Facts About the History of Ukraine

Daria Klemick and her family share a rich Ukrainian heritage. The cultural practices have been passed down from generation to generation including traditional foods, holiday celebrations, and dance. Ukraine is located along the eastern edge of Europe and borders the Black Sea. Through this blog, we will discuss some interesting facts about Ukraine that highlight its cultural and historical significance.

• Ukraine is the largest European state which is slightly smaller than the state of Texas. It is bordered by Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Russia, and Belarus, with the Black Sea to the south. 

Map of Eastern Europe 

• The country’s capital is Kiev, which is the largest city in Ukraine. It is known as the educational, scientific, and cultural center of Eastern Europe. Kiev is full of historical landmarks what make the city a great travel destination.

City of Kiev, Ukraine 

• Ukraine was once the home of one of the oldest known civilizations, the Trypillian Civilization. This Neolithic culture dates back to between 5500 BCand 2750 BC.

Trypillian Civilization Recreation  

• The metro station in Kiev, Arsenalna Metro Station, is 105 meters deep making it the deepest metro station in the world. It was built in 1960 and rumored to have secret underground shelters for top political officials. 

Arsenalna Metro Station in Kiev, Ukraine

• Ukraine is one of the most highly educated countries in the world. With an international ranking of 4th, Ukrainians aged 15 and older have over a 99% literacy rate with about 70% of adults having completed secondary education or beyond. With 150 colleges and universities and 80 research facilities, education in Ukraine is held in high regard. 

National Technical University of Ukraine Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

• The classic and very popular song “Summertime” by George Gershwin was inspired by the Ukrainian lullaby “Oi Khodyt Son Kolo Vikon”, which translates to “The Dream Passes by the Windows”. Gershwin’s parents were from Ukraine and inspired him to write the song. This song has since gone on to become a classic and has been samples by many artists across almost all genres including the hit Sublime song “Doin’ Time”. 

George Gershwin writing piano music 

• On August 24th, Ukrainians celebrate their independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. This holiday is known as National Day. The day is full of parades, folk costumes and public displays of the Ukrainian flag. 

Ukraine National Day Celebration 

Top Attractions in Ukraine

Daria Klemick is a member of the Ukrainian community in the greater New York area. She has long dreamed of visiting Ukraine. This vacation destination is often overlooked, but it offers a wide variety of attractions that fit any traveler’s interests. With travel and stay in Ukraine being fairly affordable, it is definitely a destination worth considering for your next trip.

With a tragic and ominous history, Chernobyl is a place that has quickly became a place of interest for those looking for Dark Tourism. Dark Tourism involves visiting places where catastrophic events have taken place, such as Alcatraz Island and Pearl Harbor. For these people, Chernobyl must certainly be a dream destination. Following an explosion in 1989 in the town of Pripyat, Ukraine, the town was evacuated fearing the radiation exposure and became a ghost town. It was not until recently that people have overcame the fear of the radiation and began to explore the abandoned buildings and homes in the town. A full day can be made out of the trip for those staying in Kiev as it is roughly 65 miles outside of the capital. Tour guides are available to help with navigating the ghost town and explaining the deep history of the disaster. If Dark Tourism is of any interest to you, Chernobyl should become a destination on your bucket list.

If ghost town tours are not what you are looking for, St. Sophia’s Cathedral offers quite the opposite experience. The cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than three decades. It has become a top destination of tourists for its beautiful architecture and magnificent golden domes. Once entering, guests are greeted with mosaics and murals that are centuries old. For tourists looking to climb to the top of the cathedral built in 1037, the view of Kiev is said to be one of the best.

If a relaxing walk is more of what you are looking for, Ukraine’s vast sunflower fields make the perfect backdrop for a photo to memorialize your trip. Ukraine’s sunflower fields make sunflower oil one of the top exports of the country. There are plenty of options for people wishing to take a walk through these beautiful fields and photograph the beautiful sea of yellow and green.

