Ukraine ( Україна ) is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second largest country in Europe after Russia, which borders it to the east and north-east. Ukraine also shares borders with Belarus to the north; Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west; Romania and Moldova to the south; and has a coastline along the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. It covers about 600,000 km2 , with a population of about 40 million. The nation's capital and largest city is Kyiv. The official and national language is Ukrainian. Ukraine’s current president is Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukrainian Symbols
Each country has its own symbols – special signs used to distinguish it from all the other states. Traditionally, symbols are tightly bound to a country`s history and culture. National symbols of Ukraine are not an exception as they reflect specifics of the state and its people. Let`s consider meanings of the three Ukrainian state symbols: flag, emblem and anthem.
TRIDENT
So what is the Ukrainian national symbol and how is it called? It is “tryzub” (“trident”) – a golden trident on a blue shield. In the times of Kyiv Rus, the trident was the symbol of Rurik dynasty. The archaeologists have found tridents on coins, stamps, crockery, brickwork and wall paintings of that period. The first mentioning of trident as the official national symbol of Ukraine dates back to 1918 – the times of the Ukrainian People`s Republic.
Only in February 1992, after dissolution of the Soviet Union, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved trident as the official emblem of the independent Ukraine.
FLAG
Let`s proceed to the next state symbol of Ukraine – the Ukrainian flag. The national flag of Ukraine consists of two equally sized horizontal strips of yellow and blue colors.
The first usage of the modern blue and yellow flag of Ukraine was officially recorded in Lviv in 1848, when the people of Galicia hang that flag on Lviv City Council as a national symbol. After the 1905 revolution, people of Dnieper Ukraine also began to use it.
In 1917—1921, the yellow and blue flag served as an official symbol of the Ukrainian People`s Republic and Ukrainian State.
ANTHEM
The state anthem of Ukraine is the third main symbol of the country. The Ukrainian anthem is called “Ще не вмерла України і Слава, і Воля” (“Ukraine's glory has not yet perished, nor its freedom”). The lyrics of the anthem were written in 1862 by Pavlo Chubynsky – Ukrainian ethnographer, folklorist and poet. The poem was published for the first time in “Meta” Lviv magazine in 1863. The poem quickly became popular in the Western Ukraine, and soon it was read by Mykhailo Verbytsky – Ukrainian priest and composer. Inspired by the beautiful lyrics, Mykhailo set it to music. In 1917—1920, Chubynsky`s poem was the official hymn of the Ukrainian People`s Republic and the West Ukrainian People`s Republic.
TRADITIONAL CLOTHES IN UKRAINE
Vyshivanka(Вишиванка) is the newest name of the Ukrainian shirt decorated with ornamented embroidery. An important component of the Ukrainian national dress. Divided into women's and men's shirts. It has a common origin with the embroidered shirts of the Slavic peoples of Eastern and Central Europe. Since the Middle Ages it has been traditionally worn as casual and festive clothing. From the XX century it is worn separately, together with the costume, as festive, patriotic and cult clothes. Traditional shirt embroidery is of precautionary importance and varies from region to region.
CULTURAL LIFE
Ukraine possesses a wealth of cultural talent and a considerable cultural legacy. Numerous writers have contributed to the country’s rich literary history. Impressive monuments of architecture and museums displaying works by generations of Ukrainian artists can be found throughout the country, and art galleries featuring contemporary Ukrainian artists have become commonplace in larger urban centres. The country’s strong tradition of folk art also continues to this day. In addition, high-calibre performing artists and ensembles appear regularly in Ukraine’s numerous theatres and concert halls.
DAILY LIFE
The social changes brought about by Ukrainian independence are most evident in the cities, particularly Kyiv. The country’s capital now boasts high-end stores catering to a moneyed class, and a fashionable strip of contemporary art galleries and cafés winds its way down the historical street of Andriyivskyi Uzviz. The capital’s renovated airport stands in striking contrast to its decidedly dour appearance in Soviet times.
The cities, with their broad sidewalks and extensive greenery, are eminently suited for walking. Ukrainians generally do a considerable amount of walking, either to get around or simply for enjoyment. Parks are plentiful and popular for strolling or picnicking, a common pastime among city dwellers, most of whom live in apartments. The cities also feature numerous kiosks, which sell all manner of wares.
Kulyanda Varvara
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