Podil (Podol) is a historic neighborhood in Kyiv and one of the oldest areas of Kyiv town. The word "podil" means "lowland", "skirts", something that is situated downwards. This word has Ukrainian origin по долу (po dolu), долівка (dolivka), в долині (v dolyni), внизу (vnyzy) and means "on the bottom", "in the valley", "below", "floor".
The history of Podil sends us to the period of the late Paleolithic times. Here, on the street of Kyrylivska, an ancient settlement of people was found, and at the foot of the "Zamkova Gora" (castle mountain) was excavated a city block and wooden sidewalks of 9th-11th centuries.

Opposite of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy is the oldest square and one of the most interesting places in Kyiv - Kontraktova Ploshcha (the square of contracts). It arose even in the times of Kiyv-Rus'. And after the destruction of the Upper Bridge by the Mongol-Tatars in 13th century, it remained the center of the city until the 19th century. The name of the square is due to the fact that it was here that the merchants entered into contracts. Kontraktova Ploshcha was located near the river port, which was the main source of export-import trading. After the developing of railways in the second half of 19th century, the importance of the port and the square has decreased significantly. And the center of trading and business life of Kyiv has moved to Khreshchatyk Street. 

It was on the Kontraktova Square until 1700 that the New Year celebrated and decorated the main Christmas tree of the city. On the Podil district of Kyiv were actually celebrating two new years: male and female. Craftsmen often decorated the pine-tree, and the boys were ordained to men in that day. Women's celebrations were even more interesting. The traders of the old Zhytniy (rye) market decorated their new-year tree, hung on it tapes, necklaces, gingerbreads, lit candles. And a Christmas tree for women of Kiev was as a huge thistle.