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.

"Clayware was important not only for serving festive dishes, but also for ritual practices that preserved family identity. For example, kutya was served in makitras, and uzvar was served in jugs. In some areas, new household items, such as a makitra or a rocking chair, were also purchased before Christmas Eve," explains Tetyana Pirus.

The names of clay vessels reflect the richness of the Ukrainian language and traditions: makitra, myska, rynka, jug, kuhlyk, jar, gornyatko, drushlyak, selnychka, makitra na okaziyu, gorshchik na okaziyu . In each region, these terms could have their own characteristics.

Traditions of using clay pots

The use of clay dishes on Christmas Eve is closely linked to ritual practices that ensured family well-being. Food in clay dishes, consecrated in the church, became a symbol of prosperity and harmony.

According to Tatyana Pirus, in ancient times, clay dishes were made from available materials. Its advantage over wooden ones was its durability: clay withstands high temperatures and is not afraid of fire.

"Clay vessels were used not only in everyday life, but also in rituals. For example, they were used when consecrating water or when assembling the Sheaf-Grandfather, a symbol of family harmony," adds the ethnographer.

How to choose quality earthenware?

Today, the choice of clay dishes is large, but it is worth paying attention to its quality. Tatyana Pirus advises supporting domestic craftsmen who create environmentally friendly products from natural clay.

Tips from an ethnographer:

1. Quality check: Choose dishes without cracks or chips. A quality product will "sound" if you tap it lightly.
2. Material: Avoid dishes with a lot of water or chemical additives.
3. Durability: Choose cookware with thick walls – it retains heat better and lasts longer.
4. Decor: Traditional ornamentation adds a festive atmosphere and supports cultural values.

"Once upon a time, potters from Vinnytsia created wonderful dishes that served for decades. Today, it is worth supporting folk craftsmen, because their products are not only functional, but also preserve a part of our history," notes Tetyana Pirus.

Traditional dishes in clay pots

Kutia, traditionally served in clay makitras, deserves special attention. It is a symbolic dish that is part of a ritual that unites the family. The makitras have become not only a dish for a festive meal, but also a symbol of unity.

— Kutya was usually served in a large makitra or a special vessel, which in the village of Bubnivka in Vinnytsia Oblast was called a "postavets na kutya". This is a large round clay vessel, up to 10 cm high, painted on the outside and inside with traditional Bubnivka painting. The postavets na kutya was first made in 1949 and is kept in the fund collection of the Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University, — noted Tetyana Pirus.

Dumplings, borscht, and uzvar were also served in clay bowls – dishes that became important elements of the festive meal.

—The stew was poured into a watered jug, and mugs were set out for everyone present. Borscht and cabbage soup were prepared in pots, which were poured into large bowls and placed on the table. Pancakes, pies, varenyky, cabbage rolls, pieces of fried fish were served in bowls. Peas and buckwheat (or millet) porridge were served in deep bowls. Fish stew was served in half-bowls on Holy Night, — added Tetyana Pirus.

Dishes served in clay pots have a unique taste and add a special charm to the holiday. By the way, there was a wooden spoon for everyone present at the table.

— Traditionally, everyone ate meals from one dish, which contained one or another dish. A bowl with kuteya and spoons were left separately for the souls of deceased relatives. The stew was poured into a mug, which was placed nearby. After consuming 12 dishes, nothing was cleared from the table until sunrise – until morning. If you count the number of dishes in which dishes were prepared in the oven and in which they were on the table only on Christmas Eve, there will be up to three dozen, — says Tetyana Pirus.

Care of earthenware

To ensure that your clay dishes last a long time and perform their function properly, it is important to follow a few simple rules. First of all, it is worth remembering that clay is a natural material that requires delicate care:

• After purchase, soak new dishes in cold water for a few hours to prevent cracks.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperature. Do not put hot dishes in cold water.
• Wash by hand without abrasives. Dishwasher may damage the product.
• Do not store liquids for a long time – clay can absorb moisture.

Clay dishes as part of festive authenticity

Christmas Eve pottery is more than just tableware. Its calm color scheme creates a cozy atmosphere, and unique ornaments emphasize the festive moment.

The ethnographer also recalls that in 2019, Kosiv painted ceramics were included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Her example shows how important it is to preserve the traditions of pottery in Ukraine.

"By choosing clay dishes for the festive table, we not only adhere to traditions, but also help preserve culture and support craftsmen who continue this work," concludes Tetyana Pirus.

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