Surviving a Ukrainian winter, part II

As I mentioned earlier, New Years is one of the biggest holidays of the year for Ukrainians. Unfortunately, I had several plans that all ended up falling through. Here are the few things I can tell you:

• Ukrainian supermarkets are just as crazy as American stores on New Years’ Eve.

• If you buy a mop at one of these supermarkets on New Years’ Eve, Ukrainians will think you are very, very strange. (True story)

• Like Americans, Ukrainians also drink champagne at midnight.

• Ukrainians traditionally watch “Home Alone,” or “Ironia sutby ili z legkim parom,” at old Soviet romantic comedy on New Years’ Eve. This is their version of our “A Christmas Story” or “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Macaulay Culkin must be swimming in royalty money from this country.

• Ukrainians shot off fireworks until about 4 a.m. Ukrainian people LOVE to shoot off fireworks for almost any occasion. During training, my host-sister would say, “Someone is happy,” every time we would hear fireworks. Also, a popular toy among teenagers and pre-teens – fireworks. Yep.

Also, Ukrainians also observe, though to a far lesser degree, Old New Years.

• Ukraine used to follow the Gregorian calendar before adopting the Julian calendar. Under the Gregorian calendar, Ukrainians celebrated New Years on Jan. 13 and 14.

• This holiday is more popular in Ukrainian villages than in a city like Kremenchuk, so the following information does not include first-hand observations, only what I was told:

• On Jan. 13, young single women are supposed to go from door-to-door and sing songs. As you can imagine, their beautiful voices will help them ensnare their future husbands.

• Then sometime between Jan. 14, these young single women in the village often “lose” their front doors because they are taken off the hinges and removed. This, of course, helps to clear the way for her future husband.

• On Jan. 14, young single men are supposed to go from house to house and spread their seeds (no, not THAT way; I quite literally mean they are spreading grain and wheat seeds on the ground) on the front lawn and throughout the house for good luck, fortune and fertility for the New Year. Also, they are supposed to sprinkle this seed over the young single women. (At one volunteer’s school, the seeds were actually thrown at the women.)

I’ll keep you posted on Ukrainian holidays as I am able to experience them. Next up (I think) is Easter, and I’m told that drinking starts immediately after the sunrise service. Hmmm, sounds like something even Unofficial St. Patty’s can’t match!