Happy Ukrainian True New Year!

New Year in Ukraine is celebrated on this very day, December 22nd, following the winter solstice. It can't be moved to fit any calendar. Because we celebrate the new sun and the days growing longer. Traditionally, it's the celebration of the goddess Koliada and the birth of the New Sun.

Today, on the night of December 21st to 22nd, the winter solstice, the sun begins its return - the longest, darkest night ends. "The longest night has passed, and the Mother Goddess Koliada gave birth to the divine child Koliada - the young winter Sun." Dnipropetrovsk National History Museum

In addition to celebrating Koliada and the Sun, there was an ancestor cult. A didukh - a sheaf of wheat symbolizing the presence of ancestral spirits and the harvest spirit of the field - was placed in the house. The word "didukh" literally means "grandfather's spirit," and this ritual dates back to times when it was believed that the souls of ancestors lived in the harvested grain and protected the family's well-being. Suspilne Culture

Later the holiday was moved to disguise it as Christmas. And when celebrating, the emphasis was placed on the Christian component, sometimes even banning traditional rituals. M.M. Kozlov with quotes from Orthodox priests banning the holidays

Once it was moved to January 7th. Now some want to move it to December 25th. Earlier they banned it, now they move it. Who are they to move what they once banned?

But it cannot be moved — it's not a calendar date - it's the celebration of the Sun, which happens on the day of the winter solstice.