The Ukrainians have always been famous four their hospitality, generous character, positive attitude towards guests and genuine sincerity towards people.
By nature they are joyful and optimistic regardless of the fact that they have been under foreign influence throughout most of their history. In the course of development our people survived periods of thrive – as the period of Kyiv Rus power, independent Zaporizhzhya Cossack Republic, as well as dark times – the Mongol-Tatar yoke, Polish and Lithuanian occupation, totalitarian lack of freedom in the Soviet Union. Throughout the centuries the Ukrainians have managed to preserve their unique culture, traditions, language and national identity.
After gaining independence in 1991, along with the political and economic way of life, the mentality of the people actively started to change. It is natural that this process will take much time; so, new ways of thinking are most brightly seen among the younger generation.
There are 25 regions (oblasts) in Ukraine (like the states in USA), plus Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Every oblast and Crimea has its own capital. There are also two cities of central subordination or so-called independent cities – Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and Sevastopol – the CIS Black Sea Navy base. The population of Ukraine is 48 million, and population of Kyiv is 2.6 million.
This article is aimed to getting you acquainted with the most characteristic traits of the culture and traditions of Ukraine, as well as with modern tendencies in this country.
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Holidays |
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Well, let us begin with what is dear to every Ukrainian’s heart and constitutes an inalienable part of his life – the holidays.
First of all, these are religious holidays. Ukraine is a country with deep Christian traditions. The Orthodox Church predominates; so major Christian holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Trinity have been declared state holidays by the government. In the course of the last years St. Nicholas Day – the favorite children’s holiday, when every child gets a present and St. Valentine’s Day – the day of all lovers, became very popular.
The religious holiday traditions below have formed in the course of centuries, but with progress development in Ukraine, as well as in the whole world, less people follow them.
The difference between the Julian church calendar, which is common in the West, and the Gregorian, which is used in Ukraine, influences the dates of the holidays. And if in Ukraine Christmas is permanently celebrated on January 7 which is two weeks after the Western world, Easter and Trinity dates are calculated according to special rules and change from year to year.
On Christmas Eve it is a custom to gather in a family circle and have meal together. Traditionally 12 Fast dishes are served and no alcohol is drank on this day.
On Christmas holidays the people set up mini-theatres, so-called “Vertep”. Usually children dress as the King, the Angel, the Pauper, the Death, come to houses and show plays on Biblical topics. After the show they sing Christmas songs, so-called “koliadkas”, in which they praise the birth of Jesus Christ and wish health and wealth to the host and all the members of his family. As a token of gratitude the host treats the “Vertep” to festive food, today they usually give them money. In villages the host often brings heaps of straw into the house, they often even put the straw under the tablecloth. The so-called “didukh” – a wattled heap of straw with incursions of poppy, wheatears and other plants, is a custom attribute. Christmas nights are filled with the sounds of “koliadkas”.
Easter is preceded by a 40-day Fast, during which the Church prescribes to avoid eating rich food, drinking alcohol, holding festivities. For Easter Ukrainians bake special Easter bread “paskha”, paint hen eggs. Along with other treats they are placed into a wattled straw basket, covered with an embroided cloth and take it all to the church, where they are consecrated.
On the first Sunday after Easter is the day of remembering those who passed away. Relatives and friend come to cemeteries by the tomb of the deceased, speak well of them and dine by the grave, leaving there symbolic food for the dead.
On Trinity it is a custom to decorate flats and houses with green tree-branches or grass. That is why the people also call Trinity “the green holiday”.
Along with Christian faith, some pagan traditions have survived till our days and merged with religious holidays. For example, “Streteniye”, when according to pagan faith winter meets with spring, “Ivana Kupaly”, which concurs with the day of John the Baptist on July 7th. According to olden beliefs, in the evening of Ivana Kupaly the girls tell fortunes about their promised husbands; they say that at night in the forest one may find the magic fire fern flower. The young people light a giant fire and holding each other’s hands jump over it. It is thought to free them of evil forces.
Among old pagan holidays one can also mention the “Maslenitsa” that symbolizes seeing off the winter. Maslenitsa is celebrated on the last Sunday of February; different fares and festivities with competitions take place this day. Maslenitsa is unimaginable without different sorts of traditional pancakes.
From religious holidays let us move to public and state ones.
