In this edition of Knyzka Corner, we will be discussing Orysia Tracz’s book, First Star I See Tonight: Ukrainian Christmas Traditions.
Orysia Tracz explores the origins, rituals, and cultural significance of Ukrainian Christmas traditions in her first book, First Star I See Tonight. This book includes a number of articles about Ukrainian Christmas celebrations in Winnipeg and Manitoba since the first immigration to Canada 125 years ago. It is the first in-depth English language book on Ukrainian Christmas traditions, and will definitely be of interest to Ukrainian families throughout the world. In her Preface, Tracz invites readers to, “join me on this journey of discovering and exploring the mysteries, the symbolism and the meaning of all that Ukrainian Christmas encompasses.” (p. 1)
The First Star I See Tonight begins with a discussion about the importance of tradition in Ukrainian life. The writer asks several important questions: “Why are Ukrainians so traditional?” “Are traditions important?” and “Is modern man immune to these sentimental traditions?” Her answers will stir up memories for readers both young and old. Ukrainian readers will remember celebrations of Sviat Vechir (Christmas Eve) and Velykden (Easter). Non-Ukrainian readers will recall their own traditions as they discover the historical origins of Ukrainian Christmas traditions.
In the first chapter, “Origins,” Tracz describes the complex historical realities of Ukrainian life. She explores traditions dating back to the Neolithic period (7000-2500 B.C.) during the Trypillian period of Ukraine’s history. She also bluntly states that these traditions prove, “the existence of a separate Ukrainian nation.” Today’s Ukrainian Christmas traditions have adapted to new conditions. The descendants of Ukrainian immigrants in both North and South America now use social media to pass along their favorite Ukrainian recipes and cooking tips. Ukrainian traditions from various parts of Ukraine have been blended with local North and South American traditions.
The subsequent chapters of Tracz’s book include: Ukrainian Dreamtime: The Earliest Traditions, Koliady and Schedrivky, Sviata Vecheria, The Very Extended Family, and New and Old Traditions in a New Place. The final chapter explores what a Ukrainian Christmas looks like in the Tracz Family in Winnipeg today.
The greatest strength of this book is its visual appeal. It is simply a beautiful book! Readers who pick it up will be attracted to the illustrations, photographs and layout. The pictures include historical photographs of Ukrainian Christmas celebrations as well as current celebrations both in Ukraine and in North America. It would be a great gift!
The research and wealth of information provided by Tracz will fascinate both Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian readers. They will discover a culture which is both strong and vibrant. There is an extensive bibliography for further research. However, readers who are looking for Christmas recipes will be disappointed because this book focuses on traditions not recipe lists. Perhaps the most poignant section of this book is the final chapter written by Tracz’s son Ruslan who tells readers, “Christmas, no matter when you celebrate, is about friends and family.” (p. 121)
Orysia Paszczak Tracz was born in Germany and raised in New Jersey. Her parents arrived there as refugee displaced persons after World War II. She graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Political Science, but lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba since 1968. Orysia worked as a writer, translator, consultant and speaker on various Ukrainian issues, and lectured across North America, Australia and Ukraine. As well as translating ten books from Ukrainian into English, she wrote numerous articles for Canadian and American publications including: The Globe and Mail, Winnipeg Free Press and The Ukrainian Weekly. In 2013, she received the Osvita Foundation Award for her contributions to the Ukrainian community. In 2016, Orysia was awarded the Manitoba Provincial Council Bulava Award and the Taras Shevchenko Medal by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for her outstanding national contribution to the cultural and artistic development of the Ukrainian Canadian community.
First Star I See Tonight: Ukrainian Christmas Traditions was a book that had been long in the making. It was first published in the fall of 2015 and would be Orysia’s last book since she passed away on November 10, 2016. The Tracz family has established a bursary in her memory with the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko. The second printing of the book in 2021 has a new dedication by Orysia’s children (Boyan, Dobryan, and Ruslan). “Her love for all things Ukrainian was always front and centre in her thoughts, her words, her talks, and in the very essence of her spirit.” Orysia was a pillar of the Ukrainian community, and her absence is keenly felt.
First Star I See Tonight: Ukrainian Christmas Traditions is available online at Koota Ooma, McNally Robinson Booksellers, Yevshan, Audrey’s Books and some independent book stores.
–Reviewed by Myra Junyk
Tracz, Orysia.
FIRST STAR I SEE TONIGHT: UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS.
Mazepa Publications, Zhuravli Ltd., 2015.
Second Printing 2021.
131 p. ISBN 978-0-9949208-0-5
