Holidays / Свята

 Children's Day was officially declared at the World Conference on Child Welfare in Geneva in 1925. Following the proposal of the Women's International Democratic Federation in 1949, it is celebrated on June 1st (nationaltoday). 

Ukraine has celebrated Children's Day since 1998 following a proposition of the Ministry of Family Affairs of Ukraine and Youth, the All-Ukrainian Committee for the Protection of Children, the National fund of social protection of mothers and children, "Ukraine for children," and other public organizations (Ukraine's Parliament). 

The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, which was meant to define and protect children's rights specifically. Children's Day aims to raise public awareness about issues related to the protection of children's rights. 

In Ukraine, schools, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations hold information campaigns about children's rights, child abuse, and child labor on Children's Day. Child protection organizations explain children's rights and what services can be contacted in case of rights violation or abuse. Organizations and agencies encourage Ukrainians to donate to orphanages. Various concerts, festive events, exhibitions, fairs, workshops, film screenings, and other entertainment take place across Ukraine.

Constitution Day in Ukraine is a national holiday that celebrates the adoption of the country's current constitution on June 28, 1996. The holiday marks the formal establishment of Ukraine's current system of government, which includes a presidential-parliamentary system with a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The day is celebrated with various cultural and political events, including parades, concerts, and speeches by government officials, and is seen as a symbol of the country's independence, democracy, and unity (visitukraine.today).

President Leonid Kuchma first proposed establishing Constitution Day in Ukraine in 1996, shortly after the constitution was adopted. The Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovnaya Rada) approved the proposal, and the day was officially added to the country's list of national holidays.

At first, the holiday was just seen as a day off. However, it has grown in popularity. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Constitution Day doubled in popularity (Kyiv Institute of Sociology Study).

Ivana Kupala, or Kupala Night, honors the summer solstice and celebrates fertility, love, and nature. It is celebrated on the night of June 24th. It is a folklore holiday, rich in mystical pagan rituals originating from pre-Christian times. This holiday used to be celebrated on the night of the 6th to the 7th of July before the shifts in the religious calendar. 

Like many other Slavic holidays, Ivana Kupalo is rooted in Pagan traditions. There are two probable explanations regarding the origin of this holiday. However, the lack of historical evidence makes it impossible to say precisely what or who Kupalo was. The first explanation says that Kupalo originates from the verb "kupatysia," which means bathing. The second explanation is that Kupalo was a pagan God of fertility, harvest, water, and summer (suspilne.media; life.pravda). 

Ivana Kupala symbolizes the fusion of ancient Slavic rituals and an acknowledgment of the Christian commemoration of St. John the Baptist. Ivan is the Ukrainian version of John, and the celebration of St. John the Baptist coincided around the same time as Kupala Night — therefore, these two nouns fused into collocation, known as Ivana Kupala. Despite the fused colloquial collocation, the Ukrainian church has negatively opposed the celebration of Ivana Kupala due to its roots in paganism (suspilne.media; life.pravda).

Ivana Kupala's Eve highlights the deeply rooted traditions of Slavic paganism and Ukrainian folklore, which have been transformed and preserved in Ukrainian culture. The evening enchants its spectaculars with the mysticism of Slavic ancient traditions and magnificent customs like finding a magical Kupala flower, dancing, jumping over a bonfire, weaving wreaths and then letting them into the water to float, and bathing in lakes or river banks. Traditionally, the celebration of Ivana Kupala occurred in forests and water, like lakes or riverbanks. 

Jumping over a bonfire is the most famous and well-known tradition of this day. This tradition symbolized purification from sins and curses. Folks competed who could jump higher, whereas couples tried to jump without letting go of each other's hands — in doing so, it was believed they would marry and live together (suspilne.media).

Bathing is among the most common and mysterious traditions during the Ivana Kupala celebration. In ancient times, associated with folk legends,  the water was believed to have supernatural properties on that day. The beliefs and attitudes towards bathing depended on the region. In some areas, it was common to bathe in the water at dusk because it has special and purifying qualities — it could wash away negative energy. However, in other regions, it was believed that the water required sacrifices or evil spirits could pull someone down (pradva.life). 

Young unmarried girls weaved floral wreaths and set them afloat on the water, wishfully hoping their wreaths would afloat in the right direction. 

