Clay dishes for Christmas Eve: traditions, symbolism and how to choose for the festive table

Clay dishes are not just household items, but a significant part of Ukrainian culture, passed down from generation to generation as a sacred treasure. It combines symbolism, family values, and an atmosphere of comfort. LIGA.Life asked ethnographer and member of the National Union of Folk Art Masters of Ukraine, Tetyana Pirus, about its special significance in festive rituals and advice on choosing for Christmas Eve.

Clay dishes for Christmas Eve are not only a decoration for the table, but also part of our spiritual heritage. They symbolize the unity of generations and family values.

The symbolism of clay dishes on Christmas Eve

Clay dishes have had a deep symbolic meaning since ancient times. In Ukrainian culture, clay embodies a person's connection with nature, the earth, and ancestors. New dishes, handmade and decorated with traditional ornaments, were often used on Christmas Eve. In many families, clay products were passed down as an inheritance, becoming part of family history.