Ukrainian Christmas – Original Oil Painting by Marina Stognieva

The Story Behind the Painting

"Ukrainian Christmas" is an original oil painting by Ukrainian artist Marina Stognieva, dedicated to one of Ukraine's warmest and most beloved traditional celebrations. The artwork is part of the author's long-term cultural project "Picturesque Guide to Ukraine", created to introduce international audiences to the history, traditions, architecture and cultural heritage of different regions of Ukraine. This painting belongs to the Luhansk Region chapter — the artist's native homeland.

"Ukrainian Christmas". Oil on canvas. 50 × 60 cm. 2019.

At the heart of the composition are Ukrainian children walking from house to house carrying a traditional Christmas Star while singing ancient Christmas carols. For centuries this beautiful custom has united families and entire villages, filling winter evenings with joyful songs, heartfelt wishes for peace, prosperity and happiness.

The painting was inspired by Marina Stognieva's childhood memories of growing up in a small village in the Luhansk region of Ukraine. During Christmas holidays, children would visit nearly every home, perform traditional carols and receive sweets, homemade pastries, fruit and small gifts in return. These memories remain a symbol of kindness, hospitality and the close community spirit that has long been part of Ukrainian culture.

The large traditional Ukrainian Christmas Star dominates the composition, illuminating the night sky as a symbol of hope, light and the Nativity. In the foreground, the artist also included a white cat — a quiet witness to the festive evening that adds warmth, charm and a feeling of home to the scene.

Bright winter clothing, expressive colours, the deep blue evening sky and the sincere faces of the young carol singers create a joyful atmosphere filled with tradition and emotion. Through decorative brushwork and warm storytelling, the painting preserves not only the beauty of Ukrainian Christmas but also the peaceful childhood memories and cultural heritage of the Luhansk region.

Today, "Ukrainian Christmas" serves not only as a work of art but also as a visual reminder of Ukrainian traditions that deserve to be preserved and passed on to future generations.

Painting detail

Detail: traditional winter clothing and the joyful atmosphere of a Ukrainian Christmas celebration.

Detail: the traditional Ukrainian Christmas Star — a symbol of light, hope and the Nativity.

Original Artwork

Title:"Ukrainian Christmas"

Medium:Oil on canvas

Size:50 × 60 cm (20 × 24 in)

Year:2019

Project:"Picturesque Guide to Ukraine"

Artist:Marina Stognieva

Signed by the artist.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

For Purchase & Enquiries

Please contact the artist directly.

Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram (Ukraine):
+380 93 520 74 31

United Kingdom:
+44 7596 724323

Email:
art_stognieva@ukr.net

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