Ukrainian Traditions

Ukraine's tumultuous history has left it standing on unstable ground, wrought with the devastation of the 20th century's wars, famines, and other struggles. Today, life in Ukraine is moving forward, stepping out of the shadows of Communism and into a modern, urban, and multicultural light, finally gaining for itself a sense of national identity. Now a cultural hotspot that serves as a crossroads between Europe and Asia, Ukraine's traditions of yesterday are evolving into today's daily life and customs. High school and undergraduate students will have the opportunity to delve into Ukraine's modern society by looking at its religious practices, language conflicts, gender issues, education policies, and media censorship struggles, as well as its cuisine, holidays, literature, music, and performing arts. A thorough and unique investigation of this young country, Culture and Customs of Ukraine is an absolute must-have for high school, public, and undergraduate library bookshelves. Coverage includes historical background, religions, language, gender, education, customs, holidays, and cuisine, media, literature, music, and Ukranian theatre and cinema in the 20th century. A chronology, photos, and bibliography including print and nonprint sources supplement this work.

The Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University has established the Harvard Papers in Ukrainian Studies as a medium for occasional papers, lectures, reports, reprints, long articles, and recent theses of particular merit. It also is a venue for monograph-length works that utilize new analyses and methodologies that broaden the field of Ukrainian studies. The series is not geographically limited to Ukraine proper--it also will examine questions of importance to surrounding countries, inasmuch as these questions are significant to the history and current development of Ukraine. This booklet contains the proceedings of the first Annual Conference sponsored by the Ukrainian Research Institute, Harvard University, and the Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University at Harvard University, May 12-13, 1994. Kostiantyn P. Morozov, first Minister of Defense of independent Ukraine, gave the keynote address. Papers exploring recent Ukrainian military history and the construction and Ukrainianization of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were presented by Professors Zenon Kohut (Director, Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies), Mark von Hagen (Columbia University), and John Jaworsky (University of Waterloo). Responses to these papers were given by senior Ukrainian military personnel who attended the conference. The Military Tradition in Ukrainian History will be useful to specialists in East European affairs, military historians, and Ukrainianists.

Lada Luzina — Golden Writer of Ukraine: “The folk rites of our great-grandmothers are so riddled with magic that there is no doubt — it was these real holidays and rituals that became the basis for all the famous legends and tales of Kiev witches. Reading now about the magical traditions of Ukrainians, you never cease to be amazed at what unique ancestors and knowledge our ancestors possessed! What a special, unique role a woman played in the Ukrainian community! And from what great depths these or other customs come!”

"Ukrainian Traditions: Exploring, Heritage, and Identity" is a captivating journey through the Ukrainian traditions, customs, and folklore that have shaped the country's cultural landscape for centuries. From vibrant festivals to time-honored rituals, this book delves into the heart of Ukrainian heritage, celebrating its resilience, diversity, and enduring spirit. Through vivid storytelling and stunning imagery, readers are immersed in the colorful world of Ukrainian traditions, from the lively dances of the Hutsuls in the Carpathian Mountains to the intricate pysanky egg decorating practiced across the country. Each chapter offers a glimpse into a different aspect of Ukrainian life, exploring the significance of folklore, music, cuisine, and more. As the pages unfold, readers discover the intricate rituals surrounding life's milestones, from birth and marriage to harvest festivals and religious celebrations. They learn about the resilience of Ukrainian culture in the face of historical upheavals and explore how traditions continue to evolve in the modern world. "Ukrainian Traditions Exploring, Heritage, and Identity" is not just a book; it's a celebration of the enduring legacy of Ukrainian traditions and the people who cherish them. Whether you're a traveler seeking to uncover the soul of Ukraine or a curious reader eager to learn about a vibrant culture, this book offers an immersive and enlightening experience that will leave you inspired and enriched.

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include * customs, values, and traditions * historical, religious, and political background * life at home * leisure, social, and cultural life * eating and drinking * do's, don'ts, and taboos * business practices * communication, spoken and unspoken "Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel "... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel "...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer "...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine "...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times

The bitter separation of Ukraine's Orthodox churches is a microcosm of its societal strife. From 1917 onward, church leaders failed to agree on the church's mission in the twentieth century. The core issues of dispute were establishing independence from the Russian church and adopting Ukrainian as the language of worship. Decades of polemical exchanges and public statements by leaders of the separated churches contributed to the formation of their distinct identities and sharpened the friction amongst their respective supporters. In The Orthodox Church in Ukraine, Nicholas Denysenko provides a balanced and comprehensive analysis of this history from the early twentieth century to the present. Based on extensive archival research, Denysenko's study examines the dynamics of church and state that complicate attempts to restore an authentic Ukrainian religious identity in the contemporary Orthodox churches. An enhanced understanding of these separate identities and how they were forged could prove to be an important tool for resolving contemporary religious differences and revising ecclesial policies. This important study will be of interest to historians of the church, specialists of former Soviet countries, and general readers interested in the history of the Orthodox Church.