First, the girls would weave wreaths and sing, then walk with them while singing, and finally, set them afloat on the water, watching closely where the wreath floated - the direction meant where the girl would marry (september).  

According to folk belief, if the wreath floated well and the candle burnt brightly, the girl would marry; if it spun in place, she would remain single, and if it sank, she would not marry at all. If the wreath floated far away and reached a particular shore, the girl would marry someone from that place. Additionally, if the wreath stayed in the center of the river, it was believed the year would pass without significant changes, but if it drifted to the shore, misfortune was expected (suspilne.media).

Interestingly, Ivana Kupala Night also included a unique quest for young and brave only sons or unmarried boys — finding a mysterious fern flower, which only bloomed on Kupala's night. However, it was a dangerous question because one-night-blooming fern flower was well-guarded by evil spirits. The legend has it that the lucky boy to find it would receive supernatural abilities, great fortune, and hidden knowledge. Once he found it — he could not look back, show the flower, or tell anyone about it on his way home (september). 

The Independence Day of Ukraine, celebrated on the 24th of August, is one of the most important state holidays. It commemorates the day that the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine was issued, legislated by Ukraine's Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) on August, 24 1991.

The day is one of the most important in the modern country's history, as Ukrainians celebrate regaining independence from the Soviet Union and beginning to build their own statehood. The Independence Day of Ukraine is celebrated with the spirit of unity, solidarity, and pride, with public and cultural events such as concerts, parties, parades, marches, and exhibitions across the country. 

On this day, Ukrainians dress up in their nicest Vyshyvanky (traditional Ukrainian embroidery shirts). The most significant event on this day is the military parade on Khreschatyk (Kyiv's central street), known as the Kyiv Independence Day Parade. During the event, the president addresses the people, congratulates the nation, reflects on made progress, grants state awards, and acknowledges milestones in the modern history of Ukraine. 

Watch President Zelensky's speech and presentation of awards at the 2023 Kyiv Independence Day Parade.

Easter, also known as Pascha, is one of the most important religious holidays in Ukraine and is celebrated by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Ukrainian Catholic Church, and Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. Pascha commemorates the death of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. The celebration is followed by religious services and prayers, feasts, and other traditions passed down through generations. 

There are two official Easter celebration dates in Ukraine based on the three different types of Christianity: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Ukrainian Greek-Catholicism. So, there are two official celebration dates of Easter in Ukraine, which are moveable because of the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar used by most Western countries. 

Catholic Easter is usually celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox on March 21. According to the Gregorian calendar, Catholic Easter can be celebrated annually between March 22 and April 25. (suspilne.media).

Orthodox Easter, meanwhile, is calculated using a different calendar, the Julian calendar, so it's often celebrated later than Catholic Easter. Like Catholic Easter, it's observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. However, because of the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars, Orthodox Easter is typically celebrated between April 4 and May 8 (suspilne.media).

A week before Easter, Ukrainians celebrate Palm Sunday. However, Ukrainians call it Willow Sunday (Верба Неділя) since palms do not grow in the Ukrainian climate and willows are used instead. Palm Sunday celebrates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, when people met him, throwing palm leaves at his feet. On this day, Ukrainians attend church services to bless willow bouquets. When Ukrainians come home after attending church services, they gently poke their beloved with blessed willow bouquets, saying, "It's not me tapping – the willow taps, a week from now, it's Easter." 

On Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday (Чистий четвер), people clean their homes and decorate them with Ukrainian embroidery rushnyky (towels). In folk belief, it is said that if the cleaning is not finished by this day, "unclean spirits" might remain in the house. In the meantime, special prayers and services take place in churches. Ukrainians attend these services, where the Gospels are read, recounting the Last Supper and the sufferings of Jesus Christ. Maundy Thursday is considered a good day for confession and communion. Many people try to ease their souls of sins to greet Easter with a clear conscience. Meanwhile, Ukrainians also start baking paskha (Ukrainian Easter bread), writing pysanky, and preparing food for the Easter basket. 

Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday (Страсна п'ятниця), is a day of deep sorrow and prayer in memory of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and death. Ukrainians attend church services, including the Shroud's procession. Some also observe a strict fast and refrain from entertainment. People are extra mindful of each other on this day. 

