Culture. Traditions. Food.

Yaroslav the Wise of Ukraine - Founder of Kiev, Ukraine

Ukraine has a long historical heritage. Yaroslav the Wise, from the 10th century, is given credit for founding Kiev, Ukraine's capital city. Yaroslav the Wise was also responsible for turning Kiev into a center for academic learning and law. St. Sophia Cathedral is one of Yaroslav the Wise's existing legacies in Kiev.

Eastern Orthodoxy - Kievan Rus is Responsible for the Orthodox Conversion

Before Eastern Europe became Christian, its people largely followed pagan beliefs. When Prince Vladimir converted Kievan Rus, this set the stage for Orthodox Christian conversion throughout Eastern Europe.
Today, Eastern Orthodox monks and spiritual leaders dress much as they have for centuries - and their black garb is a symbol of Eastern European religious fervor. Eastern Orthodox monks also wear full beards that make them indistinguishable from their predecessors.

Ukraine is proud of its Cossack heritage. The Cossacks were excellent horsemen, fierce in battle, and protective of their freedom. All of these qualities feature heavily in Ukrainian legend and history.
No beginner's lesson about Cossacks would be complete without mentioning Bogdan Khmelnytsky. A Cossack leader during the 17th century, Bogdan Khmelnytsky is both responsible for keeping Ukraine out of the clutches of Poland and handing Ukraine over to Russia. This statue stands in front of St. Sophia Cathedral.

Ukrainian folk architecture

Pirohiv, or Pirogovo, is a Ukrainian village that contains authentic examples of Ukrainian folk architecture. This outdoor museum reproduces Ukrainian village existence and illustrates Ukraine's agricultural heritage, folk culture, and rural life.
You don't have to go to Pirogovo to understand how important farming is to Ukraine. This haystack is from a modern farm - though Ukrainians have been farming for centuries. Many beliefs about the powers of painted eggs (pysanky) revolved around protecting crops, blessin fields, and assuring a good harvest.

Traditional Ukrainian Clothing - Folk Costumes of Ukraine

Traditional Ukrainian costumes for women consist of long skirts, blouses or tunics, head wraps, scarves, or other decorative headdress, and sashes. These items are richly embroidered with traditional folk motifs. Red is a prominent color in folk dress of Ukraine. This variation of Ukrainian national or folk costume shows a different style of headdress, blouse, and embroidered decoration. Traditional Ukrainian clothing may be worn for festivals, special occasions, or holidays.

Bast Shoes - Traditional Ukrainian Peasant Footwear

Bast shoes, one of the oldest types of footwear, have been made and worn for centuries in Ukraine, Russia, and Eastern Europe. They are traditionally made of birch bark, an easily acquired and easily woven material that is used for many other Eastern European folk crafts. Bast shoes can be purchased today as souvenirs at markets, but are not typically worn - they are uncomfortable and impractical.

Ukrainian Eggs - Traditional Ukrainian Easter Eggs

These Ukrainian Easter eggs have been decorated and dyed according to a centuries-long tradition that has its roots in pre-Christian Eastern Europe. The designs on Ukrainian eggs celebrate spring, stand for protection, symbolize fertility, honor nature, and ensure good fortune.

Ukrainian Traditional Foods

Borsch is popular all over Eastern Europe, but Ukraine and Russia are perhaps most famous for this beet soup. There are as many recipes as there are babushki (grandmas) who make it. Borsch can be served hot in the winter and cold in the summer, may contain meat and a variety of vegetables, and is commonly served with a generous dollop of sour cream.

While salo is enjoyed in other parts of Eastern Europe, Ukraine is perhaps most famous for salo. Salo is smoked, salted fat or lard that may also be flavored with spices. While its popularity may have grown out of lean years when meat was expensive or unavailable, salo is still eaten today.

This typical Ukrainian restaurant features a rustic interior reminiscent of traditional dining situations in Ukraine. Rough-hewn dining furniture, wooden decorations, folk crafts, and clean, white table linens will be found in restaurants that convey a traditional Ukrainian dining atmosphere. The foods served at these restaurants will be traditional Ukrainian dishes that make your mouth water and leave your taste buds satisfied.