Trips to Ukraine are on the rise and offer a wide range of options for anyone. Dark Tourism has become a growing vacation niche, and Chernobyl is a top destination for its eerie feel and deep history. The St. Sophia’s cathedral is a near 180 degree shift from Chernobyl for its beautiful artwork and spectacular views. If searching for a more general idea of what to do on your trip to Ukraine, a stop in one of the many large sunflower fields is perfect for relaxation and photography. Check out my other blogs for more information about Ukrainian traditions, food, and travel destinations.

Traveling To Ukraine

 Daria Klemick is a member of various Ukrainian cultural clubs and participates in traditional activities including dance and cooking with family. While she grew up in the Greater New York area, she has long wanted to visit Ukraine to fully embrace her cultural heritage and with good reason. Ukraine is an often-overlooked vacation destination. Ukraine has plenty to do and is one of the largest Eastern European countries making the travel possibilities suitable for all who want to learn about the vast and interesting history and immerse themselves in the culture. Through the exploration of ancient castles, beautiful churches, extensive forests, and Black Sea beaches, travels will be sure to leave with a greater appreciation of the country and all that it has to offer. 

With a near limitless list of possible stops on a trip to Ukraine, Uman is sure to be among the top destinations. Uman is located in central Ukraine along the coast of the Umanka River. This location offers a casual and relaxing experience with great attractions. The city is well-suited to accommodate tourists. Navigating the city is made easy by the signposts directing tourists to locations such as the tomb of Rabbi Nachman Sofiyivka Park, the Basilian Monastery built in 1764, and the obelisk in the center of the town. Tourists can also watch the Love fountain show or spend the day shopping and exploring the daily market. After a day of shopping or exploring the great historical monuments, a visit to Sofiyivka Park is a great way to take in some nature and appreciate the open green spaces overlooking the intricate architecture, WWII monuments and pastel-colored churches located throughout the city. 

While traveling Ukraine, a stop in the historic city of Chernihiv is another must. Chernihiv dates back to roughly 907 making it one of the oldest cities in Ukraine. It is located in northern Ukraine along the Desna River. Here, you will find beautiful medieval architecture. The best example of this is the Catherine's Church, which boasts golden cupolas. Chernihiv is also home to two ancient monasteries located amongst caves in the outer limits of the city. Additionally, the Kachanivka Palace built in the 18th century offers tourists with the chance to view its neoclassical architecture. gardens, and lake. As though there was not already enough to see in Chernihiv, it is also where Cherninihivske beer is made, the famous Ukrainian tipple. This historic city offers tourists a great place to view various styles of architecture, and Cherninihivske is a must try for all visitors. 

While the list of travel locations can go on endlessly, Kiev must be at the top of the list. Kiev is the capital of Ukraine and is the number one tourist destination. It is located in north-central Ukraine and is packed with monasteries, beautiful streets, and golden-domed churches. Kiev has been referenced as early as 482 AD making it one of the oldest Eastern European cities. While the other cities listed here offer a slower paced experience, Kiev is full of energy. Tourists can visit one of the many bars or sidewalk cafes that line the beautiful and lively streets. While walking the streets, a stop at the Museum of Folk Architecture and Ethnography should be on the list of activities as it is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe and offers a great way for tourists to learn about the city and Ukraine. Another popular tourist stop is Andriyiviskyy Descent. This steep cobble stone street is lined wit
h Art Nouveau style houses with gargoyles perched atop. The final and most popular stop in Kiev is absolutely Kiev Pechersk Lavra. This is one of the oldest (and most important) monasteries in the country. 

A trip to Ukraine can be a great way to relax, learn history, see beautiful architecture and gardens, and absorb the rich culture. The country offers a little bit of everything, making it the perfect destination to travel and get away. Known for its theatres, operas, and lively yet relaxing cities, a trip to Ukraine is sure not to disappoint. As if you needed another reason to consider a trip to Ukraine, the vacation is fairly inexpensive compared to other European vacations, making the trip a great value!