Holy Saturday is a day of preparation and anticipation before the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. On this day, people attend afternoon church services, pray, and then gather around the church to bless the Easter baskets with the help of priests who sprinkle holy water on them. The baskets are carried by adults, but children can also have their own baskets if they like. Typically, Easter baskets consist of Paskha, pysanky, cheese, butter, ham, kovbasa, chicken, horseradish, salt, garlic, poppy seeds and candles. The baskets with food are taken home once they are blessed by a prist. 

On Sunday, Easter, and the day of the Resurrection of Christ, Ukrainians attend church prayers in the morning, come home, and have breakfast with their families, feasting the food that was blessed on the previous day by priests in the church. 

Easter is celebrated with several special traditions. The use and writing of pysanky (decorated eggs) is one of the most well-known traditions. Learn more about pysanky here. Pysanky are an important part of Ukrainian Easter celebration culture and a symbol of Ukrainian culture abroad. Ukrainians gift pysanky to friends and family members and use pysanky to decorate homes and churches.

Painting Easter eggs, krashanky (крашанки), with bright colors is another important tradition in Ukraine during Easter. It symbolizes, in Christianity, the triumph of life over death and the renewal of spring. Learn more about krashanky here.

Watch a video about Easter greetings in Ukrainian. 

Easter is one of the most significant in Ukraine. It holds both religious and cultural importance for Ukrainians, reflecting their culture and embracing its diverse and ancient traditions. Pascha is the time when families and friends come together and let go of grudges, celebrating the spring and victory of life over death. It's about unity and ancient traditions; it's about care, empathy, and forgiveness. 

Labor Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated on May 1st. May 1 became International Labor Day after the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, Illinois on May 1, 1886. In early May 1886, demonstrations were held in Chicago and other US cities demanding an eight-hour working day. On May 4, violence erupted leaving four workers and seven police officers dead as well as many people wounded. in 1889, the Second Socialist International, which met in Paris, designated May 1 as Labor Day in honor of those lost in the Haymarket Affair. 

In the Soviet Union, this day was celebrated as a "Workers' Solidarity Day." There was a strong emphasis on ideological components and the socialist movement. However, as a part of decommunization, Ukraine dissociated itself from its Soviet-era past, redefining the meaning and importance of this day.

The Parliament of Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada, renamed it "International Workers' Solidarity Day" to "Labor Day" in 2017. This day signifies the importance of proper working conditions provision, equal opportunities, and protection of rights for all employees. 

Labor Day is a day off in Ukraine. It reminds us of the importance of protecting labor rights and decent working conditions. Ukrainians now associate Labor Day with the symbol of the spring season, family gatherings, and cook outs. 

Vyshyvanka Day is celebrated in Ukraine and Internationally on the third Thursday of May. 

Vyshyvanka is a traditional Ukrainian embroidery shirt or dress, typically made from linen, cotton, or hemp, embroidered with six primary colors - white, black, green, blue, red, or yellow. Vyshyvanka was considered to be "a second skin." Ukrainians believed it could repel and protect them from evil spirits, negative energy, and misfortune. Vyshyvanka is integral to Ukrainian culture as Ukrainians wear it both on holidays and in everyday life. It signifies the unbreakable bond between the past and present Ukrainians managed to preserve, notwithstanding the absence of statehood and oppression for centuries.

Lesia Voroniuk started the tradition of the Vyshyvanka Day celebration in 2006. At that time, she was a history major at Chernivtsi National University and suggested to her fellow classmates the idea of dressing up in Vyshyvanka. Then, university professors joined and supported the initiative (life.pravda). 

Lesia explained, "Back then, T-shirts with DiCaprio and Titanic were in fashion, not Vyshyvanky. Only students who studied well wore them."

"I remember very well the first Vyshyvanka Day when I walked into the history department wearing an embroidered shirt and looked for others who had also joined the initiative. I walked through the first floor and didn't see anyone. I went up the stairs and saw one person in a shirt, then another, and another. Now I understand that it was such a bold and desperate decision because at that time it was even considered an 'anti-trend,'" — shared Lesia.

