Didukh Ancestral Spirit Sheaf

DIDUKH- ANCESTOR SHEAF

Didukh- literally "grandfather spirit" in Ukrainian, is a sheaf of wheat, traditionally gathered in from the field at the start of the grain harvest, or at the culmination, and saved for the holiday season. It is believed that the ancestors' spirits live in the fields and the grain, and to honour them, and have them join the feast table at Christmas, the Didukh sheaf is brought into the home by the head of the household, on Christmas Eve (Holy Eve).

The didukh is given a place of honour at the table, or at the "pokuttia" -- the sacred corner of the house where an altar is kept, with icons & candles, and spends the holidays with the family. The didukh brings abundance and prosperity, the blessings of a good harvest for the year to come. Symbolically, the ancestors are given leave after the holy days are done, and the didukh is taken back outside, into the orchard to be tied to the fruit trees, or burned, to release the spirits back.

This custom lives on, and is an integral attribute of the Ukrainian winter holiday observances. Many people today prepare the didukh by carefully tying it and embellishing it with various dried flowers and decorative elements.

Join Bozena Hrycyna in re-enacting this ancient custom through the ritual crafting of a didukh. An opportunity to connect with this deeply important custom, and lovingly share in the gifts of our agrarian heritage. Bozena will provide heritage wheat and rye from her gardens, as well as some grown by neighbours tending small farms.