What Traditions Define the Ukrainian Culture?

Despite being an embattled country, it is no surprise that Ukraine remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, especially for foreign men. With its uniquely beautiful Ukrainian culture and equally beautiful people, who wouldn't want to experience this piece of Eastern European paradise?

So, if you are planning to visit the country anytime soon, you are in the right place. Let this be your guide to a memorable and fun trip by learning about its unique culture and traditions.

The Roots of Ukrainian Culture and Identity

Regardless of whether it's your first visit to Ukraine or you've been coming back regularly, it pays to get to know the country's culture to better understand its people. Note that Ukrainian culture is marked by traditions that influence daily life, such as celebrating Christmas twice or keenly observing traditional wedding ceremonies.

While the majority of the population is Christian who follow Eastern Orthodoxy, their identity was also shaped by pagan traditions practiced long before Christianity was introduced. Over time, many of these pagan customs were incorporated into the Orthodox practices seen today. To fully appreciate the richness of the country, it is helpful to discover the traditions that make Ukrainian culture unique and interesting.

Unique Religious Celebrations

While many parts of the world consider Christmas to be the major religious event, Easter is often more important for Ukrainians, making their customs unique compared to the majority of the world.

How Ukrainians Celebrate Christmas in Ukraine

Ukrainians celebrate Christmas in Ukraine twice: once on December 25, and again on January 7, following the Orthodox calendar.

Key traditions practiced on Christmas Eve:

• Christmas Eve Dinner: This traditional meal consists of 12 dishes, symbolizing the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.

  • The centerpiece of the dinner is kutia, a traditional Orthodox dish served throughout the Christmas season.

  • Other dishes may include fish, mushrooms, potatoes, freshly baked bread, varenyky (Ukrainian half-moon-shaped dumplings), and uzvar (a Ukrainian winter beverage).

  • Good luck for the following year is promised to whoever finds a hidden coin inside one of the varenyky.

  • Participants sing Christmas songs at the table to commemorate blessings and wish good things to others.

• Christmas Carols (Kolyadka): The Slavic term for Christmas songs is kolyadka.

  • On Christmas Eve, children and some young adults dress in traditional clothes or costumes.

  • They carry a handcrafted star, symbolizing the star of Bethlehem.

  • They visit the homes of friends, relatives, or neighbors to sing kolyadkas and wish families happiness and prosperity.

  • In return, they receive tokens of appreciation, such as money, fruits, chocolates, or candies.

Easter: The Major Religious Event

The high regard Ukrainians hold for Easter is manifested in the comprehensive preparations leading up to the holiday.

Preparation and Vigil:

• Family members fast for seven days before Easter Sunday.

• On Holy Thursday, they clean themselves and their homes.

• Preparations then begin for pysankas (decorated eggs) and paskas (traditional Ukrainian Easter bread).

• Most Ukrainians participate in a vigil service and do not sleep the night before Easter.

The Easter Basket and Celebration:

Before going to church on Easter, a special basket is prepared to be blessed by the priest. The basket contains:

• The paskas and pysankas prepared days prior.

• Food items such as ham, cheese, and sausages.

• Non-food items, including a willow branch and an embroidered towel called a rushnyk.

After returning from the church, the family members eat breakfast together. They must always begin the celebration by eating the blessed paskas and the other blessed items from the basket.

Ivana Kupala: Celebrating Solstice

The celebration of Ivana Kupala began during Ukraine’s pre-Christian era to mark the summer solstice and honor the sun. This tradition features unusual rituals involving fire, water, and herbs.

Common Ivana Kupala rituals include:

1. Jumping over the Fire: A couple who jump over the Ivana Kupala fire while holding hands is believed to have a long and happy relationship. Friends or even strangers also participate, believing it brings good luck and health.

2. Making Flower Wreaths and Fortune Telling: Traditionally, unmarried girls make wildflower wreaths. They place the wreaths on the water's surface to predict their fortune based on how the wreaths float. Wreaths that float well indicate that the girl will get married.

3. Searching for Fern Flower: It is said that fern flowers appear only for a brief time during Ivana Kupala. Women go to the forest early in the morning to find the flowers. Whoever finds a fern flower is said to gain supernatural abilities, such as seeing the future or healing people.

Understanding the Ukrainian Wedding

Families in Ukraine are tight-knit, ensuring that Ukrainian wedding traditions are observed keenly. These traditions are particularly relevant for those seeking a future bride while visiting Ukraine.

The Matchmaking Rite:

The ceremony begins with the rite of matchmaking.

• The suitor’s matchmaker (often his godmother) proposes marriage to the woman’s parents.

• A positive answer is signaled when the woman’s family sends an embroidered towel.

• If the answer is negative, the suitor receives a pumpkin instead.

• If the suitor receives the towel, the couple can proceed with the other rituals.

Wedding Day Rituals:

Before the wedding, the groom and bride are presented with a ritual bread, which is typically a round loaf. On the wedding day itself, the groom travels to the bride’s home, and they proceed to the church together. After the ceremony, the celebration is held at the husband’s house. Modern Ukrainian weddings can last until the following day.

Planning Your Trip: Visiting Ukraine

Ukrainian culture is influenced by a variety of ethnic groups and religions. Remarkably, Ukraine maintains unique customs, such as placing greater importance on Easter than Christmas. The country’s cultural enrichment continues to this day. By learning about Ukraine’s unique culture, one can better appreciate its traditions and its people.

Frequently Asked Questions