New West, December 18, 2024 – The final event in this season’s “Together” project brought warmth, tradition, and unity to the Ukrainian community and their Dutch neighbors through a meaningful celebration of Ukrainian Christmas customs. Hosted at the cozy Moroccan kitchen at Riekerhof, the evening featured a workshop on crafting traditional Ukrainian “Didukh” decorations led by the artist Olha Zhukova, followed by a festive dinner of traditional dishes.
The Symbolism of Didukh
At the heart of the workshop was the creation of the “Didukh,” a sheaf of wheat symbolizing prosperity, family unity, and the connection between past and present. Guided by Zhukova, participants learned the intricate art of weaving these traditional decorations while exploring their deep cultural significance. The Didukh, often placed in the home during Christmas, serves as a symbol of peace, wealth, and blessings for the household.
Participants also reflected on how the values represented by the Didukh—prosperity, sharing, and unity—can inspire everyday acts of kindness and support within the community.
The Spirit of Christmas in Challenging Times
For Ukrainians, especially during times of war and displacement, Christmas holds profound significance. It’s a time of hope, resilience, and reflection—a reminder of the importance of family, faith, and unity. As one participant shared, “We missed Ukrainian traditions here.”
The workshop and dinner serving Ukrainian Borcht provided a chance for attendees to reconnect with their roots and share the richness of their culture with others. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on their own “riches”—not just material wealth, but their capacity for kindness, connection, and community—and to take steps to share these gifts with neighbors.
A Community Effort
Despite having only 20 seats in the room, the dinner welcomed 30 attendees, some participating without prior registration, underscoring the strong sense of belonging the event fostered.
Participants expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“It feels like we are all a big family.”
“It was so simple and so tasty, thank you for organizing these events for us!”
The evening was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. Volunteers Olga, Alice, Lada, Elena, Natalia, and Yulia worked tirelessly to prepare a heartfelt meal that was simple yet deeply satisfying. Meanwhile, Nash and Anastasiia helped set up and clean the space, ensuring the evening ran smoothly.
A Shared Vision of Togetherness
The “Together” project succeeded in its mission to provide guidance for everyday life by blending cultural heritage with acts of sharing and kindness. Thanks to the artistry of Olha Zhukova and the dedication of the volunteers, the event was more than just a gathering—it was a celebration of resilience and the enduring power of tradition to bring people together, even in the most challenging times.
As the season comes to a close, the Ukrainian community in New West looks forward to more opportunities to preserve their traditions and share them with others, proving that the true spirit of Christmas transcends borders, hardships, and time.