year the event took place in the Kyiv Sophia National Preserve.
A unique music instrument consisting of 49 bells and electrically operated by one person was played for the first time, specially for the guests. This carillon welcomed them with melodious chimes, a kind of symphony of Ukrainian hospitability.
Yushchenko told the diplomats’ wives about Ukrainian Christmas, and her account piqued their interest. For example, they were surprised to learn about the Ukrainian tradition of keeping silence during the ‘holy supper.’ “This is not because Ukrainians do not want to communicate with the family – it is a way to honor their labor and the wonderful holiday,” explained Yushchenko.
On behalf of the guests Elizabeth Heimsoeth, the wife of Germany’s ambassador to Ukraine, thanks the hosts (Kateryna Yushchenko and Maryna Poroshenko, the wife of the recently appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Petro Poroshenko) for the wonderful reception and the interesting facts. “It a good start for learning Ukrainian traditions,” she said.
During the reception the ladies had an opportunity to see the exhibitions in the Kyiv Sophia National Preserve. One of them was Saint Sophia’s Angel Gallery, decorated with amber, which created the impression of a holiday. The sunny color of amber coupled with the light faces of angels filled the place with positive and delightful atmosphere. Another exhibit was specially made for the diplomats’ visit. It was a demonstration of hand-made costumes from the play “Nazar Stodolia” staged by the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater.
The guests also had an opportunity to try traditional Christmas dishes, such as Ukrainian kutia with honey, poppy seeds, and nuts, and other dishes that are part of the traditional ‘holy supper.’ The meal was accompanied by Ukrainian melodies, performed by Khoreia Kozatska, an ensemble which plays ancient instrumental music. The organizers tried to convey the festive spirit and ultimately succeeded in doing so.