As mentioned above, the trend of celebrating Vyshyvanka Day on the third Thursday of May spread in Chernivtsi, and the popularity of this day kept increasing until it went viral and became celebrated across Ukraine and around the globe. 

There is no official agenda for celebrating this day in Ukraine. Still, as one can guess, people commemorate this day by dressing in their finest Vyshyvanka shirts, taking pictures, and sharing them with friends on their social networks. The point is to appreciate and celebrate one of the finest national handcrafts in Ukrainian culture. Obviously, concerts, festivals, fairs, and photo sessions were held in many cities during peacetime. Unfortunately, during the war, mass gatherings are prohibited for safety reasons.

Day of Defenders of Ukraine is a public holiday honored annually on October 1. The practice of celebrating the Day of Defenders of Ukraine was officially proclaimed by governmental degree in 2014, following the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and occupation of Eastern Ukraine by the Russian Federation 

This day is a painful reminder that sovereignty and freedom cost human lives. It commemorates the sacrifice, heroism, and bravery of the Ukrainian people who took up arms to protect their homeland from Russia. On this day, Ukrainians honor military personnel, veterans, volunteers, doctors, and emergency workers. Ukrainians also honor the memory of those who have passed. The day also reminds us about the importance of defensive forces in national security and territorial integrity. On this day, public events take place across the country. The president and other officials address the nation, military personnel participate in parades, and people join marches to show gratitude and support. 

The decision to commemorate Ukrainian defenders on this day was intentional. On this day, the Christian feast of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated, and in 1999, the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks was established. The Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary has long been considered the patron saint of the Ukrainian Cossacks, who traditionally turned to her for protection on this day (ukrinform).

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to the New Julian calendar on September 1, 2023. Thus, most Christians in Ukraine are already celebrating religious holidays according to the new calendar - 13 days earlier than the Julian calendar. In particular, the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on October 1 instead of October 14, and the date of the Day of Defenders has been moved forward 

The Day of Defenders of Ukraine is an important holiday in Ukraine that reflects the country's ongoing struggle for independence and sovereignty and serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who have fought and continue to fight for these ideals.

The Revolution of Dignity (Euromaidan): November 21, 2013 – February 22, 2014. 

Initially, the Revolution of Dignity started as the Euromaidan movement on November 21, 2013. It followed the decision of Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers to halt the preparation process of signing the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. This decision sparked public outrage, so Ukrainians started coming to Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) the same evening to express their disagreement with Yanukovych's government's decision.

The withdrawal from signing the contract with the EU politically meant stepping off the European vector of Ukrainian foreign policy development and deepening cooperation in favor of the Customs Union and the Russian Federation, stealing the European dream from millions of Ukrainians. The decision only fueled public dismay with the background of stagnated social, political, and economic issues, such as corruption, illegal changes to the constitution, human rights violations, poverty, political repressions, unlawfulness, and abuse of power by the politicians and Russia-backed government of Yanukovych. 

Mass beatings, police brutality, and institutionalized violence against the protestors by the police and berkut units were met with public resentment, resistance, helmets, Molotov cocktails, and clashes. Throughout the revolution's course, the government resorted to unconstitutional and unlawful practices, such as abduction and torturing protestors, targeting journalist and Euromaidan leaders, illegal detentions and prosecution of protestors for their constitutional right to peaceful protests, censorship of media, legislation of dictatorship laws to criminalize unauthorized protests and ban wearing helmets. 

The revolution reached its peak on February 20, which went down in Ukrainian history as "Bloody Thursday." That day, the snipers opened fire at people from hotel "Україна," killing dozens of protestors and making it one of the most tragic days in the modern history of Ukraine. Subsequently, the number of killed civilians surpassed 107 people, known as a "heaven hundred." On February 22, Yanukovych left his home in Mezhyhirya and fled to Russia (Euromaidan Timeline). Ukrainians had to pay a heavy price to protect their human rights, dignity, and European dream. 

There is a documentary about the Maidan Revolution called Ukraine on Fire directed by Igor Lopatonok which was released in 2016.

On the Day of Dignity and Freedom, Ukrainians reflect on their values and the ongoing fight for freedom, independence, democracy, and human rights. Ukrainians reason what democracy means to them, how the revolution experience shaped their identity, and changed the course of politics and national history. Often, Ukrainians share their stories and commemorate people who were killed. This day symbolizes the resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people, who want to live in an independent, constitutional, and European country and are ready to defend their constitutional rights, democratic values, freedom, and dignity.  

