Musée Ukraina Museum

Koliada - Celebrating the season with song!

KOLIADA 2025, celebrating Christ's birth through song, was held at MUM on Friday, December 26, from 2:00 to 4:30pm. The community sang together, accompanied by Marko on accordion; we were also treated to the young voices of 'Christmas Bells' with Oksana on bandura and, enjoyed tasting two varieties of kutia and a tempting selection of home baking.

The afternoon also provided the opportunity to give grateful thank-you to Fr. Ivan for initiating the Geared Up for MUM Campaign which raised $14,000 for programming and technology for the Museum.

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Koliada - a name for the cycle of festive rituals celebrating the winter solstice and the new year. It's a time when we celebrate the birth of the Son of God and bring blessings for the year ahead through traditional songs sung on the Christmas holidays.

For Ukrainians, the season of koliada begins on Sviat Vechir - Holy Eve - joyfully announcing the birth of the Son of God. The Rizdvo season and singing of koliadky extends into the new-year with house-to-house visiting carrying on with the centuries old tradition of bringing greetings and good wishes. Liturgical services throughout the Christmas season lead the faithful to be part of a journey of celebration. For 40 days, from the first services of the Great Complines to Stritennia (the presentation of Jesus at the Temple) there are koliadky about light, about stars, about Heaven and Earth.

In the spirit that makes us Ukrainian, we know that even during the darkest times, our culture and traditions carry us through to welcome brighter, longer days and bring hope and comfort.

Musée Ukraina Museum Inc.