Ukraine: History, Culture, and Traditions – Frequently Asked Questions

Ukraine: History, Culture, and Traditions – Frequently Asked Questions

1. When did Ukraine gain independence from Russia/USSR?

Ukraine gained independence from the USSR on August 24, 1991. This came after centuries of struggle for freedom, and in December 1991, over 90% of Ukrainians voted for independence in a nationwide referendum.

Interestingly, Ukraine’s Declaration of Independence shares similarities with the U.S. Declaration of Independence, as both are based on the ideals of self-determination, freedom, and human rights.

2. What happened to Crimea in 2014? Did it belong to the Tatars before Ukraine?

In 2014, Russia illegally annexed Crimea, violating international law. Following Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity, Russian troops invaded Crimea and staged a fake “referendum” to justify their takeover.

Historically, Crimea was home to the Crimean Tatars, who ruled the region under the Crimean Khanate. In 1944, the Soviet Union deported the Tatars en masse, accusing them of collaborating with Nazis. Many Tatars began returning in the 1990s after Ukraine regained independence.

3. What are the national dishes of Ukraine?

Ukraine is famous for borsch, a hearty beet soup with cabbage, potatoes, and meat. In 2022, UNESCO recognized Ukrainian borsch as an element of cultural heritage.

Other popular dishes include:

• Varenyky – dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, meat, or fruit.
• Salo – cured or smoked pork fat, a beloved national delicacy.
• Deruny – crispy potato pancakes, often served with sour cream.

4. What are some of the most famous holidays in Ukraine?

The biggest Ukrainian holidays include Christmas (December 25), Easter, and Independence Day (August 24).

A fun fact: the famous Christmas song “Carol of the Bells” is actually based on a Ukrainian melody called “Shchedryk”, composed by Mykola Leontovych in 1916.

5. What are traditional values, customs, and beliefs of Ukrainians?

Ukrainians value family, freedom, and traditions. Hospitality is a key part of the culture—if you visit a Ukrainian home, expect to be offered plenty of food and drinks.

Ukrainians are also deeply committed to independence, reflected in their national anthem, which begins with the words: “Ukraine’s glory and freedom have not yet perished.”

6. What is the traditional clothing of Ukraine?

The most famous piece of Ukrainian clothing is the vyshyvanka, an embroidered shirt that symbolizes national pride. Each region has its own embroidery patterns, and many families pass vyshyvankas down through generations.

7. What is the history behind pysanky Easter eggs?

Ukrainian pysanky are hand-decorated Easter eggs that symbolize life, renewal, and prosperity. This tradition dates back to pre-Christian times, when eggs were colored as a symbol of fertility and spring.

8. Are western and eastern Ukraine split in terms of culture and language?

There are cultural differences between regions, but Ukraine is not “split.” Western Ukraine predominantly speaks Ukrainian, while eastern Ukraine historically had more Russian speakers due to Soviet influence.

However, since 2014 and especially after 2022, more people across Ukraine have switched to using Ukrainian as their primary language.

9. When was the Ukrainian language created?

The Ukrainian language has deep roots, dating back to the 11th-12th centuries. It evolved from Old Slavic, and its earliest written records come from the Kyivan Rus period.

A fun fact: Ukrainian is considered one of the most melodic languages in the world—in 1934, it was ranked second after Italian at a Paris linguistic competition.

10. Are there any traditional dances of Ukraine?

Yes! The most famous Ukrainian dance is Hopak, known for its acrobatic jumps, high kicks, and energetic movements. It originated with the Cossacks, who used it as a way to train for battle.

11. What is the capital of Ukraine and what is it known for?

Ukraine’s capital is Kyiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities, founded in the 5th century.

Kyiv is famous for its golden-domed churches, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), and the largest literary museum in Europe—the Taras Shevchenko Museum.

12. What are some of the most famous buildings in Ukraine?

• St. Sophia’s Cathedral (Kyiv) – One of the oldest cathedrals in Europe, built in the 11th century.
• Lviv Opera House – One of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.
• Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant – The site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster in 1986.
• Motherland Monument (Kyiv) – One of the tallest statues in Europe, symbolizing Ukraine’s strength.

13. What is the “Heavenly Hundred” (Nebesna Sotnya)?

The “Heavenly Hundred” refers to the protesters who were killed during the Euromaidan Revolution in Ukraine between November 2013 and February 2014. These individuals stood against government corruption and fought for Ukraine’s European future.

On February 18-20, 2014, government forces opened fire on demonstrators, killing over 100 people.

The victims of this tragedy are honored every year on February 20, which is recognized as the Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes. Their sacrifice played a crucial role in Ukraine’s modern struggle for democracy and independence.