by Taras, age 9, asks Did Moroz your name means Grandfather Frost in Ukrainian. Are you related to Ded Moroz?, about the Dnipro River, and the didukh wheat tradition
Dear Did Moroz,
My name is Taras and I am 9 years old. I live in Kyiv, Ukraine, where my babusya keeps a small bundle of wheat called a didukh standing in the corner of our home all through the holidays.
First, your name means Grandfather Frost in Ukrainian. Are you related to Ded Moroz?
Second, a geography question: what river runs through Kyiv?
Third, a school question about my country: why do Ukrainian families keep a didukh sheaf of wheat at Christmas?
I left you a slice of honey cake and a glass of milk.
Love, Taras, age 9, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
From the Desk of Did Moroz
Dear Taras, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Your name means Grandfather Frost in Ukrainian. Are you related to Ded Moroz?
Related in the way old traditions are related, sharing common roots but grown into two distinct and independent figures, each proud of our own country’s customs.
What river runs through Kyiv?
The Dnipro River flows right through the middle of Kyiv, splitting the city into its hillier right bank and flatter left bank, and it looks especially peaceful covered in a light dusting of snow.
Why do Ukrainian families keep a didukh sheaf of wheat at Christmas?
The didukh is a bundle of the very last wheat stalks harvested that year, kept as a symbol of the family’s ancestors and a wish for a good harvest in the year ahead. Families place it in the most honored corner of the home during the holidays, connecting each new generation to the land and to those who came before.
Z Rizdvom, Taras.
Ho ho ho, Did Moroz