Saint Nicholas Day, or День Святого Миколая, is celebrated in Ukraine on December 6 (previously on December 19). Saint Nicholas is known as Sviatyi Mykolai in Ukraine. The holiday of Sviatyi Mykolai is one of the most awaited holidays by children who receive gifts, whereas religious services are held in churches to commemorate His memory and deeds. 

Historically, Saint Nicholas was born in Myra (today, Demre, Turkey) in the 4th century to a wealthy and religious family. St. Nicholas became known for his generosity, empathy,  kindness, and assistance, giving all his inheritance to people in need. He became a symbol of goodwill and a saint in Orthodox and Catholic traditions as words about his acts of kindness, deeds, and generosity spread across countries and centuries (littleukrainianblog). 

In anticipation of Saint Nicholas Day, children write their own wishlists and try to better their behavior and be kind, obedient, and respectful to others because Ukrainian children believe that Sviatyi Mykolai visits only obedient children. On the morning of Saint Nicholas Day, Ukrainian children traditionally find fruits, sweets, candies, toys, and other gifts under their pillows. Some children find these gifts under their Christmas trees. 

This holiday is also associated with generous, kind, and charitable acts. The churches, volunteers, and non-governmental organizations collect donations for vulnerable families, kids, and senior people in need, providing them with sweets, toys, clothing, food, and necessities to the spirit of this holiday and support.

Is it Saint Nicholas or Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)? Seemingly, both figures are part of the winter holidays and gift-giving traditions. However, each has different political, historical, and cultural meanings. 

The Soviet Union was a secular state, therefore, the religious holiday of Christmas was abolished in 1929. In 1935, the Soviets moved a lot of Christmas traditions to the celebration of New Year's, a secular holiday. The figure of Ded Moroz replaced Saint Nicholas in the 1930s. 

The figure of Ded Moroz is rooted in Slavic paganism and is associated with harsh winters. Unlike Saint Nicholas, Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) was accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka (Snow Maiden), who helped him deliver gifts under the New Year Tree (Bashkina). Ded Moroz traditionally wears a long red, blue, or white fur coat, carries a staff, and travels in a troika (sleigh with three horses). He is often accompanied by forest animals. 

According to Professor of Ukrainian history, Dr. Lylo, "there are still some groups of people who celebrate Ded Moroz, despite the invasion and possession of Ukrainian citizenship. Given the sensitivity of this topic, it should be clarified that the phenomenon of celebrating Soviet holidays like Ded Moroz is viewed as a continuation of Soviet nostalgia and is mainly celebrated by people who long for the Soviet Union" ('Homo Sovieticus' at War: How Historical Myths Kill).

Despite the repressions and prohibitions by Soviet authorities, many Ukrainians secretly continued the tradition of celebrating Saint Nicholas, who delivered gifts under the pillow to well-behaved children. The Saint Nicholas celebration was officially restored after Ukraine gained independence. Distancing themselves from the Soviet past and enforcing decommunization policies, Ukrainians have been reclaiming their culture and restoring historical justice. Subsequently, the Ded Moroz celebration has become irrelevant and diminished even more in the recent years of the Russian invasion. As of today, Ded Moroz is considered an obsolete Soviet tradition and holds no significant relevance in Ukraine.

The New Year is one of the most long-awaited holidays in Ukraine. The celebration style depends on the household, age group, or region. Usually, Ukrainians celebrate it either in a quiet family atmosphere or invite over family and friends. Preparing a lavish festive table with dishes like canapes, snacks, salami, cheese charcuterie board, various salads, chicken, fish, baked goods, and fruits is common. String lights and a Christmas tree are a must decoration and a prerequisite for a good New Year's mood. 

As part of the New Year celebration traditions, Ukrainians turn on the TV to hear the bells toll until midnight. This is followed by the President's official speech and congratulations right after the clock hits midnight. It is all accompanied by clinking glasses with champagne and sparklers and chanting "Happy New Year!" Ukrainians also make wishes for the New Year once they hear bells toll and start happily congratulating each other.