Editorial photo #987890 Religion and Belief

Orthodox Christmas Day in Ukraine

Ukrainians wearing traditional dresses sing Christmas carols at the "Procession of "Didukh ", during celebrations for Orthodox Christmas,at Sophia Square,in Kiev, Ukraine, 07 January 2016. The "Didukh" is a Ukrainian Christmas decoration,made from a sheaf of wheat, it is a symbolic sacrifice taken from the best of the autumn harvest,and literally means "the spirit of ancestors". It symbolizes the household's wish for an abundance of nature and a bountiful harvest for the upcoming year. The "Didukh" is placed in Ukrainian homes before Christmas, and kept until Maslenitsa (Carnival). Many Orthodox Christians annually celebrate Christmas Day on or near 07 January. (Photo by STR/NurPhoto)