National traditions, as well as customs, native language, common territory, unite people into a single nation. Traditions of Ukraine characterize the relationship of representatives of this people among themselves and with other nations, the attitude of people to nature and spiritual values.
General characteristics
Ukrainian nationality has an interesting and rich history. Due to the fact that the geographical location contributed to the fact that many tribes and peoples who wanted to seize Ukrainian lands passed through this territory, they had to defend their homeland. There were hours when the Ukrainian people were enslaved. All these events contributed to the formation of a very bright national trait among Ukrainians - love of freedom. All the folk art of Ukraine is permeated with a craving for freedom and longing for it in those days when it was enslaved.
The real creators of cultural traditions were Cossacks, peasants and artisans. The traditions of Ukraine were clearly manifested in art - dances, songs, etc. Folklore occupied an important place in Ukrainian culture for a long period of time. As well asfolk traditions, he gave it a special flavor and charm.
Musical traditions of Ukraine
As already noted, instrumental folklore was very important in the musical culture of Ukraine. Even in ancient times, the only instruments in the ensemble were: a tambourine, a violin and a sopilka. Subsequently, the range of tools expanded. Now folk instrumentation is distinguished by its diversity - there are stringed, wind, and percussion instruments. Most of the instruments were born on the territory of the state. The rest was borrowed from other nationalities.
Wind and percussion instruments were more popular in the Zaporozhian Sich. One of the symbols of the Cossack statehood was such an instrument as timpani.
In the cities they played banduras, violins, ps altery, etc. They sounded in songs and romances. Kobza, bandura or lira prevailed in the villages. They were most suitable for instrumental accompaniment of prayers sounding in the streets near churches.
Ukrainian ritual songs
On New Year's and Christmas holidays such Ukrainian ritual songs as carols and shchedrivkas are heard. These songs have been around for centuries. Their origin goes back to pre-Christian times. In those hours, people worshiped many gods. During the winter solstice, it was customary for our ancestors to celebrate the Kolyada holiday. With the adoption of the Christian faith, these traditions of Ukraine did not go away, they simply acquired new rites, mixing with Christian ones.beliefs. At Christmas, the so-called carolers went from house to house and praised Jesus Christ. With their songs, they wished well-being to the owners, to which they received various treats in return. Delicious gifts received from the owners were called carols. The tradition of caroling on the night before Christmas has been preserved in our time. This is especially noticeable in Western Ukraine. After the appearance of the first star in the sky, the Holy Supper begins. At this time, children gather in groups and go to congratulate everyone on the birth of Jesus Christ.
Shchedrivka is a ritual song that is sung on New Year's Eve. It contains a wish for a good harvest, prosperity for the family, as well as he alth for all its members. The main motives of generous songs, as well as carols, are mercy and Christian love for one's neighbor.
Wedding traditions of Ukraine
Weddings in Ukraine are usually celebrated on a grand scale.
Before picking up his bride from his father's house, the groom has to overcome a lot of obstacles, as well as pay a ransom for her to anyone who demands it. These may be the bride's neighbors, her friends, etc. The groom must fulfill all the requirements of the guests on the way to his beloved. There is a belief that the more obstacles the groom overcomes on the way to his bride before the wedding, the less hardship awaits the newlyweds in their life together.
After the marriage took place and the newlyweds leave the registry office - they are showered with millet, coins and sweets, thus expressingwish them a long, prosperous and happy marriage. During the wedding feast, toasts are heard, folk songs are performed, and a lot of fun contests are played.
Traditions associated with the baptism of a child
The birth of a child is the most important event in the life of every family. However, it is not customary to celebrate this event on a grand scale. Since the child is still too defenseless, only the closest and limited circle of people enter the house. But the baptism of a child is celebrated on a large scale. Many believe that it is impossible to show a child to strangers before his christening. But after the completion of this sacrament, you can already invite all your loved ones to celebrate the spiritual birth of a child. The national traditions of Ukraine suggest laying a generous table and celebrating in grand style this, as it is believed, the most important event in the life of every person.
Housewarming traditions
There are also several interesting traditions associated with housewarming in Ukraine. Before the young people move into a new house, it is customary to invite a priest to it. Consecrating the dwelling, the minister of the church sets icons in the corners of the house. After this ceremony, the dwelling is considered clean and bright. Receiving and giving only positive emotions in the house, young spouses fill their homes with an aura of light, love and kindness.
Some people, before settling in a new house, let a cat in first. It is believed that the cat will drive away all evil spirits from the home. This rite is more like superstition, but those who honor the traditions of the people of Ukraine do notneglect this action.
Conclusion
Ukraine, whose traditions and customs are passed down from generation to generation, is a multinational state. Each ethnic group of this country has its own characteristics. However, all of them are united by common features that have been formed based on the history of the development of this state. This is benevolence, love of freedom, distrust of the authorities, high spirituality and diligence. Due to the fact that for many centuries Ukraine did not have its own statehood, the cult of the family became the main value for its inhabitants. Ukrainians are introverts who put personal and family interests above all else.
Modern traditions in Ukraine differ little from those that existed several centuries ago. Of course, some customs and rituals remained only in memory, but a fairly large number of them exist to this day. In the modern world, it often happens that forgotten traditions get out of the bins of memory, and they gain a second wind, so to speak, become fashionable. Now we can observe this, for example, in the increased popularity of embroidered shirts - the national clothes of Ukrainians, or Cossack "settlers" - characteristic male hairstyles from the time of the Cossacks.
Despite the fact that Ukraine is now a modern state in the center of Europe, folk traditions are still sacred here.