And we will start by the dearest festivity – New Year celebration on January 1st. Some people also celebrate New Year according to the old calendar – on January 14th, the so-called “Old New Year”. Together with Christmas the period from January 1st to January 14th is one long festivity, although officially not all of them are holidays, in fact not much people work on these days.
These holidays are succeeded by the Day of Motherland Protector – February 23rd. Before this holiday was named the Day of the Soviet Army, traditionally it remains Men’s Day up to now. On this day it is a custom to congratulate all men, irrespectively of whether they serve with the army or not. Naturally, this holiday is especially significant for the military.
This holiday in turn is succeeded by March 8th – International Women’s Day – initially a revolutionary holiday to honor the Comintern activist Clara Tsetkin. In the USSR it became a state holiday and expanded on the socialist block countries. Although this holiday is of doubtful origin, in Ukraine it is a custom to congratulate women and to present them gifts and flowers this day.
The Ukrainians are so joyful and merry people that they have a special holiday dedicated to humor – the Laugh Day (April’s Fool). It is celebrated on April 1st. This holiday is celebrated in a very peculiar manner in Odessa – a city with deep humor traditions. Carnivals, festivals, performances by professional and amateur humor writers and artists take place there. On this day many people come to Odessa to take part in the famous and traditional annual “Humorina” festival.
Then come the holidays in May. May 1st – International Toilers’ Solidarity Day. On this day meetings, demonstrations of the industrial classes take place, many people simply use it to go work on their land lots.
The Ukrainians are especially agitated on May 9th – Victory Day. It celebrates the victory in the Great Patriotic War (WW II). Several million Ukrainian people died in this bloodiest war in the history of mankind. Their memory is sacred. On May 9th takes place a military parade and a march of veterans in Khreshchatyk Street. Flowers are laid to the tombs of the perished warriors and tombs of the unknown soldiers. Veterans are greeted on this day. In the evening there are fireworks fired out. This holiday is also popular with the younger generation.
On the last Sunday of May the Kyivans celebrate the Day of Kyiv. On this day many concerts, sports events and other cultural activities take place. Mass festivities take place in downtown and parks; to crown it all there is a festive salute. Many other cities in Ukraine also have similar holidays.
On August 24th, 1991, the Verkhovnaya Rada of Ukraine by results of a nation-wide referendum proclaimed the independence of Ukraine. August 24th was officially declared the primary state holiday – Independence Day. On this day a military parade takes place in the main street of the capital of Ukraine – Khreshchatyk. The President addresses the people and festivities take place throughout the country. In the evening the sky above the capital and region centers is lit up by a festive salute.
In the XI century there already was a library in Kyiv, founded by prince Yaroslav the Wise, in the XVI century an Arab traveler, riding through the territory of modern Ukraine, marveled in his diary at the fact that even women in villages could read and write. The lust for knowledge remains up to now a characteristic trait of Ukrainian culture, September 1st is the Day of Knowledge. This is a solemn day, when young Ukrainians first cross the school doorway and start their education.
Up to New Year the most important among the civic holidays are Militia Day, Army Day, Theater Day and, by tradition, Great October Revolution Day. These holidays, however, are not that popular.
We gave you a brief sketch of the holidays in modern Ukraine. These holidays are nation-wide. But every Oblast, city, town or village has its own unique festivities. They are rich and varied, as the people’s endless cultural tradition.
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Ukrainian Woman |
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In Ukraine women are and have always been the keepers of the hearth, disciplinarian of the children and support for the man.
Ukrainian women are tender, hardworking and family oriented. They often sacrifice their career for the sake of their family and children. Most of Ukrainian women are far from sharing feministic ideas, widely spread in the Western world.
There is a saying that the force of women is in their weakness. In Ukraine it is a custom to take care of women, to protect them. By helping a woman to get out of transport or offering to pay the bill in a restaurant, you do not insult her, on the contrary, you show your good breeding and care. Presents and flowers, that women always await, will also do a lot of good.
Ukrainian women love to socialize and welcome getting acquainted to foreigners, but it is very difficult to get acquainted to a woman in the street.
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Meetings |
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The culture of business meetings in Ukraine is the same as in the whole civilized world. It is not acceptable to be late. Depending on the character of the meeting one should select a suit or more informal clothing (the so-called meetings without ties). It is worth to note that in Ukraine people pay much attention to their clothes, which means that coming to a business meeting wearing a pair of jeans will not contribute much to the success of negotiations. It is a custom to greet each other by shaking hands (kisses and hugs will usually cause astonishment and misunderstanding, especially at the first meeting).