 

Wedding Traditions in Ukraine

Daria Klemick, an active participant in Ukrainian cultural activities, was born and raised in the greater New York area. Within Ukrainian culture, weddings hold great significance and are celebrated following many traditions and customs. While the wedding ceremonies have evolved, many traditional elements remain. While more outdated traditions, such as buying out the bride, have been heavily modified or removed from weddings, others have remained a part of weddings for their religious connections. These ever changing traditions are often difficult for those outside of the community to understand, but to those within, they are important aspects of their cultural identities. 

Blashoslovennya is the familial blessing prior to the arrival at the church. This involved both parties' parents meeting at the home of the bride-to-be. The prospective husband and wife kneel on a rushnyk, an embroidered ritual cloth, in front of the parents. The parents present icons of the Virgin Mary and Jesus wrapped in a rushnyk. Happiness, prosperity, and health is wished upon the couple. It is after the presentation of the korovai, the ritual wedding bread, that the two families are united. 

At the ceremony itself, Ukrainian is often spoken at Ukrainian-American churches. Giving away of the bride is not practiced in Ukrainian wedding ceremonies. Instead, as a show of equal partnership in life, the bride and groom enter the church together. Often, the majority of the ceremony is sung. The exception to this is the sermon itself. 

Prior to entering the church together, the betrothal takes place. Here, the priest joins the couple in the back of the church. It is now that the priest's blessing and exchanging of rings is done. As a representation of God leading the couple into holy matrimony, the priest guides the newly weds into the church by the hand. 

A rushnyk is placed before the alter and is where the couple stands. This is symbolic of prosperity and not having to face poverty by " standing on bare earthen floor". It is said that the person who steps on the rushnyk first is the head of the family. Traditionally, this is the man, but is it said that the wife is the neck of the family that turns the head. Elders, starosty, are chosen from each family to be witnesses to the marriage and leaders of the wedding processional. The starosty gift the couple figures of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, which are prominently displayed in their home. This is symbolic of the spiritual center of the household.

Another prominent feature of Ukrainian weddings is the binding of the hands. An embroidered cloth is used to bind the hands of the bride and groom. This signifies the union of the marriage. The union is then led by the priest three times around the alter, representing the Holy Trinity, the journey of marriage, and that Christ leads this journey. This hold great significance as there are among the first steps the could take together. Following the trips around the alter, three sips from a silver goblet, again representing the Holy Trinity. The sharing of the cup is representative of the oneness of the union and equality through joy and hardships. 

Among the most identifiable aspects of an Ukrainian wedding is the crowning of the bride and groom. Members of the bridal party hold crowns above the heads of the bride and groom while they place their right hands on the gospel and exchange vows. This represents the newly weds being the king and queen ruling their family kingdom. 

The korovai, the traditional wedding bread of Ukraine, is another element that is found at nearly every Ukrainian wedding. This bread was historically baked by the women of the village and came to replace wedding cake. Today, most brides chose to have both the korovai and a cake. This bread is gifted to the bride accompanied by wedding advice by the women gifting the bread. The bread is covered in symbolic baked ornaments. Among those are two doves represent the couple, and pinecones to represent fertility. A derevo zhyttia, a tree of life, is placed at the center of the korovai as a symbol of life, love, hope, and building of a new nest. Purity and love is symbolized by a wreath of periwinkle that surrounds the entire korovai, and the assembly is placed in a prominent location at the reception on an embroidered tablecloth. 

While Ukrainian weddings have evolved through time, many traditional elements remain as prominent aspects that clearly identify any Ukrainian wedding. While many components were discussed here, much more goes into the planning and celebration of a Ukrainian wedding. Follow me for more posts and updates regarding the food, dance, and music that help make Ukrainian weddings memorable.