Customs & Traditions – Ukraine

Let’s explore the world of Ukrainian arts and crafts!

In 2023, as part of the ‘’Etnika: Ukrainian Arts and Crafts’’ awareness campaign, a series of video has been created to promote the traditions and intangible heritage of the country. 

Hutnytstvo (Ukrainian Blown Glass Art) is one of the oldest folkartistic crafts. The production technology has not changed for almost 1000 years. Hutnytstvo glassware is used for both domestic and festive purposes. It is handmade by a master using the free-blowing method in front of a glass furnace.

In the past, these glass containers were widely used for storing grain, flour, wine and more. Ancient glass items in the shape of animals, such as roosters and bears, are worthy of special attention.

Contemporary Ukrainian Glass Art is produced by a large numbers of artists, each of whom has crystallized a recognizable personal style. Interpreting the present in glass, these masters experiment and incorporate additional materials such as metal, fabric and wood. The aesthetics of Ukrainian Glass Art are an integral part of European and global trends.

Discover this tradition HERE

The Ukrainian tradition of making Easter decorated eggs (Pysanka) is one of the oldest and most widespread forms of folk decorative and applied art. The traditions of pysanka making vary in different regions and are characterized by differences in ornamentation and color schemes. The process of pysanka decoration is accompanied by additional preparations and customs, and the patterns have a deep symbolism that reflects the world view of Ukrainians.

Pysanka making has not only an artistic but also an educational, social and rehabilitative (meditative) aspect due to its unique tactile nature, involving work with wax, fire, and paints.

For more information, watch this VIDEO

“White on White” Technique of Embroidery of Reshetylivka (Poltava region, Ukraine) has a bright recognizable style, embroidery and lacing with white threads of white canvas.

A special feature is the combination of up to 10 different techniques in one product, which enriches the artistic and expressive means of ornamental compositions, giving them some similarity to a miniature.

The masters of Reshetyliv village, preserving almost two hundred years old authentic ornaments, create original works and emphasize the embroidery of the region.

Learn more HERE

Bonus Trivia!

The tradition of pysanka making and the white-on-white embroidery technology of Reshetylivka village, Poltava region, are included on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements of Ukraine, and have been nominated for inclusion on UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Sources, photographs & videos: The videos were created in 2023 as part of the ‘’Etnika: Ukrainian Arts and Crafts’’ awareness campaign undertaken jointly by the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine and the Support to Ukraine’s Reforms for Governance Project (SURGe) funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International.

Photograph No 1: Ukrainian Art Glass

Photograph No 2: Pysanka, Ukrainian Easter Decorated Eggs

Photograph No 3: Ukrainian White-on-White Embroidery

Courtesy of the Department of International Cooperation and Protocol, Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine

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