Ukraine's unique Christmas carols
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Since Ukraine gained independence from the USSR in 1991, the ancient tradition of singing kolyadki - traditional carols and songs - has been slowly revived. While many of the songs have their roots in the Orthodox Christian faith, others are much older - hinting at the pagan winter festival from which they originally came.
Before Communism, on Christmas Eve in Ukraine groups of young people would move from house to house singing kolyadki and wishing the residents health and happiness. In return, the householders would offer small gifts of coins and food.
While some of the songs paid homage to the birth of Jesus, others had their roots in a much older tradition - honouring the Kolyada, whose festival was celebrated at the winter solstice and who was believed to bring the lengthening days of sunlight after the solstice. Then, people would dress up in strange costumes and go from house to house singing, dancing and telling fortunes.
Under Communism, the tradition of singing kolyadki - like any festival linked to religion - was discouraged, although it still lingered on in many rural areas.
After 1991 religion returned to Ukraine, and kolyadki songs began enjoying a resurgence. Today many Ukrainians cannot image celebrating Christmas without hearing these beautiful melodies.
United Kingdom
I like Ukraine. And I listened to Christmas carols and I really liked.