Be prepared that you might be offered to discuss a several million worth contract not in the office, but out of the city in open air, during a banquet or picnic. Treating one’s business partners with meal is one of the characteristic traits of business.
State institutions in Ukraine work from 9:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. with a lunch break from 1:00 p.m. till 2:00 p.m., or from 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Private firms usually stick to the same schedule, but are more flexible in their work.
You can carry out private meetings at a restaurant, but most Ukrainians find it more common to invite somebody at their place. You will usually be offered a copious treat and a selection of alcohol drinks: traditional vodka and cognac for men and champagne and other wines for women. There are several traditions, concerning drinks. When the drink is poured in a glass it should always stand on the table; drinks should not be poured over the hand of somebody near you; the person who started to serve drinks will do it throughout the whole evening – they say “you do not change the hand”; and, finally, empty bottles are to be immediately taken off the table (exception is public places like restaurants and cafes).
The quantity of food and drinks may seem unusual and odd to you, but look around: do you see as much overweight people, as in some Western countries? Although fat Ukrainian food is very healthy, natural and of wonderful taste. Besides, most Ukrainians lead an active life, doing everything about the household by themselves. They also walk a lot.
It is also a custom to address the elder people by given name and patronymic name, although younger Ukrainians know and understand the Western tradition of using the given name only, addressing elder people in such a way would please them and earn you credit.
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Leisure |
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The cultural life in Ukraine is rather intense. In every Oblast center there is at least several theatres, museums, concert and exhibition halls, in some of the larger cities there are zoos and circuses. The nightclubs and other social places, where the young people spend their time have also become widely spread.
Ukrainians also like to spent time in the open air, organizing picnics, bathing in lakes and rivers. Lakes and rivers in Ukraine are mostly pure; in many cities there are beaches, where people swim and bathe in the sun during the warm season. The beach life does not end even in winter – adepts of the healthy way of life enjoy swimming in holes, cut in the ice.
The life in the capital of the country – Kyiv – is especially interesting. Apart from rich cultural life the city offers a diversity of parks and beaches, where Kyivans like to spend their free time. In Andreyevsky Spusk – the center of artistic life of the city, every day many Kyivans and tourists roam in a quest for pieces of art, landscapes and rest in one of the numerous and cozy cafes.
On holidays and days off the main street of Kyiv – Khreshchatyk is transformed into a pedestrian zone. Many Kyivans and guests of the city find it to be their favorite place of recreation.
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Superstitions |
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For long time Ukraine has been known as the land of warlocks and witches. There are many beliefs connected with different magic beings: wood-goblins, brownies, mermaids etc. Some special places are attributed with supernatural properties, such as, for example, Lysaya Mountain in Kyiv, where witches' Sabbath takes place. Superstitions are still widely spread among the people; some use the help of fortune-tellers, healers etc, hoping to do some good to themselves or their kin, solve the problem of unanswered love or know the future.
There is a multitude of superstitions. We are going to get you acquainted to the most popular ones, destined to protect you from misfortune. Here are some of them:
You should not shake hands or give something across the threshold; both persons should stand on either side.
It is a bad omen to return home because of forgetting something. In case you cannot avoid doing that – look in the mirror and smile, some people also advise to show yourself your tongue.
If a fork or a spoon falls down from the table, a woman will come soon, if it is a knife – a man. And if the host really wants these guests, he should not pick it up from the floor.
When you say something good, something you want to believe will happen, spit three times over your left shoulder or knock on wood three times.
To spill over salt will lead to an argument – do not hesitate to throw a pinch over your left shoulder. It is also a bad omen to give salt to your neighbors; they are supposed to pay for it a symbolic sum of money. It is not a custom to lend something in the evening.
In case you see a person carrying an empty bucket, do not be surprised if he will try to avoid crossing your pass. This is a bad omen.
The classic martyr of all nations and times – the black cat, is also remembered in Ukraine. Some people are ready to walk or ride around a few blocks in order not to cross the way of a black cat.
It is not acceptable to praise small children, admiring their charm and beauty. On the contrary, you should say that the child is bad. But do not overplay by telling that with a stern and serious look on your face – everybody must understand you are not a greenhorn, but a connoisseur who perfectly understands such delicate issues.
