Ukraine is a country with a long history of customs and traditions. Many of these traditions are still practiced in celebration today. Here are five of the most eccentric.
New Year (Twice)
In Ukraine, New Year is celebrated twice. The first time is on January 1 with the rest of us and the second time is January 13, the “Old New Year”. This is based on the Julian calendar which is 13 days behind European time.
Maslenitsa Week
In America, we have Shrove Tuesday aka “Pancake Day” but in Ukraine, locals enjoy pancakes every day during the last week of lent.
Ice Dunking
On January 19, Ukrainians submerge their bodies in ice-cold waters. The tradition commemorations the day of the Baptism of Jesus. It is believed the waters become holy and will cure swimmers from diseases.
Painting Eggs
To celebrate Easter, Ukrainians traditionally paint boiled eggs in a variety of colors. The colors are chosen based on their symbolic meaning. Yellow, for example, symbolizes warmth and harvest.
Paying the Ransom
Before a wedding, the groom must visit his bride’s parents and offer up a ransom for the bride. The bridesmaids protect the bride from being kidnapped by the groom before the ransom is paid.