Ukrainian Souvenirs: Folk Art, Culture and Tradition
For those interested in Ukrainian folk art and culture, traditional souvenirs allow people to own their own pieces of the Ukraine. Matryoshka dolls, the artistically designed pysanky and Ukrainian embroidery are just some the classic keepsakes treasured by travelers, collectors and locals.
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 Ukrainian Matryoshka dolls, similar to Russian nestling dolls, are wooden, hand painted figures that open to reveal smaller and smaller dolls inside. A unique feature of these popular souvenirs is that the Matryoshka consist of a series of different dolls nested within one another, representing anything from a family, holiday themed figures or political leaders. The first Ukrainian Matryoshka was presented at the 1900 Worlds Fair in Paris, designed by Sergei Maliutin, carved by Vasiliy Zvezdochkin. After this introduction, the dolls gained popularity throughout Russia and the Ukraine. With intricate artwork, figures contains elaborate detailing, getting smaller and smaller in size, until the tiniest doll, as small as a kernel of corn, sits at the center. |
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 Pysanky are another renowned Ukrainian treasure. These brilliantly colored eggs were created using a method of wax resistance and dye. Before being dyed, a layer of wax was applied with a stylus in decorative designs. Once the dyed egg was dry, the wax would be melted off before another layer of intricate wax was applied, sealing away the previously colored design. Then the egg would be placed in a darker colors of dye, usually yellow, orange, red, purple and black. The process would be repeated for alternating layers of wax and dyes. The final layer of wax was melted away to reveal a beautifully decorative colored egg. Families passed down designs from generation to generation, and many regions have detailing unique to their villages.
Pysanky and their colorful designs play a role in Ukrainian tradition and folklore, sometimes symbolizing protection and fortune. One legend tells of a peddler named Simon, who left his basket of eggs on the side of the road as he helped Jesus carry his cross. When Simon returned to his basket, the eggs had been transformed into intricately colored spectacles. In another Easter folktale, Mary delivered a basket of eggs to soldiers guarding Jesus on the cross. As she begged them to treat her son kindly, she began to cry, and her tears fell into the basket. As each teardrop splashed on the eggs, they were transformed into the most beautifully colored pysanky. |
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One other popular souvenir is rushnyky, or ornamental ritual cloths. With embroidered pattern, these cloths are used in ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals and religious services. The patterns often represent a region with ornaments depicting local flora, religious or national icons. Each variety of rushnyky is used for a specific purpose. With their decorative embellishment, rushnyky make excellent souvenirs. |
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Whether traveling to the Ukraine, collecting artifacts from world cultures or as a symbol of pride in one’s Ukrainian background, Matryoshka dolls, pysanky and rushnyky are excellent keepsakes. These souvenirs allow people the ability to see, touch and admire the interesting folk art, culture and traditions of the Ukraine. |
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