DIDUKH

дідух

Learn how to make Didukhy

Sat. Dec. 2, 2023
Lincolm Museum
in Lincoln, ON
register

Thurs. Dec. 14, 2023
Ukrainian Museum of Canada, ON Branch
in Toronto, ON
sold out

Fri. Dec. 15, 2023
Ukrainian Museum of Canada, ON Branch
in Toronto, ON
register

Purchase didukhy
at Baa Baazaar (Dec. 2023)
Ukrainian Museum of Canada, ON Branch

DIDUKH comes from the words "дід-дух did-ukh," which means grandfathers' spirits in Ukrainian. Didukh is an "ancestor tree" made of a sheaf of wheat, other grains like rye and oat, dried flowers and other grasses, traditionally made in Ukraine to honour and welcome our ancestors to the home during the winter holiday season. It is held together and decorated by wrapping bundles of wheat with straw or natural cord.

Didukhy symbolizes the household's wish for an abundance of nature and a bountiful harvest for the upcoming year. Before the popularization of the Christmas tree, the didukh was considered one of the most important symbols during the winter holidays and placed in the most prominent location to decorate the home.

What you need to make a didukh:

  • wheat* (60 stalks of wheat min.)

  • roll of twine*

  • rye, oat, and/or dried flowers (optional)

  • scissors

  • large bucket/container filled with water to fit the wheat inside

  • towel

* if you are using coloured plants or twine, make sure the colour dye doesn’t bleed when wet

NOTE: The wheat beard (bristly spike from the wheat) may get caught in loose knit clothing. Wearing tightly woven fabric is recommended.