Традиции украинского народа богаты и разнообразны.They are always filled with interesting customs that have passed through the centuries. It is noteworthy that the Ukrainian youth adopts these traditions, in which their spiritual connection with their ancestors is visible. In most customs, interweaving of pagan and Christian beliefs can be seen.
Christmas
Many traditions of the Ukrainian people are associated withreligious beliefs and celebrations. In the Christmas season, the custom of caroling is widespread in Ukraine. These days, children go from one house to another. They wish all the owners of peace and prosperity, sing Christmas songs, and scatter barley and wheat on the floor as symbols of happiness and prosperity.
These are very pleasant traditions of the Ukrainian people.for children, because the owners in return should generously treat them with sweets, sweets and even give coins. It is believed that if this is not done, then there will be no luck in the house.
Christmas Eve
Other traditions of the Ukrainian people are associated withholiday table on Christmas Eve. This is a holy evening, which is celebrated on the eve of Christmas. On this day, a festive feast must necessarily consist of 12 lenten dishes. That is exactly match the number of apostles, who are considered the main disciples and assistants of Jesus Christ.
Поэтому по традициям и обычаям украинского народа freshly baked bread, dumplings, kutia, uzvar are put on the table. In the dumplings the hosts hide small coins. It is believed that the one who finds such a gift, the whole coming year will be very successful. For children, looking for a treasured coin in the dumplings is akin to the feeling of a miracle and an unusual surprise. Interesting traditions of the Ukrainian people for the 2nd class are a fascinating material on which you can discuss the peculiarities of the life of ancestors.
And that is not all.You can recall diduha - a national symbol of the harvest, which is carefully preserved from the time of haying to Christmas. Among the interesting traditions of the Ukrainian people, it is imperative to note the custom to give them a place of honor during Christmas. Didukh is similar to a human figure, in which the stems of various cereal crops are inserted, for example, rye, oats, wheat, and also fragrant hay. During the feast, the participants of the holiday sing Christmas songs, remember how the year went by, discuss how to make the next one even more successful.
Maslenitsa
On the eve of Lent in the tradition of the Ukrainian people to celebrate Shrovetide. This is a pagan custom that even Orthodox families are celebrating today. Favored by him and the church.
The essence of this holiday lies in the wires of winterand a solemn meeting of spring. Therefore, the Maslenitsa week is distinguished by particularly bright festivities, because it is followed by the most severe post in Christianity. Before the seven weeks of strict food restrictions, people try to eat enough. Every day it is customary to cook pancakes, to visit friends and relatives.
Many traditions are specially adaptedUkrainian people for children. For example, this applies to pancakes. They are an indispensable attribute of Shrovetide, which is very popular with kids, because pancakes are cooked and sweet, and with jam, and with fillings. In short, for every taste. The pancake symbolizes the sun, by which people were so yearned for during the long winter. It carries a warm and spring mood, which is so lacking.
As you have already noticed, the traditions of the Ukrainian people in the scientific style are similar to the Russian and Belarusian ones. If we talk about Pancake Day, the main custom these days is cooking dumplings with cottage cheese.
В конце масленичной недели принято всем to go on mass celebrations. Moreover, forgiveness Sunday is celebrated. On this day, it is customary to put up with everyone, ask for forgiveness from relatives, friends and even strangers.
Easter
The main Orthodox holiday, Easter, is surely celebrated in Ukraine. Celebrations take place on a spring day, when you can enjoy the coming summer with peace of mind.
Among the interesting traditions of the Ukrainian people isand such: do not sleep on Easter night. All Orthodox believers instead go to the church all-night service. With us, according to custom, they take beautiful baskets into which the best dishes are laid for their consecration. And when they come home, they organize a real feast, because it is on Easter that the seven-week most strict Christian fast ends.
At the same time, there is another tradition in Ukraine:no matter how rich the holiday table is, it is necessary to start the feast with Easter bread. It has a special shape, it is often made sweet and glazed.
At the meeting, acquaintances greet each other with the phrase: "Christ is Risen!". Hearing such an appeal, you must definitely answer: "Truly Risen!".
Summer solstice
The holiday of Ivan Kupala is another example ofwhat pagan customs and traditions are present in the lives of modern people. It is celebrated on the day of the summer solstice. This holiday is accompanied by a large number of ceremonies associated with fire, water and various herbs.
The most desperate of this night are satisfied with jumpingover the fire. At midnight, it is customary to go into the forest in search of a flowering fern, although many believe that this plant never blooms. Nevertheless, some believe that if you find such a fern still succeed, he will certainly point the way to the treasure.
Ukrainian girls for the holiday of Ivan Kupalaweave wreaths of wild flowers and let them in the water. Especially this custom is common among unmarried. It is believed that the girl will find family happiness on the bank to which her wreath is nailed.
It is also accepted before dawn to go to the field and talk grass on the health of loved ones. It is in the wreaths of this grass that the boys and girls then jump over the fire.
Matchmaking Traditions
Family in the life of Ukrainians plays a big role. Therefore, all related traditions are thought out especially well.
Any marriage ceremony begins with matchmaking.According to ancient custom, representatives of the groom come to the house of the bride to agree on a future wedding. As a rule, among them are elderly and respected people, often it is the village headmen, if it happens in the countryside. The girl gives the answer, bringing the guests a towel (this means that she agrees) or a pumpkin, which symbolizes a refusal.
Wedding
A few days before the celebration, the family of the bride traditionally bakes ceremonial bread - a loaf.
On the morning of the wedding day, the groom arrives at the house.future wife to buy it. As a rule, the ransom passes symbolically. Often, the groom requires to perform some tasks in order to pick up his chosen one, or to demonstrate that he knows her well.
Then the couple are married in the church, and celebratethe marriage is taken in the house of the bridegroom. After the solemn dinner, the young wife unravels her scythe and puts on a kerchief, which means her married status. These are some of the traditions of the Ukrainian people.
