Articles:
Ukrainian Culture: Keeping Traditions Alive
Although diverse in nature, Ukrainian culture emphasizes the importance of tradition, freedom and independence in the lives of its people. Although the Ukrainian people have dealt with the turmoil of oppressive governments, these adverse conditions produced, in many, a strong sense of nationalism and pride, evident in the cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The hardships faces by oppressive rule only seemed to make Ukrainian desire for freedom and autonomy stronger. Although life was sometime hard for people, an importance has always been placed on generosity and hospitality toward neighbors. When socializing, food is a means to share life’s basic comforts with guests. With influences from neighboring lands, such as Russia, Poland, Turkey and Germany, Ukrainian cuisine is known for sundry and sumptuous flavors. Meat, black pepper, vegetables and mushrooms are some of the popular ingredients in Ukrainian dishes, and a variety of breads are prepared and enjoyed at most meals.
When the Ukrainian people were introduced, with little choice, to Christianity, they embraced this religion by incorporating their culture into religious practices. From this, emerged traditions practiced by people around the world, such as the Easter egg, which developed from the traditional practice of the pysanky. In addition, although there was a movement by Imperial Russia to repress Ukrainian language, its people’s constant preservation of their language resulted in the emergence of revered literary works by such authors as Taras Shevchenko Ivan Kotlyarevsk, Lesya Ukrainka and Ivan Franko. These authors’ works illustrate the Ukrainian spirit of independence and freedom.
Traditional dances have been a part Ukrainian culture. One such dance style is Kalyna. Women often wear colorful tunic tops, aprons and full, knee-length skirts. Along with special leather boots, women wear vinok, brightly colored flowered headbands with ribbons flowing down the back. Men wear embroidered shirts, and sometimes an embroidered vest. Along with their leather boots, they also wear a fringed sash around their waists. These spirited dances are one of the many ways Ukrainians keep their culture alive. Despite many of the political and religious changes forced on them, the Ukrainian people firmly kept alive their cultural practices, which continue as an integral part Ukrainian society.
Ukrainian Traditional Folklore
Ukrainian folklore shares many beliefs and practices with the wider Slavic population in Eastern Europe. However, Ukraine has had unique historical experiences that have given it its own distinct traditions as well.
I Love Ukraine
The Ukrainian language has a long and fascinating history. In spite of attempts to stop or limit its use, as well as fierce competition from the Russian language, Ukranian still prospers in the Ukraine, particularly in the western regions. As its use is encouraged more and more under the present government, even more Ukrainian people speak the language as their native tongue of choice. The shift in language is especially notable in Kiev, where rural dwellers have moved into the city, bringing their language with them. Schools in the Ukraine have started to provide more education about the native Ukraine language.
''Ridne Slovo''