Avoid presenting an even number of flowers, it is not exactly a superstition – more a tradition. Even numbers of flowers are brought only at funerals or laid on graves.
Do not present close people with knives, handkerchiefs, shoes and watches. They say it will lead to argument and separation.
A question arises: is there anything that would not be a bad omen, but on the contrary – bring luck? Of course there is! If you see a spider in your house or break plates and dishes – it brings you luck, and if a bird whoopsed on your head – don’t be upset, as you will soon become very rich!
This list may continue for eternity, but remember that we live in a civilized world and observing all the superstitions may cause an ironic reaction from educated people. Whatever, the influence of superstitions upon the life of the Ukrainians is rather high.
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Cultural achievements |
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Compared to pagan times a great progress was the christening of Rus in 988, carried out by Prince Vladimir. According to the Byzantine tradition the prince became a figure that embodied absolute power – civic and spiritual, which gave the possibility to unite the uncoordinated small principalities and centralize the power in Kyiv. Christianity gave a huge boost to the development of scribing, literature and canonical art, inherited from Byzantium and developed in Kyivan Rus. The adoption of Christianity also promoted development of trading relations with countries of Western Europe.
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Philosophy |
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The works of Grigoriy Skovoroda, a prominent philosopher of the 18th century, poet and musician, became an achievement of philosophic thought. Skovoroda managed to instill and develop the most prominent ideas of European philosophy on the Ukrainian land. Such names as N. Berdiayev and L. Shwarzman should also be mentioned amongst those who was born in Ukraine and became famous philosophers living outside of Ukraine.
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Literature |
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As it was mentioned above, adoption of Christianity promoted the development of literature in Ukraine. And if at first it was limited to re-writing and translating texts of the Holy books and liturgical books (the most ancient monument to our scribing is the Ostromyr Gospel, 1056), later emerge such masterpieces of world literature as “The Word About Law and Prosperity”, “The Story of Time Ages”, “The Song About Prophetic Oleg”. The law code “The Russian Truth”, created by Yaroslav the Wise in the 11th century was in fact the first administrative and criminal code.
Speaking about more recent times, well known are the names of Taras Shevchenko – the great Ukrainian poet and artist, Ivan Franko – outstanding poet, playwright, philosopher and translator of world literature works, Lesya Ukrayinka – the remarkable poetess and playwright, Vasili Stefanyk, Ivan Nechui-Levitsky, Ivan Kotliarevsky, Mikhail Kotsubinsky, Mikhail Staritsky and others. Their works played an enormous role in the formation of the Ukrainian theater starting from the 19th century. Later Les Kurbas continued this tradition. The works of Ukrainian classics are represented in the repertoire of many drama theaters throughout the country.
The new generation of Ukrainian intelligentsia grew under pressure of prosecution, exile and execution. Among the representatives of those times one can name Vasili Stus, Lyna Kostenko, Ivan Bagrianiy and Ivan Drach.
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Music |
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On the walls of St. Sofia Cathedral in Kyiv there are frescos of the 11th century, depicting “skomorokhs” – bards of those times. Musical traditions in Ukraine have their roots in church chorus singing, the oldest samples of which date back to the 10th century. Throughout the centuries the chorus singing developed and at the turn of the 17th century the polyphonic parts’ concert appeared, which responded to the spirit of late European Baroque and Classicism. The most prominent composers were N.Vendel, M.Bortnianskiy, and M.Berezovskiy whose name is carved together with Mozart on the plate of Honor of the Bolon Music academy in Italy.
Today there is a great number of concert halls and conservatoires, the level of musical education is very high.
The performers who received their education in Ukraine are valued far over the borders of this country. Such world famous musicians as V.Horovitz, E.Gigels, I.Stern, Y.Bashmet and many others were born in Ukraine.
The compositions of such modern composers as V.Silvestrov and E.Stankovich are popular and played in may concert halls throughout the world.
The ballet school is also very developed in Ukraine. Its most outstanding representatives are Serge Lifar and Vadim Pisarev.
Ukraine gave many prominent figures to the world culture and science. Among them there are writers I.Babel, A.Akhmatova, M.Bulgakov, philosophers N.Berdiayev and L.Shwarzman, aircraft and spacecraft designers I.Sikorski and S.Koroliov, the stateswoman of Israel Golda Meyer, the traveler Otto Schmidt, the artist Kasimir Malevich and many others.
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